The word ‘retirement’ has several incorrect implications, but one of the most unfair is its association with the word ‘inactivity’. There are many out there who believe being retired means being inactive, but over the last few years, more retired people than ever are choosing to stay active.
In a recent study, it was found that 89% of people over the age of 75 opt for active retirement, choosing to spend their time embracing their hobbies, travelling, and even undergoing further education. So why is this the case and what exactly does active retirement mean?
Further education
One of the ways seniors are being active is by furthering their education – a process that has been made more accessible through online education platforms. Computer literacy rates are steadily increasing among the older generations, and this opens up many new avenues for post-retirement self-education. Whereas, once, the library or the encyclopedia were the ports of call for autodidacts, digital learning is bolstered by more engaging online activities – along with plenty of opportunities for qualifications and milestone achievements.
Embracing hobbies
Apart from education, many seniors are also choosing to embrace their hobbies, spending time exploring long-held passions or discovering new ones. Whether it’s painting, gardening, writing, or learning a musical instrument, these activities provide both mental stimulation and personal fulfilment, with some even joining local clubs or attending workshops that foster a sense of community. As well as this, more seniors are also taking up sports such as tennis or golf, which not only provide physical exercise but also encourage social interaction.
Travelling
Another exciting aspect of active retirement is the opportunity to travel. Many seniors are taking advantage of their newfound time by exploring the world, whether that’s through group tours, cruises, or solo adventures. Travelling offers more than just the chance to see new places, of course. It allows retirees to experience totally different cultures, meet new people, and learn about the world around them in a way they couldn’t before. Without being restricted by work pressures, it’s also possible to spend more time in a single location, which is why many adults are planning year-long trips later in life, rather than earlier.
New expression
One other way that seniors are spending their retirement is by expressing themselves in new and meaningful ways. This could involve pursuing creative projects like writing a memoir, starting a blog, or creating a YouTube channel. Social media, particularly, has been instrumental in allowing retirees to share their experiences and connect with like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and helping seniors to maintain a vibrant presence in an increasingly digital world.
Why choose active retirement?
As for why exactly more seniors are choosing active retirement, one of the key reasons is an emphasis on both physical and mental health. In 2024, more people than ever are aware of the dangers of being inactive, with mental health, particularly, being more widely publicised on social media.
With this in mind, many seniors are embracing active retirement as a way to maintain or improve their well-being, with hobbies, fitness, and completing a travel bucket list helping to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life.
Speaking of things being more widely publicised, there’s also been a significant cultural shift in how ageing is perceived. Rather than viewing retirement as the end of active life, many now see it as the beginning of a new chapter, full of opportunities for personal growth and discovery. This has urged more seniors to find a sense of purpose and fulfilment in their old age, keeping as connected as possible to the world around them while doing the things they’ve always wanted to do.
Image Credit: Mark Timberlake at unspalsh
