Who says retirement has to be boring.

A few days ago I met up with an old friend, Robert, who had been retired for just over a year or so. “So, what have you been up to?” I asked. “Nothing much,” he replied. “Retirement is so boring. I’m so glad you asked me out today!”

That got me thinking – what kind of retirement do I want? Singaporeans are living longer lives nowadays, and that means more years to spend in retirement. Do I really want to live my golden years doing nothing and falling asleep in front of the TV?

Compared to previous generations, retirement doesn’t signal the end of life, but an opportunity to do new things and find new meaning in life. After all, Colonel Sanders didn’t start his fried chicken business until the age of 62! Staying mentally and socially active in your senior years can also help delay the onset of conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

So why not change your mindset, and reinvent yourself to make the most out of your retirement? Here are some ideas to get you started:

Idea #1: Go back to school

If you’re missing your good old school days, retirement is the best time to get back to your studies! You can pursue that advanced degree you’ve always wanted. Or make good use of your SkillsFuture Credit to take up any courses that interest you – it could be anything from web design to baking and more!

Idea #2: Pursue your passions

Maybe there’s something you’ve always wanted to do or try, but life got in the way. Well, you have all the time in the world to start working on the things you’re passionate about. Try building a PC on your own, pick up the guitar or even start your own YouTube channel. The possibilities are literally endless.

Idea #3: Find a side hustle

Rather than making a sudden stop to working life, which can be unsettling and leave you feeling lost, why not ease into retirement with a side hustle? One of the best things about retirement is the freedom to decide if you want to work, and how you want to do it. Talk to your boss about transitioning into a part-time role at your current company, or take up consulting work on a freelance basis. 

You may even decide that you want to spend your days helping cats and dogs as a part-time vet’s assistant. It’s really up to you!

Idea #4: Make a difference

Retirement doesn’t always need to be about yourself. There are many vulnerable communities around us that need help, and you can use your time to give back through volunteering. From assisting migrant workers to helping rescue animals, there is no shortage of local charities and organisations that will greatly appreciate your contributions. You can even choose to volunteer overseas and extend your help across borders.

Idea #5: Pay it forward

You may have had a long and successful career over the years, and built up tons of experience in your field. What could be more satisfying than passing along what you’ve learnt to a new generation of young people? You could offer to mentor a young person, or give a talk at a school. It may only take up a few hours of your week, but it could change the life of someone who’s just starting out and could really use the advice.

Reinvent your retirement and make a life worth living

An active retirement is not just filling your day with things to keep yourself busy, but engaging in quality activities that make life worthwhile. Find something you’re passionate about that you can enjoy for a long time. Something that challenges you and gives you a feeling of accomplishment. Something that pushes you to step outside your comfort zone to help someone in need. Having a satisfying retirement is all about your attitude towards the opportunities that life gives you.