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Leisure Time
What Am I going to do with all my spare time? This question always ranks near the top on
the list of concerns of new or about to be retirees. Most are concerned because they have never
had to worry about too much spare time during their working careers. Sure a few hours here and
there, but never in vast chunks that stretch in front of us as far as we can see.
As strange as it may seem, stay at home spouses, having worked for thirty-five years or so
bearing the bulk of the work in raising a family and maintaining a smoothly functioning
household, have similar concerns. Except sometimes there is a twist; the lucky ones have had a
few years between the last of the kids finally moving out on their own and the coming of their
spouse’s retirement. So many have already learned how to enjoy their leisure time. Believe it or
not, their concerns are often about how to avoid having their routine disrupted by the sudden
presence of a bored spouse hanging around demanding their time.
If it is any consolation, when people who have been retired for a year or more are asked the
question, “What do you do with all of your spare time?” The most common answer by far is, “I’m
not sure, but it takes all the time I have to do it”.
Assuming a reasonably healthy lifestyle, most of us can expect to be around for at least twenty
years after we retire, so the concerns about what we are going to do to stay active and involved
in life are important. Here are some suggestions for you to consider, and some sources to help
you think about how to get the most out of your leisure time.
the list of concerns of new or about to be retirees. Most are concerned because they have never
had to worry about too much spare time during their working careers. Sure a few hours here and
there, but never in vast chunks that stretch in front of us as far as we can see.
As strange as it may seem, stay at home spouses, having worked for thirty-five years or so
bearing the bulk of the work in raising a family and maintaining a smoothly functioning
household, have similar concerns. Except sometimes there is a twist; the lucky ones have had a
few years between the last of the kids finally moving out on their own and the coming of their
spouse’s retirement. So many have already learned how to enjoy their leisure time. Believe it or
not, their concerns are often about how to avoid having their routine disrupted by the sudden
presence of a bored spouse hanging around demanding their time.
If it is any consolation, when people who have been retired for a year or more are asked the
question, “What do you do with all of your spare time?” The most common answer by far is, “I’m
not sure, but it takes all the time I have to do it”.
Assuming a reasonably healthy lifestyle, most of us can expect to be around for at least twenty
years after we retire, so the concerns about what we are going to do to stay active and involved
in life are important. Here are some suggestions for you to consider, and some sources to help
you think about how to get the most out of your leisure time.
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