Retirement can be a fulfilling and enriching stage of life, even more so when it’s approached with purpose and creativity. For those over 70 who are single, whether by choice, separation, or the loss of a life partner, keeping active, socially engaged, and mentally stimulated becomes even more crucial for emotional well-being and physical health.
Here are ten meaningful ways to keep busy and how adult children can be part of these activities, offering companionship and support.
- Join Local Clubs and Community Groups
Why it matters: Belonging to a group provides a sense of purpose and combats loneliness. Local community centres, libraries, or U3A (University of the Third Age) programs often offer book clubs, gardening groups, or language classes.
How adult children can help: Research nearby clubs, assist with transport if needed, or join them for an event or open day.
- Volunteer for a Cause
Why it matters: Volunteering allows retirees to feel useful and connected to their community. Whether it’s helping at a charity shop, mentoring younger people, or supporting animal shelters, there’s something for every interest.
How adult children can help: Suggest volunteer roles that align with their interests and introduce them to online platforms like GoVolunteer or Volunteering Australia.
- Explore Hobbies (Old and New)
Why it matters: Hobbies provide a creative outlet and keep the mind engaged. These might include painting, knitting, model-building, puzzles, or birdwatching.
How adult children can help: Gift hobby kits, sign them up for local workshops, or arrange “craft and coffee” days together.
- Get Physically Active
Why it matters: Gentle exercise like tai chi, aqua aerobics, walking groups, or yoga improves strength, balance, and mental health.
How adult children can help: Attend a class together, buy a pair of good walking shoes, or plan regular walks in scenic spots.
- Attend Cultural Events
Why it matters: Museums, concerts, and theatre performances stimulate the mind and can be wonderful social experiences.
How adult children can help: Gift tickets, attend events together, or organise monthly cultural outings as a shared tradition.
- Embrace Technology
Why it matters: Learning to use smartphones, tablets, or computers opens up access to video calls, eBooks, online courses, and virtual communities.
How adult children can help: Offer patient tech support, set up user-friendly apps, or create a tech-help calendar to slowly build confidence.
- Travel (Near or Far)
Why it matters: Travel, even local day trips, brings joy and novelty. Seniors’ travel groups often cater to the over-70s with appropriate itineraries.
How adult children can help: Plan intergenerational getaways or local scenic drives. Even a picnic in a new park can be an adventure.
- Start a Personal Project
Why it matters: Projects like writing memoirs, organising family photos, or planting a garden give a sense of achievement.
How adult children can help: Offer encouragement, help with publishing or printing, or assist in the digital organisation of photos
- Get Involved with Grandchildren or Neighbourhood Kids
Why it matters: Engaging with younger generations provides joy, energy, and a powerful sense of continuity.
How adult children can help: Arrange grandparent dates, encourage storytelling, or create simple home-based activities to enjoy together.
- Join Faith or Spiritual Communities
Why it matters: For many, faith provides strength and belonging. Attending services or joining a meditation or prayer group offers connection and comfort.
How adult children can help: Provide transport, join special services together, or help them access online services if mobility is a challenge.
Additional Tips for Adult Children to Stay Involved:
- Regular Check-ins: A weekly call or visit can make a big difference in how supported your parent feels.
- Create Traditions: Monthly brunches, game nights, or cooking sessions build shared memories and create things to look forward to.
- Celebrate Milestones: Make birthdays and anniversaries special, even if they are small, especially if a partner has passed.
- Encourage Friendships: Help connect them with old friends or neighbours and encourage new ones.
- Listen Actively: Sometimes just being present to hear their stories and worries without judgment can be the best support.
In Summary
Staying busy and engaged in retirement, especially for singles over 70, isn’t just about filling time—it’s about creating a life that still feels rich, connected, and meaningful. With a mix of social, mental, and physical activities, and a little encouragement from loved ones, these years can be some of the most fulfilling yet. For adult children, even small gestures of inclusion and support can have a powerful ripple effect on the happiness and health of their ageing parents.
If this article has inspired you to think about your unique situation and, more importantly, what you and your family are going through right now, please get in touch with your advice professional.
This information does not consider any person’s objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before making a decision, you should consider whether it is appropriate in light of your particular objectives, financial situation, or needs.
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Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider whether the information is appropriate to your circumstance before acting on it and, where appropriate, seek professional advice.