Retirement, the "Golden Years," can be a time of new beginnings, fresh learning opportunities, and worthwhile pastimes; OR it can be a time of inactivity, feelings of loss, and disinterest in the new world of leisure time that opens to all retirees. It is a time to make a lifestyle choice and the important decision to either live or die during this inevitable phase of life.

If one chooses life, there are hundreds of opportunities available to improve the world and its inhabitants! The skills and knowledge which were formerly used in one's career, are still vitally important in the world we live in. Volunteering in an organization which needs assistance is valuable to both the organization and the retiree. Charities always need people with organizational skills, salesmanship, financial knowledge, and most of all, commitment! Those interested in the welfare of children can become active as Court Appointed Special Advocates for abused/neglected children currently in state custody. Schools all over our country are hungry for people to come in as volunteers to work with children or with teachers in performing secretarial duties. Churches offer varied opportunities for those retirees interested in music, administrative or educational pursuits, even custodial and lawn care services.

The number of causes designed to improve the physical environment of our world are extensive as well. The Red Cross, global warming agencies, water preservation groups, "green" advocates, world health organizations, agencies that fight homelessness, hospitals, Habitat for Humanity, and more all need people with varied talents to contribute to their organizations.

Choosing "life," however does not have to mean only volunteering. As society changes and new technology becomes available, retired folks finally have the time to learn something very new and exciting! Let those who chose to become disinterested waste away in ignorance; but NOW is the time for the challenged retirees to stand up and embrace knowledge! Many universities offer programs in which those over 65 can audit courses of interest to them-"audit" means no grades and no stress, just the fun of learning! Computers, foreign languages, the arts, self-improvement seminars, sports,-these are but a few of the diverse offerings in colleges.

OK, so neither volunteering, or learning in a group seem to fit the bill. How about taking up a hobby completely on your own. Here again, the range is endless: knitting, photography, scrap-booking, woodwork, gardening, woodcarving, quilting, needlepoint, crochet,cross stitch, painting, sculpture, reading, writing, golf, fishing, hunting, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and many more are available to fill the leisure time of retirees with new or former. satisfying activities.

And, perhaps, the most important way of all to pass some of the now unscheduled hours of the day-physical fitness. Finally, you have the time to exercise, and it can be fun! Swimming, biking, hiking, jogging, or simply long, leisurely walks keep Seniors active, healthy, and youthful. Athletic contests and competitive sports abound for those over 50 also. With more time to devote to the sport of their choice, Seniors may become "champions!"

Retirement should not be considered the end of everything! It is the end of one's working life, but it is the beginning of a whole new chapter, the life of leisure!

Learn more about this author, Martha Heidebrecht.
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