What activities do you engage in now you're retired?

[deborah]

I've been thinking about what I actually do in retirement. It's very different to the retirement I envisaged, but the things I do give me a lot of enjoyment even if they are some of the simple, inexpensive things in life. I think others find the same thing. Obviously, since we are in a forum where bicycling is a thing, I suspect that many of us do that. However, most of the FIRE people I've met don't (and I don't either), so it would be interesting to see what proportion of us do various things in retirement, apart from the daily chores (unless the daily chores really make you happy).

There is no "other" category, and if you want me to add more options, I will. You can vote for as many of the options as you choose to do - these are the things that make your life happy and contented.

[Cannot Wait!]

I'm curious how many peeps play pickleball? It's accessible,  good exercise, social, almost everywhere, inexpensive,  and fun!
My typical day is walking the dog on the beach, pickleball, swim, yoga, cooking something yummy, reading, socializing.
I'm very happy and healthy.

[Ladychips]

Is quilting a sedentary hobby or one with motors and wheels?

And for the purposes of this quiz, I'm assuming yoga is considered exercise.

I wish decluttering was an option...well, I guess I just wish I WAS decluttering in retirement!

[NotJen]

With the exception of my regular volunteer gig (I counted that as a non-sedentary hobby), I’m doing exactly the activities I did for fun pre-retirement, just more.

I have not taken up pickleball.

[deborah]

I thought of motors and wheels was for sedentary hobbies that involved movement including motorcycle riding, going out in your car for a spin, zooming around in a skidoo…

I’d include quilting in sedentary hobbies.

Does decluttering make you happy/satisfied?

[Dicey]

I didn't see a box for volunteering, so I called it a nonsedentary hobby.

I volunteer at the library. I volunteer in the Arts. I volunteer at a thrift shop that benefits a local trauma center hospital. I serve on two boards that fund community grants to non-profits, and I co-chair a huge community-wide semi-annual event. Oh, and I'm the president of a regional arts group.

[PhilB]

I think you might need an 'other sports' category - unless you think climbing and swimming should go under exercising perhaps?  And does kayaking and canoeing count as a sedentary hobby :) ?

[deborah]

I think you might need an 'other sports' category - unless you think climbing and swimming should go under exercising perhaps?  And does kayaking and canoeing count as a sedentary hobby :) ?

These are all definitely non sedentary hobbies. Or exercising. Or activities with family/friends. The categories include your perception of why you’re doing things. Of course, if your sport is chess or tiddlywinks, it’s probably sedentary.



Similarly

I didn't see a box for volunteering, so I called it a nonsedentary hobby.

I volunteer at the library. I volunteer in the Arts. I volunteer at a thrift shop that benefits a local trauma center hospital. I serve on two boards that fund community grants to non-profits, and I co-chair a huge community-wide semi-annual event. Oh, and I'm the president of a regional arts group.

Volunteering can include sitting at a desk getting people to pay entrance fees (sedentary hobby), taking care of others, running around setting up an archery course (definitely non sedentary hobby, or maybe exercise), having fun with friends…

I did want to get a feeling for how much was sedentary and how much was involved in exercise of some sort.

[GilesMM]

I'm curious how many peeps play pickleball? It's accessible,  good exercise, social, almost everywhere, inexpensive,  and fun!
My typical day is walking the dog on the beach, pickleball, swim, yoga, cooking something yummy, reading, socializing.
I'm very happy and healthy.

I pickle a couple days per week indoor and outdoor when it's nice. 


Hope this helps!

[Idlewild]

It might be interesting to add categories for artist/creative pursuits, self-development and continuing education, and spiritual practice/community.

Some supposedly sedentary hobbies keep one's mind and psyche very active and are excellent for our mental health and brain health.

No pickleball but lots of long walks and caring for my sprightly aging pony who likes to keep mentally and physically active!

[2Birds1Stone]

Getting jacked AF and slow traveling/living in a few different countries each year while spending 3-4 months back in the USA split between friends/family and exploring new areas we haven't been (mainly west of the Mississippi).

But that's now, our retirement will hopefully *knock on wood* last another 40+ years and I'm sure interests and hobbies will change with the times as well.

[Metalcat]

I didn't select any because I found the categories confusing.

I retired five years ago, but I recently started a very part time business, so I guess I do that?

I don't know, I just live my life? I take on various projects that interest me. For the first few years I did a ton of DIY renos, got into real estate investing and did even more renos, and served on multiple executive volunteer boards.

I impulse bought a summer home on a remote island I never been to before, did even more renos there and then impulsively decided to live there half time and integrate into the insular community, which is a whole project in and of itself.

I also lost my ability to walk 4 years ago, so all of those renos were done on crutches, which makes them slooooow. Then had to get major surgery and then relearn how to walk, which was also sloooow, so that was a project. At the same time I adopted an extremely fucked up rescue dog and spent a few hours a day rehabbing her. And I also did a graduate degree around that time.

If I'm not doing grad school, I consume other forms of knowledge like a chain smoker consumes cigarettes. I'm never not learning things, either through books or courses.

I've done some epic hikes despite not really being able to even climb a single flight of stairs normally, but I have cool all terrain crutches with suspension, so that's super fun. The summer home is in one of the world's most epic hiking destinations. I'm slowly making my way through all the hikes that I *can* do, but some are too long. I can handle pretty technical trails, but I can't do more than 5km, so there are some stretches I'll just never have access to.

I used to be a chef, so cooking was a major feature until I recently lost my ability to eat. That sucks. I don't enjoy cooking anymore, obviously.

I spend A LOT of time with friends and family. I'm huge on having a rich, supportive community of loved ones, and if I don't have one where I am, I will build one. Making and deepening friendships take a lot of time and energy.

And of course, I've written an obscene amount of content on this forum.

[deborah]

It might be interesting to add categories for artist/creative pursuits, self-development and continuing education, and spiritual practice/community.

Some supposedly sedentary hobbies keep one's mind and psyche very active and are excellent for our mental health and brain health.

No pickleball but lots of long walks and caring for my sprightly aging pony who likes to keep mentally and physically active!

You’re definitely right!

I think people on the forum tend to be more often in mentally challenging careers than in physical ones. I was. And when I retired 15 years ago, I wasn’t at all fit. I am sure I’m more physically able, and a lot fitter than I was then, even though I’m 15 years older. That’s probably why I looked at this from an active vs inactive perspective, rather than a more rounded one including mental and spiritual fitness, and creativity like you’re suggesting.

I’m interested that from when I was quite young, I was always encouraged to pursue academic success and to take little interest in physical activity, yet today, I love going for a walk each day. It seemed to me that others here were getting more interested in physical activity too as they retired, and looking at the responses so far, I think there’s some truth in that.

[Idlewild]

Yes, it's so wonderful being about to prioritize daily exercise!

[Metalcat]

It might be interesting to add categories for artist/creative pursuits, self-development and continuing education, and spiritual practice/community.

Some supposedly sedentary hobbies keep one's mind and psyche very active and are excellent for our mental health and brain health.

No pickleball but lots of long walks and caring for my sprightly aging pony who likes to keep mentally and physically active!

You’re definitely right!

I think people on the forum tend to be more often in mentally challenging careers than in physical ones. I was. And when I retired 15 years ago, I wasn’t at all fit. I am sure I’m more physically able, and a lot fitter than I was then, even though I’m 15 years older. That’s probably why I looked at this from an active vs inactive perspective, rather than a more rounded one including mental and spiritual fitness, and creativity like you’re suggesting.

I’m interested that from when I was quite young, I was always encouraged to pursue academic success and to take little interest in physical activity, yet today, I love going for a walk each day. It seemed to me that others here were getting more interested in physical activity too as they retired, and looking at the responses so far, I think there’s some truth in that.

I think this is why the questions make little sense to me, my career was highly physically and intellectually demanding, so I don't really separate the two.

Plus I am always listening to educational materials while I do physically active things. I just don't see them as separate. But a lot of sedentary activities are wildly different from one another.

Luke taking a course or writing is completely different from doom scrolling or playing candy crush.

I more categorize my activities as those that actively encourage achieving personal goals: things that build strength, skills, knowledge, or cultivating a better living environment vs activities that passively encourage achieving those same goals, such as rest, recovery, and distraction.

If what I'm doing isn't moving me forward in terms of my goals, then something needs to be re-evaluated, either in terms of what I'm investing my time in or what my goals are or both.

[spartana]

I thought of motors and wheels was for sedentary hobbies that involved movement including motorcycle riding, going out in your car for a spin, zooming around in a skidoo…

I’d include quilting in sedentary hobbies.

Does decluttering make you happy/satisfied?

Not all motorcycling is sedentary - dirt bike riding and/or racing (a past hobby of mine) for example can be seriously strenuous. Even hard street bike riding or track riding on a sports bike (one of my current hobbies) is very strenuous. Although I rode through out my pre-FIRE life So not really new. So I did mark "wheeled hobbies" along with the things like bicycling, hiking, walking and mostly running, camping. I've still never found time to sit and read a book or do many other things but eventually. Also sports - team or solo - have been a huge part of my post FIRE life and actually the reason I quit my job in the first place because I couldn't squeeze it all in so something had to go....The job lol!

Although those can be considered non-sedentary hobbies like skiing, climbing, etc. I didn't see that box the first time.

[PhilB]

It might be interesting to add categories for artist/creative pursuits, self-development and continuing education, and spiritual practice/community.

Some supposedly sedentary hobbies keep one's mind and psyche very active and are excellent for our mental health and brain health.

No pickleball but lots of long walks and caring for my sprightly aging pony who likes to keep mentally and physically active!

You’re definitely right!

I think people on the forum tend to be more often in mentally challenging careers than in physical ones. I was. And when I retired 15 years ago, I wasn’t at all fit. I am sure I’m more physically able, and a lot fitter than I was then, even though I’m 15 years older. That’s probably why I looked at this from an active vs inactive perspective, rather than a more rounded one including mental and spiritual fitness, and creativity like you’re suggesting.

I’m interested that from when I was quite young, I was always encouraged to pursue academic success and to take little interest in physical activity, yet today, I love going for a walk each day. It seemed to me that others here were getting more interested in physical activity too as they retired, and looking at the responses so far, I think there’s some truth in that.

After retiring from a sedentary job I have gone from walking with a stick, because of knee problems I didn't have the time to fix through exercise, to walking with a stick because I sprained my ankle rock-climbing!  That temporary setback aside, I too am so much fitter and more physically able now.

[spartana]

It might be interesting to add categories for artist/creative pursuits, self-development and continuing education, and spiritual practice/community.

Some supposedly sedentary hobbies keep one's mind and psyche very active and are excellent for our mental health and brain health.

No pickleball but lots of long walks and caring for my sprightly aging pony who likes to keep mentally and physically active!

You’re definitely right!

I think people on the forum tend to be more often in mentally challenging careers than in physical ones. I was. And when I retired 15 years ago, I wasn’t at all fit. I am sure I’m more physically able, and a lot fitter than I was then, even though I’m 15 years older. That’s probably why I looked at this from an active vs inactive perspective, rather than a more rounded one including mental and spiritual fitness, and creativity like you’re suggesting.

I’m interested that from when I was quite young, I was always encouraged to pursue academic success and to take little interest in physical activity, yet today, I love going for a walk each day. It seemed to me that others here were getting more interested in physical activity too as they retired, and looking at the responses so far, I think there’s some truth in that.

After retiring from a sedentary job I have gone from walking with a stick, because of knee problems I didn't have the time to fix through exercise, to walking with a stick because I sprained my ankle rock-climbing!  That temporary setback aside, I too am so much fitter and more physically able now.

This is a big thing I've noticed amongst the FIREees that had sedentary jobs. Once they have the time many get very fit (as have so many forum members here) and a lot of the kinks and twinges of "getting older" just go away. Even those like me who have very physical jobs and were very fit pre-FIRE have seen a huge change for the better physically (and mentally) over our years in FIRE. I don't know if it will equate to a longer life, but it does to a better life for sure.

[Ladychips]

I'm really enjoying this thread Deborah. I like hearing about the specifics of what people are doing as well as the behind the scenes thinking. Thanks for starting it!

[deborah]

I thought of motors and wheels was for sedentary hobbies that involved movement including motorcycle riding, going out in your car for a spin, zooming around in a skidoo…

I’d include quilting in sedentary hobbies.

Does decluttering make you happy/satisfied?

Not all motorcycling is sedentary - dirt bike riding and/or racing (a past hobby of mine) for example can be seriously strenuous. Even hard street bike riding or track riding on a sports bike (one of my current hobbies) is very strenuous. Although I rode through out my pre-FIRE life So not really new.

That’s why I distinguished between three sorts of hobbies - sedentary, non sedentary and those with wheels and motors. I felt they were sort of mid range in physicality.

[Jade]

I didn't select any because I found the categories confusing.

I retired five years ago, but I recently started a very part time business, so I guess I do that?

I don't know, I just live my life? I take on various projects that interest me. For the first few years I did a ton of DIY renos, got into real estate investing and did even more renos, and served on multiple executive volunteer boards.

I impulse bought a summer home on a remote island I never been to before, did even more renos there and then impulsively decided to live there half time and integrate into the insular community, which is a whole project in and of itself.

I also lost my ability to walk 4 years ago, so all of those renos were done on crutches, which makes them slooooow. Then had to get major surgery and then relearn how to walk, which was also sloooow, so that was a project. At the same time I adopted an extremely fucked up rescue dog and spent a few hours a day rehabbing her. And I also did a graduate degree around that time.

If I'm not doing grad school, I consume other forms of knowledge like a chain smoker consumes cigarettes. I'm never not learning things, either through books or courses.

I've done some epic hikes despite not really being able to even climb a single flight of stairs normally, but I have cool all terrain crutches with suspension, so that's super fun. The summer home is in one of the world's most epic hiking destinations. I'm slowly making my way through all the hikes that I *can* do, but some are too long. I can handle pretty technical trails, but I can't do more than 5km, so there are some stretches I'll just never have access to.

I used to be a chef, so cooking was a major feature until I recently lost my ability to eat. That sucks. I don't enjoy cooking anymore, obviously.

I spend A LOT of time with friends and family. I'm huge on having a rich, supportive community of loved ones, and if I don't have one where I am, I will build one. Making and deepening friendships take a lot of time and energy.

And of course, I've written an obscene amount of content on this forum.

I'm a bit like you in consuming books and courses (probably similar kind of content) @Metalcat - if you have any you can recommend?

I always learn something from your posts. It's good to hear about the hikes you've managed to do. I have a loved one going through some issues with walking so it's interesting to hear how you've adapted.

I'm also learning to develop and deepen friendships (whilst honouring my introverted self). 🙈

In answer to the original question, crochet is a big one for me, as well as reading / films and walks / yoga (I have fibromyalgia so try to stay gently active). I'm semi retired and reducing my hours further this year. I've come across the idea of art journalling recently which I may try   (I'm quite a minimalist so want to try and find a way to do it without creating too much clutter, if anyone has any ideas or experience)?

[Metalcat]

I'm a bit like you in consuming books and courses (probably similar kind of content) @Metalcat - if you have any you can recommend?

I always learn something from your posts. It's good to hear about the hikes you've managed to do. I have a loved one going through some issues with walking so it's interesting to hear how you've adapted.

I'm also learning to develop and deepen friendships (whilst honouring my introverted self). 🙈

In answer to the original question, crochet is a big one for me, as well as reading / films and walks / yoga (I have fibromyalgia so try to stay gently active). I'm semi retired and reducing my hours further this year. I've come across the idea of art journalling recently which I may try   (I'm quite a minimalist so want to try and find a way to do it without creating too much clutter, if anyone has any ideas or experience)?

The books I read and courses I do are usually unrelated to my profession. I read a lot about history, geopolitics, economics, food science, etc. It's kind of all over the place what I'll find interesting. I should really put together a reading list.

I do CE courses for work, but on top of that I've done courses in the past few years on technical writing, using AI, Indigenous culture, and theology.

[Jade]

I'm a bit like you in consuming books and courses (probably similar kind of content) @Metalcat - if you have any you can recommend?

I always learn something from your posts. It's good to hear about the hikes you've managed to do. I have a loved one going through some issues with walking so it's interesting to hear how you've adapted.

I'm also learning to develop and deepen friendships (whilst honouring my introverted self). 🙈

In answer to the original question, crochet is a big one for me, as well as reading / films and walks / yoga (I have fibromyalgia so try to stay gently active). I'm semi retired and reducing my hours further this year. I've come across the idea of art journalling recently which I may try   (I'm quite a minimalist so want to try and find a way to do it without creating too much clutter, if anyone has any ideas or experience)?

The books I read and courses I do are usually unrelated to my profession. I read a lot about history, geopolitics, economics, food science, etc. It's kind of all over the place what I'll find interesting. I should really put together a reading list.

I do CE courses for work, but on top of that I've done courses in the past few years on technical writing, using AI, Indigenous culture, and theology.

I'd be interested in a list.

[Fresh Bread]

Volunteering isn't on the list but maybe I should tick helping others.

After retiring I started volunteering and then I got more and more involved with the org until I ended up sort of running it. So then just recently I started a second volunteering job so as to not be so available to the first one. To be clear, it's me spending all the time on it, I don't absolutely have to. I just kind of set myself a personal goal of how I think it should be performing. Anyway, end result is, I'm very busy. Role 1 is 50/50 active /sedentary but Role 2 is full on physical.