For the vast majority of people, retirement is a far-away, unknown and somewhat scary idea – having to live on the money you’ve saved (gulp) because you’re too old to work.

In fact, according to The India Times, research this year by LiveCareer in the U.S. found that “61 per cent of workers fear retirement more than death, and for a large segment of participants (64 per cent) the thought of retiring is scarier than the idea of getting a divorce.”

But, reports the Starts at 60 blog, there is a solution for those who “at the end of a long and fulfilling career… (are) feeling lost about their purpose in life.” That solution is finding a post-work hobby.

“One’s golden years can also present an opportunity to rediscover meaning and purpose and one way to do this is through hobbies,” the blog notes. “Many individuals have found new meaning and fulfillment in their lives by pursuing hobbies and interests that they may have neglected earlier in life due to work and family commitments.”

The blog says you can pursue “creative endeavours such as painting or writing, or outdoor pursuits such as hiking or gardening. Hobbies can bring a sense of joy and create new experiences, encourage a sense of community, and help maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

The chief benefits of having a hobby for those over 60, the blog continues, are that the hobby can “provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment in later life, offer an escape from daily routines and stress, stimulate creativity and personal growth, and provide a sense of accomplishment.”

“Hobbies can also bring joy, satisfaction and a sense of achievement to one’s life, as well as provide opportunities to socialise and connect with others who share similar interests. Furthermore, hobbies can also help keep the mind and body active, leading to a healthier and more fulfilling retirement,” the blog concludes.

There are other, more specific health benefits from staying active (via hobbies) in retirement, reports the U.S. National Institute on Aging.

An article on the organization’s site lists the following benefits for those with hobbies, who:

• “Are less likely to develop certain diseases. Participating in hobbies and other social activities may lower risk for developing some health problems, including dementia, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.”
• “Have a longer lifespan. Studies looking at people’s outlooks and how long they live show that happiness, life satisfaction, and a sense of purpose are all linked to living longer. Doing things that you enjoy may help cultivate those positive feelings.”
• “Are happier and less depressed. Studies suggest that older adults who participate in activities they find meaningful, such as volunteering in their communities or being physically active, say they feel happier and healthier.”
• “Are better prepared to cope. When people feel happier and healthier, they are more likely to be resilient, which is our ability to bounce back and recover from difficult situations. Positive emotions, optimism, physical and mental health, and a sense of purpose are all associated with resilience.”
• “May be able to improve their thinking abilities. Research suggests that participating in certain activities, such as those that are mentally stimulating or involve physical activity, may have a positive effect on memory — and the more variety the better. Other studies are providing new information about ways that creative activities, such as music or dance, can help older adults with memory problems or dementia.”

OK, time for a mid-post recap – hobbies not only help give you a renewed sense of purpose, but you may develop a new community of friends, be healthier, live longer, and think more clearly. Our line dance instructors frequently tell us seniors that dance not only helps our bodies through exercise, but it helps our minds as well – we are forever learning new steps and new dances.

If you are a happy nine-to-fiver grinding away at an important job somewhere, the idea of getting a hobby may seem a little silly. But, reports Forbes, it’s the workaholic who should be thinking about life after work the most.

“People with hobbies and activities before retirement can transition more easily than workaholics with few interests beyond their jobs. This bears consideration before retirement,” the magazine warns.

If you don’t plan to do something, ideally new or more often, after you’re done with your name tag, you may have an unhappy retirement, Forbes continues.

“Many retirees lead interesting lives, but a fair number are bored a significant amount of time. Some have few social connections. Yet still others enjoy life more than ever,” the article concludes.

You really have to think outside the box after life after work. If anyone had told us 15 years ago that we’d been teaching line dancing to seniors, going on a trip to Nashville with fellow line dancers, or taking a line dancing cruise, we’d have laughed. But we’ve had great new experiences and developed a new set of friends thanks to this one easy, fun hobby.

Certainly, the “what to do with all the time” side of retirement can be a challenge, and for many, so can the financial saving side of things. If you’re relying on your own efforts to fund your future retirement, a great partner is waiting in the wings to help you – the Saskatchewan Pension Plan. Designed for both individual savers or for use as a company pension plan, SPP collects contributions from its members, invests them in a low-cost, professionally managed pooled fund, and grows them into retirement income choices that include a lifetime monthly annuity or the more flexible Variable Benefit.

Check out SPP today!

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