Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Retirement Life

Navigating retirement raises many questions. Here are answers to some of the most common ones we hear.

What do I do when I get bored in retirement?

Boredom is often a sign that your life lacks structure and meaning. The first step is to resist the urge to simply fill time with passive activities like TV. Instead, be proactive. Refer back to the personal inventory. Revisit an old hobby. Sign up for a single class at a community college. Volunteer for one day at a local charity. The key is to take one small, active step. Action creates momentum. That one class might introduce you to a new friend, which leads to joining a hiking group, and suddenly your week has a new, enjoyable rhythm.

Is it better to move or stay put in retirement?

There is no single right answer; it depends entirely on your personal priorities. Staying put offers familiarity, established social networks, and is often less expensive. Moving offers a fresh start, a better climate, or a lower cost of living. The best approach is to avoid making a rash decision. If you’re considering a move, try a “test run.” Rent a home in your desired location for a few months, preferably during the off-season, to see what it’s really like. Experience the summer heat, the traffic, and the local community before you sell your family home.

How do I make new friends after I retire?

Making friends as an adult can be challenging, especially when you no longer have a workplace for daily interaction. The solution is to go where people with shared interests gather. This is why purpose and community are so linked. Join a club dedicated to one of your hobbies—a gardening club, a walking group, a photography society. Take a group class, whether it’s cooking, painting, or yoga. Volunteer. Your fellow volunteers are, by definition, people who care about the same causes you do. Be open, be curious, ask people about themselves, and be willing to be the one who suggests grabbing a coffee after the meeting. It takes effort, but building a new social circle is one of the most important investments you can make in your well-being.