Things to Do in Retirement

If you're a typical baby boomer, there's a good chance that you've been leading an active lifestyle since the 1970s. As such, when you're finally ready to ready, you would probably be adverse to moving to a pastel-colored condo in Florida and spending your days soaking up the sun. If you've been active for most of your life, there's no need to give up your passion for the outdoor lifestyle. Of course, all of these activities can be performed prior to retirement. However, being retired means that you have time to do more of them, without worrying about your work schedule.

Join Over the Hill Gang

Over the Hill Gang International sponsors trips to ski resorts, as well as golf, biking and hiking destinations. Members must be over age 50. In addition to the organized trips, Over the Hill Gang members receive substantial lift ticket discounts at ski resorts throughout the United States. Participating resorts change frequently, so be sure to check the website for updates.

Over the Hill Gang International
2121 North Weber Street
Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80907
(719) 389-0022
othgi.com

Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity

If you grew up singing "If I had a Hammer," why not hammer out love for your brothers and sisters by volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. This worthy organization sponsors domestic and international volunteer trips. Volunteers construct affordable but sturdy housing in poverty-stricken and disaster areas. The program is designed to combine building with free time. Costs will very according to location, but Habitat for Humanity will help you set up a fund-raising page to earn the money for your trip.

Habitat for Humanity International
121 Habitat Street
Americus, Georgia 31709
(800) 422-4828
habitat.org

Get a Dog

Now that you're retired, you don't have the 'I'm not home enough" excuse for not having a dog. A four-legged friend is the perfect antidote for an afternoon soap opera addiction. Dogs need to walk, so you'll also benefit from the exercise. If you can't have pets in your home, consider volunteering at an animal shelter.

Become a Mountain Ambassador

The mountain ambassadors, who provide a variety of services for guests, are the best kept secret in the ski industry. In most cases, volunteering 14 days per season gets you a free season pass.

Teach English in Spain

The Vaughantown program recruits native English speakers to teach English, in exchange for a private room and three meals a day in a luxury hotel in Spain. No language teaching skills are needed, and you do not need to know Spanish. In fact, they would rather you didn't. The participants have already taken an English-language intensive course. They just need conversational practice. You spend your day walking through mountain villages, playing games, partying and performing improvisational skits with the Spanish participants.

Vaughan Systems
Avda. General Perón 38, Edificio Master's I, 2ª Planta
28020 Madrid
0034 91 7485950
vaughantown.com

Article Written By Lisa Mercer

In 1999, Lisa Mercer’s fitness, travel and skiing expertise inspired a writing career. Her books include "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness" and "101 Women's Fitness Tips." Her articles have appeared in "Aspen Magazine," "HerSports," "32 Degrees," "Pregnancy Magazine" and "Wired." Mercer has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the City College of New York.

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