The sudden change from the routine of going to work to earn an income, to staying at home and still receiving an income, requires mental adjustment. Somehow the freedom feels strange and the sense that we should be doing something takes time to dissipate. As the recognition of leisure gradually sinks in, it is time to find useful things to do. 

If the retiree has always had a hobby, or a number of interests, now is the time to take them further and enjoy them. Someone who has collected stamps can now spend more time working with them.  This is a basis of activity which can lead to other interests as questions about the countries of the stamps arise.  Many individuals, however, feel that during their working life there was little time for themselves and possible interests were put aside.  While this might have been an excuse, many working adults really do have little time available for what could be seen as play.

Play is an interesting word.  We associate it with what children do.  Yet being able to be lost in something interesting is a wonderful way to spend time. To be absorbed in pleasure sounds sinful, even if it is only working with the intricacies of the train set. Anything labeled sinful is automatically attractive. What we do will be dictated by our state of health and whether we like to have physical or mental occupations. 

Retirement activities can range from the passive physically; like playing bridge, writing, embroidery and hand crafts, reading and researching areas of interest, to the physically active; like playing golf, making furniture, walking, singing in a choir, gardening, and swimming. 

We can become occupied by only one hobby or by a number.  There are suggestions that walking regularly, at our own pace, with or without a group of people, is beneficial for our bones, thus avoiding osteoporosis.  The pleasure of walking and talking to others is also good for our well being. Swimming is good exercise and for those who are physically limited being supported by the water reduces the stresses.  These occupations are inexpensive and require little in the way of outlay, beyond some good shoes and a swim suit.

There are many areas of interest which cover both physical and inactive. Learning to do watercolors outside, at different locations, requires walking there and sitting observing. Photography can be an indoor activity or an excuse to explore the countryside and historical sites. 

It is easy to become bored and it is vital for mental and physical health to be involved in some occupation which is pleasurable, especially if it involves the like minded.