What to Do in Retirement: 13 Activities That Will Create a Fun and Fulfilling Retirement

Do you know what you’ll do when you retire? This can be the most challenging part of the decision to retire. When you retire there’s a lot of free time for you to consider what you want to do with it.
One of the most important things when it comes to retirement planning is to understand that you are retiring into something, not out of something.
In today’s video, James Conole will share with you some of the best
activities and things to do in retirement that might help you have a
fulfilling retirement.
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Other videos we think you'll like:
Why I Started Root Financial Partners // • Why I Started the Read...
How Would You Feel If You Knew You Could Retire Today? // • Why I Started the Read...
What Makes Our Approach Different? // • Why I Started the Read...

[@rightwingprofessor1356]

I retired in January 2024, age 73. 57 years in the work place. The one thing that I have realized in the last 90 days is the FREEDOM retirement represents. I do not do anything I do not want to do. I do not go anywhere I don't want to go. I do not talk to people I do not want to talk to. I am FREE, for the first time in my life. You cannot imagine what it feels like, until you actually experience it.

[@everlastingarms3065]

Bingo! Welcome to the club, and congratulations. It is awesome.

[@anjf6565]

1. Consider moving to something new 2. Travel 3. Get a rewarding part time job 4. Give yourself time to adjust to a fixed income 5. Exercise more 6. Become a mentor 7. Take classes 8. Reading 9. Learning a second language 10. Volunteering 11. Spending time with grandchildren/family 12. Pick up sports 13. To blog/write a book

[@piyouzhang]

Thanks for the summary!

[@patiencepaintsil3050]

On point ❤

[@jacksmith3128]

Part time job ?? You have just retired!

[@993mike]

As a guy who’s been retired for a year now after owning a small business for a long time, I can agree with quite a few things mentioned here. One of the most important is to find a physical activity you enjoy, because without your health none of the other things matter. Both my wife and I were bike riders before retirement, but now we ride our bikes at least 3 times a week along with weight and strength training. I’m now in the best health I’ve been in problem 15 years, and that alone allows me to do most anything I want to do in retirement

[@RootFP]

Great feedback, thanks!

[@mstraction]

For someone so young...you have amazing insight for what to expect in retirement...I don't understand why you have only 10,000 subs...what the hell...all your videos are well thought out and explained VERY clearly...you are like a young Dave Ramsey without the sarcasm and attitude....I have been reading investment books for the last 30 years...and I still learn something new in almost every video of yours I watch...keep up the great work and thank you....I just wish more younger people would watch your videos....then in 30-40 years they will not be saying Wha Happened to all my money...Help...I'm never going to be able to retire...

[@RootFP]

Thank you so much for that feedback! Hoping to grow the subs to reach more and more people!

[@patiencepaintsil3050]

So true ❤❤❤

[@everlastingarms3065]

Agree with everything ms traction wrote. Couldn't have said it better.

[@nikkininedoor1480]

What a great segment. I am two years from retirement, and I appreciate the comprehensive, thoughtful information you provided.

[@Nonduality]

It's all sensible advice. What annoys me is when people -- not you, because you are still in your working years -- spend 40 hours a week making income-generating videos on how they can retire like the guy making the video. Well, that guy ain't retired. He may have retired from a job or career he didn't like, but now he has another job: Making KZbin videos. It's good to be honest with oneself about what retirement means. If it means retiring from all income-generating work, then don't go around making money and saying you're retired. If retirement means retiring from a career-focused life to a more relaxed income-generating work life, then say so. The confusion about what retirement means is probably good to clear-up at some point in the retirement adventure. For me, retirement means working part-time at a job I like and managing investments. These are income-generating activities. Am I retired or not? To me, it's as retired as I want to be. To someone else, it might mean something totally different.

[@Hippy2021]

Another drug addict telling ppl what you don't know and don't do

[@PositiveMommaLife]

You’re right! The travel aspect. The US has so many awesome places to see and do. I realized that when I went to Italy for two weeks, that I barely know the US. I decided I would go see all the national parks and all the famous baseball parks if I can.

[@RootFP]

Exactly! Lots of great places to see in our own backyard.

[@4403323]

Great advices! Some people told me not to retire because it will be boring. But I am determined to retire when I am ready. I want to do things when I retire so it will not be boring. I have been thinking about what I will do when I retire. This video helps me to believe that retirement doesn’t need to be boring. I plan to do some of the things on this list. Thank you.

[@RootFP]

You can do it!

[@froid7014]

more people should hear you, great talk

[@1brokenbychrist]

Great video! That’s you for this!

[@gnomealone350]

Here’s another one…adjust your attitude about what productivity and accomplishment looks like. If whatever you spend your days doing brings you enjoyment, then you’ve accomplished something. It took me a few years to figure this out.

[@RootFP]

Thank you for that feedback

[@fit4ya1975]

That is 100% true.

[@fit4ya1975]

Damn man that hits really hard. Til now I was struggling with the whats my purpose now thing. Thank you

[@anacaona1982]

Great job & video; Thank you for sharing these insights & knowledge. Very helpful.

[@jpturner171]

Excellent job James! It’s kind of crazy but as I prepare for retiring next year I’m starting to get into investing A small bit of our retirement money. I find it very interesting to research companies and learn all the “lingo” used in investing, particular since I was a retired military and an engineer. I also plan to spend about 20 hours a week helping my fellow veterans at the VA. Semper Fi!🇺🇸👍🏽

[@RootFP]

Thank you!

[@01surge24]

Great video. It’s been almost 2 years since I left my job. A couple of things. Im amazed I worked full time and was able to get everything done. Days weeks fly by now. I believe because your not watching a clock anymore. You take more time in doing things not rushing through them. I’m enjoying activities more. Each day is filled with all kinds of activities and the time to enjoy them. Most costing nothing. Thank you for trying to open people’s minds for retirement. Enjoy.

[@RootFP]

Glad to hear that!

[@Erginartesia]

100% agree. Also, I now do all my get out of the house stuff on weekdays and in-house stuff on weekends .. i admit I live in a heavy commuter area, but that is just fine, since I get to use all the weekender toys when weekenders are not around.

[@chrismckell3831]

What do you enjoy doing for free?

[@everlastingarms3065]

Going on Long nature walks and exploring so much to see in my area. And sometimes I listen to videos like these while doing so. ;-)

[@Lifescapers]

Thoughtful and helpful video. Thanks.

[@RootFP]

Thanks for watching and I'm glad you liked it!

[@hectorcastillo9074]

Excellent video. I really enjoyed it. Thank you very much.

[@tnl7881]

Great info. Thx. Would be great if you can do a session on retirement overseas and any specific tax / financial planning issues to watch out for

[@lhetrick1]

I've watched a couple of your videos--they're really good. Keep it up.

[@RootFP]

I appreciate that!

[@Woodland26]

I knew an engineer who wrote a book in his late 80s and took about 100k royalty from it. It wasn't a memoir, but pure technical book in engineering. In his 90s he was still very sharp mentally.

[@lesliereynolds4492]

I agree with a previous commentator, you are one of the best, easiest to understand about retiring. Thank you for all your hard work. I’ve learned a lot from you. I subscribed from the first time I watched you.

[@RootFP]

Thank you Leslie! I’m happy to hear that.

[@user-pp5do8rm3w]

I did my research ahead of time. Found out 14 hour + flights to Australia, Singapore, etc can be exhausting so I plan to do this type of travel in my go-go years. Volunteered earlier this year to judge local high school Constitution teams. Enjoyed it so much, I will be a volunteer law coach for a rural team. And last but not least, I am an aviation enthusiast so I will take online aviation courses at Embry Riddle. My tip is do your groundwork while you’re still working so you find out whether your retirement plans actually interest you and are feasible. Love your channel James ❤

[@realhazel1807]

thank you

[@timsmith5133]

In my experience, many people wait for someone to tell them what to do next. I'm still years from retirement but I'm already thinking about what I will start doing now that I will amp up when I retire.

[@Erginartesia]

Hi James. Here’s an idea. This probably works for almost everyone who retires. My own daughter has asked this of me and I think it satisfies many things you suggested. I call it write a love letter to my family. Let me explain how we (my daughter and I) defined this: - this is not really “a” love letter. It is a series of stories (epicodes?) written to different family, and information that could well be only you know about. - don’t worry about how well written it is .. in a love letter, imperfection is charming. - use MANY of the wonderful tools we have today. If I am worried about how to use today’s tools and technologies .. well there ya go. Learn. - some tools I plan to include: - recordings, along with things like animated slide decks or video walkthroughs, that tell a personal family story about places and people important to us… good or bad. - stories … for me that actually will include writing and/or drawing about pleople, events, personalities and even what the times were like… - stories to each child about THEM, about their own mom and dad.. perhaps generational (e.g., the ‘dads’) - add favorite music, and/or other media goodies that are sentimental. - become the family bard - become the family historian, including doing research that even I might not have known about. - make this an ongoing, lifetime love letter. There are people who teach how to do this sort of thing. It’s also a great way to meet new, like-minded people. There ya go … a blog. And it can be something to retire ‘to’.

[@MrCox2121]

Excellent video.

[@marilynflorescustodiomalac1987]

I just make busy by taking of ornamental plants.Now i must search some productive videos to share. Thanks for motivational and informative video.

[@RootFP]

You’re welcome!

[@paulwilkinson5656]

retire and chill. that's what I'll be doing x

[@ttu888didfitrhondavigil8]

New here. 5-7 years out from retirement.

[@marymadelynevangelista9799]

I will retire in 984 days +/- at 70. I have been giving it increased focus attention. Grandma Moses is inspirational. I am picking up my German and my flutes from high school and college. Additionally, I am learning videography and editing. I want to be ready for the next great adventure in my life. An active retirement is not an oxymoron; its a way of life!

[@chinchorrero]

Great video!

[@RootFP]

Thanks!

[@PositiveMommaLife]

I knew this elderly nurse that worker in a clinic. She told me she was going to sit in a barco lounger and said she was going to sit in it and pet her dog for three months. She came back to work in 3 months. She wasn’t ready. I don’t think she had enough to do.

[@travelseatsyellowlab]

She probably knew she wanted to retire but lacked a plan for how to spend her time. Not being able to figure it out, she returned to work.

[@dmcarden]

Retired this past April and as you stated, I had a vague sense of what to do. Been feeling a lot of regret lately so this list really hits home. Gonna pursue these.

[@RootFP]

It’s a difficult transition. I hope you enjoy some of these activities.

[@dmcarden]

@@RootFP ty!! Definitely gonna at least try them

[@alertbox]

Great audio quality. What's your mic? Oh, and excellent content.

[@RootFP]

Thank you! It’s the ATR2100.

[@fanofmany71]

If you live below or near the poverty line, it's tough but I suggest people do NOT wait until "retirement" (there needs to be a better word) to actually do the things they want to do. For the majority of people, they generally retire in their later years - just seems odd to wait until later years to do the things you want now such as travelling, fun side hustle, etc. I get that people may want to travel for a longer period of time but it doesn't stop you from travelling to those destinations during time off or vacation time. We need to have a video on top things to do NOW that people wait until retirement to do... and NOT wait until retirement :)

[@RootFP]

That's a great point! We shouldn't wait until retirement to do many of these things. A lot of them we should start doing now.

[@travelseatsyellowlab]

A prime motivation for me going into the air force has been to travel. It's what I've always wanted to do, and I have done plenty. Anything else is just icing on the cake. I've been to Aruba, Curacao, Grand Turks and Caicos, Dominican Republic, Italy, Miami, San Diego, San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas, New Orleans, Phoenix, Las Vegas, New York City, Kansas City, St. Louis, Memphis, Tijuana, London, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels, Warsaw, Athens, Sofia, Cologne. Additionally, I've gone parasailing, deep sea fishing, seen the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon, been on a cruise, ridden an amphibious bus, ridden in an aircraft on a refueling mission, visited Leeds Castle and Warwick Castle, camped in Cornwall. My dad thinks I should have kids, but I have been too busy living life to truly make time for it. I plan to attend law school once my time is up in service.

[@patiencepaintsil3050]

You will love heeding to your Dad's advice too when it materializes ❤

[@madusonkeeper]

Moving, Art, swimming,dance, camping, hiking, travel, volunteer if needed, have time for myself (take taichi) and housework, train pet etc.

[@RootFP]

Love it!

[@joseperez1085]

Good information, I am about a year till retirement.

[@scottdimarco]

have you retired yet? If so how has it been so far?

[@froid7014]

salamat galeng

[@Hippy2021]

I retired because of the vaccine mandate and thanks for that. Luckily I live now on my pension and SSI that cover me enough a decent living. I think it's about time and I didn't realize to make my own decision. Now I feel great to be able to take care of myself and enjoy what was missing, freedom to do whatever I want and whenever I like. Free of stress and eating healthier as I have more time cooking healthy meals. Enjoying 2 hours daily walks and hiking and the plus is that I am now able to practice IF fasting 20/4 daily. Feeling better than when I was in the 40s and I am very happy as my day goes by fast and no time to get bored. You are very right, it's not only living longer, but also living healthy, most important. Thank you for the video that provides so important information that apply to everyone, not only for retirees, and that many people ignore. You brought an important message. Thank you ❣️

[@RootFP]

Great!

[@spinnetti]

We are about 5 years out and will probably have you run our numbers, but even now, my wife does very little. No hobbies, self-development, learning, nothing and no desire to - worried things will devolve quickly. I'm more worried about getting impoverished when its too late to recover than I am about retiring.

[@broddr]

Here’s a link to the Acts resources page that James discussed, including the _What to Do in Retirement_ article: www.actsretirement.org/retirement-resources/resources-advice/

[@romanhollow2985]

Do whatever i want, all day long

[@thishandleisntavailable.]

easier said than done.

[@zem1956]

exactly!!!!!!!

[@johnnyboyvan]

Learn a language or two and this might motivate you to retire. I am leaving in 2 years at 58! A great motivator to travel .

[@RootFP]

Great suggestion!

[@donnymac575]

Take up a musical instrument or if you already play an instrument, spend more time playing it.

[@keelanp53]

agree but you can't do that 8 hours a day.

[@patiencepaintsil3050]

​@@keelanp53 yeah but it's fun 🇬🇭🇬🇭

[@everlastingarms3065]

I can lol.

[@meanoldman6378]

James, you have some great ideas here, but you neglected to mention the obvious: more time for fantasy football. Some of us are chasing destiny. Cheers.

[@garyfalkenstein1514]

Lol

[@sauropod5393]

I've been asked countless times "What do you do now that you're retired?" My answer: I was fortunate to have earned a chemistry degree in my younger years and now in my retirement, I put my chemistry to good use and I now enjoy turning beer, wine, Scotch, and margaritas into urine.

[@angelosliotscos8405]

I regret not spending more time at the office.

[@MrCox2121]

Tried pickleball first month of retirement and promptly ruptured my Achilles. This resulted in the first 5 months inmobile.

[@barbarahall5514]

I need 4 life times to fulfill my dreams and my check list & bucket list; shame on anyone who disrespects the gift 🎁 of life….

[@rosssmith8481]

I am going to start drinking for my hobby when I retire.🍺

[@EdA-bz3bu]

I tell people when you retire is the time when you need to figure out your “true calling in life”. Most people still don’t understand that statement. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@nathanielcarreon5634]

Why so much emphasis on having a sense of purpose in life. Just enjoy life/retirement with or without sense of purpose.

[@travelseatsyellowlab]

A lot of our existence revolves around who we are, what we do as people. Society's perceptions of us are formulated around that, for men particularly.

[@netairsphinx3264]

If people retire without a sense of purpose they will die, commit suicide , BECAUSE human beings, people forgot that they were somebody at the time of birth doing nothing, and now realize they are nobody but a title

[@miamibro305]

Best comment. I was starting to get concerned that I will retire and I don't have a purpose. Very relieved to know: hey, that's OK 😁

[@Andy-hg8dv]

I misunderstood and got a porpoise. Now I can’t use my bathtub.

[@hilarygibson3150]

​@@Andy-hg8dvnow get back to work so you can make enough money to build a pool . Now you have purpose and porpoise😊

[@Beadgcfb]

It's also miserable working with partners (small professional practice) who hang on long after they should have retired, because their entire life is work. They don't hate it, they love it. Too much. So we instituted a mandatory retirement age. They still grumble that we kicked them out. But really, there's a time to go. It's sad not to realize that.

[@everlastingarms3065]

Sorry for your and their loss. What a sad perspective.

[@BarnabyBarry]

Just retired at 62-moving to Thailand to date my pretty 42 years old Thai gf!

[@everlastingarms3065]

The ads on this video are all Barrack Obama pleading for money. What's awesome to see is that he is still the teleprompter-reading king.

[@dstuart2918]

You should be a model.

[@davidsiemer7578]

Good points but sadly the government has caused such high inflation that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to retire with a fixed income, unless you’re able to escape to another country

[@AIingDionisia]

_I RETIRED IN THE MILITARY WHEN I WAS 25. LIFE IS JUST TOO GOOD SINCE THEN. IM NOW IN MY 80S AND STILL ENJOYING LIFE. I DONT DO ANYTHING THAT THIS DUDE IS SAYING_

[@daveloy2775]

An

[@camperschoice8802]

Nice video, but there are a ton of videos just like this using the same examples.

[@soldierhobby2038]

Rather than be appreciative of the free and well presented information, you focus your attention and take the time to write something negative about it.

[@heliclass2970]

Learn to drive a carriage with 2 horses

[@stoneygreek]

I have always been a hard worker. Physically hard work. Illness has forced my retirement. I'm lost. Not too smart. skilled but not smart.

[@tmothyjansson7369]

Sorry to hear, I’m a 60 year old electrician and my body is pretty beat up, still have 2 more years tell retire. I’m planning on building a older car for my granddaughter something to get me up and moving, I noticed on weekends if I don’t move my body hurts more

[@stoneygreek]

@@tmothyjansson7369 I bought an 07 Fj cruiser. That thing is a blast. I have an old fishing boat but have to have someone with me. I do have a grandson on the way any time now. Im hoping he will keep me busy. The trades are great but most are full of chemicals and other stuff that screws up your body and mine

[@tmothyjansson7369]

@@stoneygreek I have a grandson on the way (2 weeks) only have 1 granddaughter and it hard to keep up with but enjoy every second

[@jimmycarter9099]

If you skiiled then you are smart give you self more credit

[@fredjonke5534]

Get a part time job! Lol

[@RootFP]

That works too! :)

[@mariommendozajr.6174]

I have heard the advices hundred times. Nothing new.

[@soldierhobby2038]

Rather than be appreciative of the free and well presented information, you focus your attention and take the time to write something negative about it.

[@andrew2001]

I am 56 . retired..2 years ago

[@1957rayboconfederatecitizen]

What if you’re forced into retirement due to a disability at 65 years old? Money is not the issue, the issue is purpose and loneliness