How do you intend to spend your time when you retire?

I had my 70th birthday this year. I guess I can't say I've retired because I haven't "worked" since being married. I have been involved in children's and youth ministry for 48 years and when my five sons left home for university I became more heavily involved. For the last six years I have spent many hours each day in this work, in a secretarial capacity and also in writing camp programs and lessons and other ministry helps. I have been involved in about 60 camps and still arrange and lead in several each year. One of the strong points of one children's ministry is that it gives older people a real opportunity for service. Grandmotherly/grandfatherly types are most welcomed by children and this ministry uses them in a capacity where all that is needed is sitting on a chair and listening to children recite verses of Scripture. I find this a most rewarding and enjoyable time. Most Churches have clubs for "Yesteryear's Youth" or whatever they choose to call their "oldies" group. These often include music and handcrafts and are a great time of fellowship. I strongly believe that our "senior" years are the most productive. We are free from many of the hassles of younger people, have more patience and are able to give so much more in quality time. I don't think anyone could accuse me of "wasting my remaining years". I thoroughly love them! I believe this is the BEST age! I sincerely hope you find filfillment.

I would like to travel a lot with my husband to all the places I have always wanted to go growing up. After working so much and all the years in school, by the time I retire I think in between travelling I would just like to relax. Just doing whatever makes me happy. And not having to worry about work or school or homework, projects, assignments, deadlines.. you know any type of stress.

Though I am quite young to think about retire now,at the same time I believe that nobody actually retires ,cause, duty and responsibility continues as long somebody lives in this world,however I would like to spend my spare time listing music which I can understand,playing piano,meditation and ofcourse internet that I cant live without.

You could take some courses. Both my parents studied with the Open University while in the 60's, my father got a degree at 63, my mother had to give up half way through because of health problems. (she still enjoyed the courses though).I believe that someone over 90 graduated a few years ago. I don't know what is available in Ireland, but in U.K. some courses have a reduced fee (or free) to retired people. There are lots of different topics and types of courses available, from those which give degrees (or other qualifications) to those which can be just for fun. You could also join a club, there should be lots available, from dancing, walking, amatuer dramatics, astronomy, creative writing ... need I go on, there are lots of potential about, all looking just for you.

I would probably spend most of my time painting pictures and learning more on the "how to's of painting"...Hobbies of any sort are always welcome to take up my time...'couse that wouldn't superceed burping my grand babies! :)

I would love to travel....but money may be an issue. Btw, I've been to Ireland and LOVED it! We traveled mostly in the Southwest...

If i ever get to retire,i would LOVE to spend all my time and money living and exploring the beach and everything that have to do with it,alone with my love one and also cooking a lot!

I often dream of how I would spend my time in retirement. Having said that, I have three young children and don't see that happeningfor a lot of years yet (unless I win lottery) I would love to just walk on a beach, read a book or travel around Australia without someone always saying "mummy, where is my hat or book?"

I actually am retired and have been for 7 yrs now....but my kids are still young and at home and my husband still works so until a later time I just hang out and do mum stuff...I do however love to do things for myself like paint/draw/write I love to read etc...I'd like to take up a new hobby/learn something new but i have no clue what yet still trying to figure that one out LOL Once the kids are off in college and my husband can cut back on his hours etc I'd love to travel and spend time with him etc...

For ur age meditation is good.. do meditation in evening times or else in morning times..its really good for ur health.. And play with ur grandchildrens its also good for ur mind and also for ur health.. take care of ur health mam.. and be happy always....:)

I retired 2 years ago, but I'm going to be going back to work soon. For most of the last year I've been helping with my mom, but she's moved to a more full time nursing situation (but a really great place.) I have craft projects that I do, beading, needlepoint, cross stitch, crochet. Oh, and the computer. I also have plenty of cats to pet! Make something for those kids and grandkids by knitting or crocheting. Learn how to make jewelry and take care of xmas for years to come!

How to spend my retirement...lets see..the hundreds of books I have bought but not had a chance to read...take off on a whim to whereever I want and stay...however long I want..heck trade the house in for an RV and just travel arouund the country..would that not be so neat...

I would like to do the thing that I was unable to take up during my work life, at this point of time, I had not decided yet, probably travelling or volunteering..

in the next few years, my sister and i plan to start a foundation to help provide opportunities for deserving kids to have formal education. so many intelligent kids dream to enter a good university, finish studies and be able to find a good paying job. it is just sad that many children are forced into labor at an early age just to earn enough for food for their family. poverty is rampant in my country. coming from a financially poor family myself, i value the fact that i was able to go to the university through a scholarship program and was able to join international companies after. i teach and i train. and the company i'm working for is serving poor communities worldwide through poverty alleviation, justice and health. perhaps when i retire, which is quite several years yet, i'd focus my attention on my family and my extended family--- the foundation. as you yourself is fond of music and is still eager to learn a new instrument... why not share your gift of music to others? maybe, there are kids (or perhaps older ones too) who would like to learn the piano, and in time, probably the violin too. you can make this as an income generating activity or as a community service also. your choice. there's so much joy in music that it would be definitely nice to share it with other music lovers too.

I work harder now then when I was employed , I look after my disabled son my hubby has had a triple bypass and my parents both have alzheimer's so I think I run about more than I ever did , This is my " me tome" on the PC , mind you I wouldn't ever want to be without them , xx

I love to travel, but I guess you do not want to do that. But, I have to say, it is not hard for you to do. Many people in your situation still travel and see the sites. You should enjoy yourself and see the rest of the world. I hope that I will be able to travel when I retire. Also, I would find as many hobbies as I could...something outside of the regular things that you like to do...I also love to read a lot. hope you are not bored much anymore.

i would like to travel but sometimes i get scared that i wont have enough money or ill have bad health. i have also toyed wih the idea of retiring in spain . i lover the sun and the easy way of life. i would sell my house , buy a little business and work away.i would worry that it might upset the children but i,ll wait til i get older before i worry too much about it.

You may find it fruitful if you'd spend some of your time visiting some orphanage or homes for the aged or homes for unwed mothers. Your wisdom is needed in these areas. Just give it a try. The idea may not appeal to you at first, but once you have tried taking the visits, you may find it rewarding.

I would really like to do some traveling. I also love to upholster furniture and wish I had more time for it. But chances are I might be sitting here on mylot typing away.HA! HA!

As a retired person and in my sixties my suggestion is the following. 1. Make a list of all the things you always wanted to do but, either have not had the time to do or the financial means to do so. 2. Narrow your list down to things that you can do right now and things that will take some time and planning to do. 3. Set goals to achive these activities. 4. Find ways to achive these goals. Maybe you would like to travel but need a little more money to do this. So investigate a few ways to make a little extra money that you can save to achive this goal. For instance I do mystry shopping to supplement my income and be able to do the things that I want. One might bake for others, set with children etc. What is important is that no matter how old one is that they still set goals in life and work towards these goals to prevent bordem and have a fuller life.