Many of us picture retirement as the stage of life where we finally get to live on our own terms – and for good reason. It can be a very rewarding and fulfilling time.
If you’ve recently stepped back from full‑time work or finished the busy years of raising a family, you might find yourself pausing to reflect. Questions like, “What do I want to do now? What have I been putting off?” or, “What truly brings me joy?” often come to the surface as you begin this new phase.
Time is always well spent enjoying life with old friends and new.
One of the questions people often ask as they approach retirement is, “How will I spend my time?”
Without the routine of work or the hustle-bustle of family life, having so much free time can feel unfamiliar at first. But this new chapter is your chance to focus on what you enjoy. After years of working, caring for others, or juggling both, you’ve well and truly earned it.
Staying active – physically, mentally, and socially – can boost your wellbeing, reduce the risk of chronic illness, and help you feel more energised day to day. Whether it’s dusting off the hiking boots, setting up a home art corner, joining a community group, or learning something completely new, there are countless ways to stay engaged.
There’s no one‑size‑fits‑all approach:
Across Australia, retirees have an incredible variety of opportunities to make the most of this stage of life. From community centres and volunteering roles to coastal walks, cycling paths, local arts, festivals, and cultural events, there’s something for everyone.
Ready to find your perfect spot? Explore our guide to the best places to retire in Australia and start planning your next adventure.
They’ve still got the moves!
Take the quiz to discover activities that match your personality and interests. If more than one option feels like you, go ahead and choose as many as you want.
1. How do you like to spend your free time?
2. What excites you most about retirement?
3. What’s your ideal way to stay active?
4. What is something you’ve always wanted to do?
5. How do you prefer to spend time with friends?
You thrive on excitement, variety, and the thrill of trying something new. Retirement is your chance to chase big experiences – whether that’s booking a long‑awaited trip, setting off on an RV adventure, or finally ticking off that bucket‑list activity. If you’d rather explore with company, consider joining a travel group or forming one with other adventure lovers.
You’re energised by knowledge and curiosity, making retirement the perfect opportunity to dive into new subjects or skills. Online courses, workshops, fitness classes, swimming lessons, or language study could all light you up. Maybe you'd enjoy attending U3A sessions or even enrolling at university to pursue a qualification or interest.
Helping others brings you joy, and your life experience is a real asset. There are countless volunteer roles where you can make a meaningful contribution. You might explore business mentoring, volunteering with local charities, supporting animal organisations, or getting involved in environmental and conservation projects.
You gravitate toward calming, hands‑on activities – especially those that nurture your creative side. You might enjoy becoming part of a community garden, joining a yoga class with a friend, or gathering a group for a regular paint‑and‑sip session. These activities help you unwind while expressing your artistic flair.
Good friends, open roads, and all at our own pace.Looking to try something different? Here are some retirement activities you may not have considered before:
Ryman retirement villages are designed to help you live a full, active, and independent life – with plenty of opportunities to stay connected, engaged, and inspired.
Why not come and see for yourself? Visit your nearest Ryman village or call 1800 288 299 to learn more.