What to Do in Retirement to Avoid Boredom

Instead of worrying about not having anything to do in retirement and being bored, change your mind set. Think of retirement as the time to do all the things you didn’t have time to do when you had to go to work every day. Make a list of those things then tackle the list. Use our list of meaningful things to do in retirement to spur your own retirement to-do goals.

51 Affordable Things to Do in Retirement

Thinking about retiring soon? After years of working, one concern you may have is what to do in retirement. While you may be tired of the daily commute or the pressure of your full-time job, you worry that you’ll be bored in retirement.

Or, perhaps you are already retired and bored. What can you do to put meaning and fun back in your life?

Meaningful and Fun Things to Do in Retirement

Fortunately, retirement doesn’t mean you’ll have nothing to do. Instead of leaving you with time on your hands, retirement will give you the time and freedom to do more of what you love to do.

Staying busy and fulfilled doesn’t have to cost a lot, either.  Here are 51 things to do in retirement that are free or low-cost. Among them are activities that you can use to stay physically and mentally active as well as maintain or meet new social connections.

Learn Something New in Retirement

Learning something new — especially something that is different or a bit challenging — is one of the best things you can do in retirement. Activities that force you to think and learn help keep your brain healthy. Better yet, they’re fun to do. Here are some suggestions.

1 – Attend free library classes to learn or improve computer skills

Do your eyes glaze over when a child or grandchild tries to teach you how to do something on your phone or computer? Most libraries offer beginner-friendly classes on computer basics, internet use, and smartphones. Taking those classes is a great, low-pressure way to build confidence with technology.

2 – Take college courses for older adults

Check nearby universities and colleges to see if they have life-long learning or similar programs that let seniors audit college courses or take other types of courses for free or at a reduced cost. Besides the college-level courses, some schools offer adult learning programs on current affairs, photography, writing, or painting, and other interests. Besides giving you something to do, learning something new is good for cognitive function.

3 – Learn a new language in retirement

Have you always wished you could understand and speak another language? Or maybe you just want to understand what Bad Bunny is singing about? Retirement gives you the time to do that. Learn for free using Duo Lingo or Memrise. Both offer a free level of training, as well as paid versions.

Find Purpose in Retirement

In addition to worrying about being bored in retirement, many people worry about staying relevant to others – or as Kathy Bates, star of the TV show Matlock, puts it  ‑ “Being invisible.” Fortunately, there are many ways you can be seen, be respected and be relevant in retirement. Here are a several:

4 – Get a part-time job

A part-time job will help you stay engaged, active, and needed by other people. Plus, it will put some extra cash in your pocket. Look for part-time or gig work that makes use of the skills you’ve developed over the years.

5 – Volunteer at a food pantry, animal shelter, or hospital

What better way to add purpose to your days and combat senior loneliness than to help people or animals in need! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with others doing meaningful work. To find volunteer opportunities, search online for terms such as “volunteer needed near me,” or “volunteer opportunities in [town or county name].”

6 – Volunteer at your church, synagogue, or other religious group

Faith communities often need help running events, supporting members, or organizing services. Look in your organization’s weekly bulletin, or on their website, or call the main office and ask if any groups are looking for volunteers.

7 – Mentor younger people or other seniors

A rewarding way to stay busy in retirement is to be a mentor. Share your knowledge with students, young professionals, or other retirees. Depending on your interests and knowledge, you might want to volunteer to help children improve their reading or language skills, help startup businesses learn the ropes, or help other retirees acquire computer skills.

Creative Things to Do in Retirement

8 – Start a blog

Writing a blog is creative way to keep yourself busy and inform or entertain other people.  Start a blog on a subject you’re passionate about. Provide insights and tips and share research information with others who are interested in the same subject. Writing the blog will give you something to do. You can start a blog for free on some webhosting services such as Wix.com. 

9 – Write the book you always wanted to write

If you’ve dreamed of writing a novel, memoir, or how-to guide, now’s the time. Start small and write regularly—you’ll build momentum quickly.

10 -Try adult coloring books or watercolors

Coloring and painting can be incredibly relaxing and enjoyable. It’s a simple way to unwind and tap into your creative side. If you don’t want to buy an adult coloring book, use a free online AI service to generate one.  For instance, here’s a scaled-down version of a full-page image Gemini produced when I prompted it to “create an adult coloring book page showing two happy retirees walking through a park“

11 – Join a crafting group at a local rec center

Crafting with others makes the experience even more fun. Find a group that quilts, knits, or does DIY projects near you. Look for notices of groups in the local newspaper and on bulletin boards in local craft stores.

12 – Start a nature or gratitude journal

Use a notebook to jot down what you see in nature—or what you’re thankful for. It’s a small daily practice that adds meaning and mindfulness. Turn your notes into a motivational calendar using Canva, Freepik or other sources of free templates and graphics. (Note: check licensing agreements on the sites if you want to sell or give away your calendar to other people.)

13 – Learn to play a musical instrument

Playing an instrument is fun, relaxing, and a great way to express yourself. Learning and playing an instrument has cognitive benefits, too. To get started, look for an inexpensive guitar, keyboard, or other instrument, then look for an inexpensive self-instruction book to learn to play the instrument. (My favorite for learning to play the guitar was the Hal Leonard method books.) Or look for free lessons online. Alternately, look into renting an instrument at a music store.

14 -Make handmade cards for friends and family

A personalized card shows you care. Plus, it’s a fun, creative project you can do at your own pace.

15 – Take free or low-cost art classes at a senior center

Senior centers often offer budget-friendly classes in painting, ceramics, or drawing. They’re welcoming, fun, and open to all skill levels.

16-Make a scrapbook of your life story or travels

Gather photos and mementos to create a scrapbook that tells your story. It’s a great way to preserve memories and reflect on the journey. Or, take a collection of family photos and turn them into wall hangings, albums, mugs, mousepads or other items. You can do that easily online photo printing sites such as Shutterfly.

17 – Learn photography using your phone or a camera

If you have a cell phone or a separate camera, you probably use it to take family and vacation photos. But there’s so much more beauty you can capture if you learn to pay attention to (and photograph) the world around you. Learn to look up close, up high, down low. Start capturing everyday moments—you’ll start seeing the world differently. Save your photos to the cloud and display some on your social media pages.

18 – Take up wood crafting

Got a garage or basement full of tools for cutting and working with wood? Take up wood crafting. Start with small projects and work your way up to bigger ones. Learn the craft with free online couses through the Free Online Woodworking School, Class Central and various YouTube channels.

19 – Sew or knit something for charity

Turn your handiwork into kindness by making blankets, scarves, mittens, or hats for those in need.

20 – Try DIY home decor or upcycling old items

Freshen up your home and your outlook with some DIY projects. Give old furniture or other items new life with paint, fabric, or imagination. Repaint a room, or sand and repaint an old piece of furniture. Make holiday decorations out of fallen Paint them white and sprinkle them with glitter as the paint is drying. decorations. Turn that rusty old outdoor plant holder back into a colorful garden accessory with an inexpensive can of spray paint. Do the same with yard decorations or statues. Need inspiration? Find ideas on Pinterest or in craft and women’s magazines.

 Stay Active in Retirement

21 – Join a gym

Your Medicare insurance plan may cover the cost. Look up your plan’s benefits to find out. If they do pay for gym membership, note which gyms you can join for free under your plan. Use the gym equipment to exercise on your own, or join in an exercise class for seniors, if the gym offers any.  If this will be your first time joining a gym and you don’t know how to use the equipment, ask if they have someone to show you what to do.  

22 – Go on a nature walk or urban hike

Perk up your day and your spirit by going for a walk. Go for a hike next to a pond or stream, or through a local park. Admire nature, old city architecture, or just people watch as you walk. Walking keeps you fit and gives you time to clear your mind.

23 – Join a community walking group

Walking with others adds motivation and conversation to your day. It’s a great way to stay active and socialize, too. If you have a walk scheduled with a group, you have a reason for going out and other people waiting for you to join them. So you won’t put it off “for another day.”

24 – Try gentle yoga or stretching routines

YouTube is full of free yoga and stretching videos made just for older adults. Just 10 minutes a day can boost flexibility and balance, which are important for fall prevention. Or look for local free yoga and exercise classes for seniors.

25 – Go dancing at a local senior center or community event

Dancing is great cardio and even better fun. Look for free or low-cost dances in your area. You’ll enjoy the music, exercise, and chance to make some new friends.

26 – Take part in mall walking (indoor and safe!)

Mall walking offers a safe, flat, weather-proof way to stay active. Bonus: you might meet other walkers along the way.

27 – Play a sport

Take up pickleball, join a senior’s softball or baseball team, go bowling, or play golf with friends. Participating in sports is good exercise and also a good way to stay socially involved with other people. Choose a sport you like and you can participate in without injuring yourself.

28 – Visit a botanical garden on free admission days

Wander among beautiful plants and flowers and stroll through the grounds. The walk is a good way to exercise, and the visual appeal of the gardens will help relieve stress. Depending on which botanical garden you visit, the facility may have special exhibits at various times of the year. Many gardens offer free or discounted entry for seniors.

29 – Try chair exercises or water aerobics

These gentle but effective workouts are perfect for joint health and overall fitness. Chair exercises can help improve flexibility and strength. They are good for people with mobility challenges or difficulty standing or walking. If you are able to get in and out of a swimming pool, water exercises provide another low-impact means for working out. They can help people with arthritis and other conditions build strength and stability. An added benefit: group lessons also give you a chance to socialize with others.

30 – Go biking on a scenic trail

Riding a bicycle is a low-impact, enjoyable way to explore the outdoors and stay in shape. To avoid injury, look for smooth or paved “trails” in county or state parks or in other public places. Steer clear of trails where you might encounter wildlife or poisonous snakes.

31 – Take a free or low-cost Tai Chi class

Tai chi is calm, slow, and great for balance and stretching. Look for free or low-cost community classes or guided videos online. Taking in-person community classes or joining an exercise group gives you a scheduled way to get out of the house on a regular basis.

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Stay Social

Social isolation and loneliness can have a serious negative impact on your mental and physical health and quality of life. That’s why it’s so important to stay involved with other people. Many of the activities mentioned above will help you stay social. Here are some additional ideas, too.

32 – Host a potluck dinner or afternoon tea

Invite neighbors or friends to share a meal. Everyone brings something, and no one has to do it all.

33 – Join a local club or group (hobby, garden, games, etc.)

There’s likely a club nearby for whatever you enjoy—chess, books, gardening, puzzles, or even storytelling. Find them by looking for notices in your local newspaper or searching online for the type of club you’re interested in followed by the words “near me” (Example: garden club near me.) Or go to Facebook, and search for the type of club your interested in and add your town or county name.

34 – Have regular game afternoons or evenings with friends

Cards, board games, or trivia nights are perfect for staying mentally sharp and socially connected. Bridge, poker, chess and scrabble are just a few of the games to consider.

35 – Visit a friend you haven’t seen in years

Rekindle a connection. It could be a phone call, video chat, letter, or even a spontaneous visit. Call for their birthday (if you remember when it is), or just to chat. Ask how they’re doing. Catch up on news about mutual friends and relive some fun times you’ve had together.

36 – Have virtual coffee chats with long-distance friends

Schedule regular video calls to catch up with friends or family in other states or countries.

37 – Attend local town events or free concerts in the park

Check your town calendar for free events. Concerts, outdoor movies, and community fairs are often open to all. Look at local theaters and other venues for great entertainment at lower cost than you’d pay in a big city. (Plus you save on travel and possibly hotel costs.)

38 – Organize a neighborhood book or puzzle swap

Trade books or puzzles with neighbors. It’s a fun excuse to connect and share without spending money.

39 – Join a spiritual discussion or community service group

Faith-based groups provide community and conversation—along with a sense of purpose. Look on the organization’s website for information about ongoing discussions and community service groups. Or call the religious organization’s main office and ask for information about groups you could join.

Engage and Exercise Your Mind

Activities that make you think are important to improve brain health, slow cognitive decline and relieve stress. They are also enjoyable things to do when you’re feeling a bit bored or lonely.

40 – Do crossword puzzles

Look in your local newspaper and in magazine you read for free crossword puzzles.You can also find free crossword puzzles online.  If your newspaper has daily crossword puzzles, you may find that the difficulty varies from day to day. For instance in the newspaper I read, puzzles are easiest Monday through Wednesday. They increase in difficult for the rest of the week.

41 – Play word games

Playing scrabble or other word games with friends is always fun. But if no one’s around to play with, there are a multitude of online word games you can play on your own. Among them, Wordle, Connections and Quordle. AARP also offers a variety of word and trivia games on its website.You can also find an assortment of word and trivia games on the   (both free from the New that engage and challenge your mind are free crossword and other puzzles in your daily newspaper, online word games such as Wordle and Connections, puzzle books, and jigsaw puzzles.

42 – Play solitaire or other games on your phone or computer

Look at your cell phone or computer and see what free game apps came with it. You may find free versions of solitaire and other games that can challenge your mind (or help pass the time while your waiting for your appointment in the doctor’s office.)

Find Enjoyment in Simple Things to Do

43 – Plant a vegetable or flower garden

Gardening is relaxing and rewarding. You’ll enjoy fresh flowers or food—and the satisfaction of watching something grow.

44 – Watch the sunrise or sunset with your favorite beverage

Start or end your day slowly, with a peaceful view and a cup of something warm.

45 – Declutter a room and donate or sell items

How much “stuff” that you’re not using do you have taking up space in closets, on shelves, in your basement, or elsewhere? Clear it out little by little. If you think your adult children might want some of it, have them take it back to their homes now. Get rid of the rest. Donate it, sell it, or just throw it away, if necessary. Tackle one room at a time. Getting rid of things you no longer use frees up space and can simplify cleaning. (Less to move or dust when you clean.) A small project can feel like a big relief. You’ll have more space,

46 – Go birdwatching or people-watching

You don’t need a plan—just a view, and a little time to observe what’s going on around you.

47 – Bake bread or try new baking projects

The smell of baking bread is worth the effort alone. Try new recipes or share what you bake with neighbors.

48 – Watch classic movies from your youth

Revisit the films that shaped your generation. It’s a nostalgic and joyful way to spend a rainy afternoon.

49 – Create a retirement bucket list

Write down everything you want to try, see, or learn. One senior joined a motorcycle group that helps children at risk. Another combined her love of travel and painting on trips to Europe. Put them in priority order, then start making plans for doing the top items on your bucket list. Retirement is the perfect time to tackle and start checking things off your list

50 – Have a picnic in the backyard or at the park

A simple outdoor meal can feel like a getaway. Grab a blanket, pack a snack, and soak up the fresh air.

51 – Make a list of “100 things I’m grateful for”

Stop and count your blessings. It’s a simple way to shift your mindset and appreciate what’s going well in your life.

Final Thoughts

Retirement is a beginning, not an end. With so many accessible, affordable options out there, you can keep your days full, your mind engaged, and your heart connected—without ever breaking the bank.

Image source: all images on this page were AI generated