Take Up a Hobby

• It's never too late to take up a hobby, especially when you have more time. Whether it's knitting and crocheting, painting or drawing, ceramics or woodworking, there are many possibilities. Arts and crafts or scrapbooking also give you a chance to be creative in a hands-on way. Another great choice is gardening, which has the advantage of giving you good exercise in the process. And speaking of exercise, many different classes, such as spinning and aerobics, are available at the nearby gym. Whether you want to improve your golf game or tennis skills or take up something new like tai chi or yoga, taking up a new hobby or spending more time on one you already have is an excellent way to enjoy your retirement.
  
  

Take a Course or Teach One

• Now that you are not so busy, you'll have more time to think about important issues, like spirituality and health. Join a church or synagogue study group for a weekly Bible study class. Or go back to college and learn something you always wanted to learn but never had the time. There are also many online learning opportunities. You don't even have to leave your home to embark on a new adventure. And one of the best advantages about learning is that it keeps the brain sharp. If you have expertise in some area, share your knowledge and enthusiasm with others by giving a class on your passion at a community center, a local college or in a friend's living room.
  
  

Volunteer Work

• Volunteer opportunities are plentiful. Your wisdom and experience can give so much to so many. Whether you donate your time in a hospital by working in the gift shop, visiting patients or becoming a medical clown to cheer up sick children, your time will be well spent. You can also mentor a high school student or a young professional in your field. Other possibilities include volunteering in a soup kitchen or serving as a guide at a local museum. Keeping active and helping others will keep you youthful, energetic and positive.
  
  

Write Your Memoirs or a Novel

• Now is a good time to embark on a journey back to your roots. You can immerse yourself in the study of genealogy to trace the generations of your family and make a family tree. With the Internet, there are many avenues open to help you in your search. You can also tell your family's story by writing your memoirs for your children and grandchildren to read. Or if you are more adventurous, write that novel you always wanted to write.
  
  

Travel or Take a Cruise

• A cruise can be like a second honeymoon for a retired couple.Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  Take a trip to some exotic place you always wanted to see. Or sign up for a leisurely cruise. You are no longer pressed for time and have earned the right to enjoy yourself. Researching everything you can about your destination is easy with the Internet. You can plan everything down to the last detail, or you can decide to throw caution to the winds and let fate take you where it will. Go on your own or join a group. There are group tours specifically designed for seniors where the pace is slower. Other tours focus on museums, opera, music, the gourmet experience or discovering your heritage.
  
  

Transition into Retirement by Joining a Support Group

• Moving from an active working life to retirement can be tough. If you feel disoriented and depressed, prepare for the transition to retirement by joining a support group with others going through the same situation. There are also excellent courses to teach you how to cope with retirement. They focus on dealing with changes in health, finances, leisure time and personal relationships.
  
  

Spend Time with Grandchildren

• One of the most wonderful aspects of being retired is being able to spend more quality time with your family and especially with your grandchildren. Now is the time to develop a close relationship with them. Even if they do not live close to you, you can still write to them, speak with them on the phone and even use Skype to be in regular contact.The relationship between a grandparent and a grandchild is a very precious one and needs to be cultivated with as much love and care as one plants and nurtures a garden.