Photo Credit: Simon Rowe
After retirement, you are likely to find yourself with a lot of free time on your hands.
Why not try something different?!
Below we have compiled a list of activities ideal that may tickle your fancy after retirement.
Build on your education
Retirement is an ideal time to further your education, since you no longer have to worry about squeezing in study between work and family. You may regret never going to university or completing that honours degree that you swore you would get to one day – but it’s never too late! Many mature age students attend university or TAFE after retirement to keep their minds active (and to show the youngsters a thing or two). Provided you reach certain residency criteria, you will likely be eligible for the government’s Austudy program, which allows higher education students to defer tuition payments. Studying after retirement will keep you feeling fulfilled.
Take a course or workshop
Full time study at university or TAFE comes with a heavy workload that you may not wish to take on after retirement. In this case, there are many other workshops and courses out there that are less stressful and just as rewarding! You could take a photography class to make sure you get some good pictures on your upcoming trip around Australia. You could learn how to decorate a cake before your daughter’s birthday. You could even take a four wheel driving course to get the most out of your new land cruiser. The easiest way to find the right program for you is to do a quick Google search of nearby courses related to your interests – or ask around!
See live entertainment
Keep up with any concerts, musicals or performances that are taking place in your area – you may be surprised by which artists frequent Australia! As well as providing a good time, performances are also great places to meet like-minded people. If nothing else, you have an immediate conversation starter. Ticketek and Ticketmaster are the main information hubs for shows and events in Australia – visit their websites to keep on top of who is touring.
If you worry about the cost of live entertainment, many areas also put on free events and discounted performances for retirees. Get in touch with entertainment venues in your local area to find out more.
Join a choir
If you would rather be part of the show instead of a spectator, joining a choir might be the way to go! Many choirs do not require you to take an audition to join – they are all about the joy that singing together brings. Joining a choir will also offer you the opportunity to give back to the community after retirement through performances, so why not give it a shot?
To find a choir in your local area, visit the Australian National Choir Association’s website.
Explore the world around you
Many retirees decide to travel in order to see more of the world. This exploration may take the form of an overseas trip or an Australian outback adventure. However, exploration doesn’t always have to take place elsewhere. Walking a bush track close to your house or wandering through your local art gallery can be just as enlightening as a trip to France. It’s all about broadening your horizons!
