Retirement is a strange thing, in that you can’t really imagine what it is like until it happens – and when it does, you find it hard to believe you spent so long working.

But for many of us, leaving work and our colleagues behind might limit our social connections. What to do when work is in the rearview mirror? A great book, 101 Fun Things To Do in Retirement, has the answers.

Author Stella Rheingold begins by defining retirement as “entering a new, self-determined phase of life, leaving the employer or oversight of others to exercise greater choice and freedom in the use of one’s time.” In her view, that freedom is akin to “a lottery win.”

The book’s chapters then look in detail at various retirement pursuits, ranging from arts and crafts, the outdoors, sports, charitable work, and many more.  Some interesting hobbies in the “Head to Your Shed” chapter include blacksmithing and glassblowing, which “could be your passport to making some truly stunning artistic creations.” In “The Great Outdoors” chapter, she suggests picnicking – “if you are on a budget, but still want million-dollar views with your lunch, there is no better way than packing a picnic lunch.”

Under “Social,” a suggestion is to start or join a film club, ideal for “genre nuts” or those who love “films of a particular era.” Often such events can be hosted at a fun venue, such as a local pub, she writes.

The “Musical” category suggests learning to play an instrument, joining a choir, and later, checking out an “open mike” night. The “Educational” chapter talks of going back to school to further your education, or sitting in on university lectures, or joining a debating club.

Ideas for you to think about in the “Sporty” pages include lawn bowling, 10-pin or duckpin bowling, croquet and archery.

What’s great about this book is that Rheingold not only describes the various activities that are out there, but she gives you suggestions on how to reach out and join up. Trying out new things can be a bit daunting, but the warm, witty and wisdom-packed writing here makes it seem like getting going on all these great things will be worth the effort. As well, the activities are mainly, for the most part, quite affordable and thus, doable on most budgets.

Among her concluding thoughts is this gem – “life is short and may not have any meaning beyond the meaning we give it. The one thing we can do to truly honour life is to live it to the fullest for as many days as we are able.”

This is a great addition to any library.

Whatever you decide to do with your freedom after work, having a little income security will never be a bad thing. Consider opening a Saskatchewan Pension Plan account. Your contributions will be professionally invested over time, and at retirement, you’ll be able to choose from a wide variety of options that turn those savings into a lifetime income.

Written by Martin Biefer
	Martin Biefer is Senior Pension Writer at Avery & Kerr Communications in Nepean, Ontario. A veteran reporter, editor and pension communicator, he’s now a freelancer. Interests include golf, line dancing and classic rock. He and his wife live with their Shelties, Duncan and Phoebe, and cat, Toobins. You can follow him on Twitter – his handle is @AveryKerr22