Retired? Start Living 'Out Of The Box'

It's so easy to fall into a rut when you retire.....doing the same things day after day. 

You will enjoy the years ahead much more if you plan ahead......what are your aspirations?.....set goals to achieve them....fulfil your dreams.....travel to faraway places.....

Here are some ideas to light the fire......

• Write a blog Choose a subject you are passionate about and write posts about it. I wrote a post some weeks ago about creating a WordPress site. Click here. You could record your own life story or that of your family.
• Become an artist My wife and I joined a group of budding watercolour artists led by an experienced teacher. We enjoyed the friendship of other members of the group as well as learning a new skill.
• Public Speaking Maybe you have a cause to promote but you are anxious about standing up in public to deliver your message. You could join Toastmasters International who will give you support and camaraderie.
• Defy the odds Elderly people are doing extraordinary things.....skydiving, abseiling, bungee jumping, marathon running and so the list goes on. Just because it has never been done before, by a person of your age, doesn't mean that you can't do it. Have a go you might well surprise yourself. Take a look at this short video of Olga Kotelko, who at 93 years old, has broken numerous records in her age group.
• Share your talents The experience you have gained over the years will be of use to either a local group or an individual. Share your knowledge for the good of the community. Our good friend Tom was the Managing Director of a large car manufacturing business. Now in his seventies he mentors high school students in business management, drawing upon his own real life experiences.
• Become an advocate There are so many wrongs in this world that need righting......gun and knife crime, care of the elderly, the exorbitant price of unusual drugs........ Add your voice to the call for change....every little bit helps.
• Create a MeetUp Group Many elderly people suffer from loneliness. Arranging meetings to enjoy playing cards, going on trips, listening to interesting speakers can help lonely people enormously. There is even a website which arranges meet ups. Click here.
• Music and Memory program Research has shown that sufferers of dementia are stimulated by listening to music and memories from their early years. You could create a playlist which they can play on an ipod. There is even an organisation looking for volunteers to create playlists. Click here for more details