We spend decades serving others – whether it’s loved ones or a boss. If we’re lucky, we do so in ways that also serve our own needs – the need to love and be loved, or to be productive in serving causes we believe in. But along the way, we often lose track of who we are and the alternative paths we may once have considered following. For some, this means growing older can be filled with regrets for what might have been. For others, however, retirement years are an opportunity to reboot by exploring areas of interest we still have so much time to pursue. The following are just a few examples. We hope they will stimulate you to follow your later-life dreams:
The Creative
Perhaps you always dreamed of a career in the arts – as a visual artist, a sculptor, potter, photographer, dancer, writer, actor, or broadcaster. A quick Google search will highlight numerous examples of late bloomers in these fields, including the late Kiwi author, Barbara Anderson, who published her first collection of writing when she was in her sixties. So, if you want to reboot your dreams of becoming a creative, here are some thoughts on how to start:
• Book in for a local class or workshop (check out if there are any available for older beginners if you’re not feeling confident)
• Attend shows, performances, and exhibitions for inspiration
• Sign up for a lecture series
• Join an online interest group
• Splash out on materials that will help you get started (dance shoes, paints and paper, a writing journal)
• Join a like-minded meetup, such as a poetry writers’ collective that meets weekly, and reads their work aloud
• Write a short story or poem, or take a photo, for a local competition (use a pseudonym to enter if you feel more comfortable)
• Attend festivals where a professional you admire is presenting
• Volunteer at an AM radio station
• Join an amateur theatrical or improvisation group
• Sign up for a university paper
The ‘Sportif’
Becoming a sportsperson later in life is not only possible, but can also enhance your health and well-being (just be sure to check out the practicalities with your medical professional before you begin). Whether you want to simply challenge yourself, or take it up a notch and compete against others, all it requires is patience, discipline and self-compassion. Below are some ways to get started:
• Choose a sport that suits your capabilities (this is where a medical professional can advise)
• Join a fitness group that suits your abilities
• Prioritise cross training (tackling physical activities that may not be your favourite, but which will support your chosen sport)
• Be inspired by reading about well-known sportspeople who have continued their activities into later life
• Fit yourself out with gear that will help maintain your comfort and physical health (for example, a real pair of walking or running shoes rather than a budget pair of sneakers).
• Join a club offering a seniors section
• Enlist a buddy to train with you
• Consider a personal trainer until you feel more confident alone
• Find online training programmes to suit your abilities
• Choose gym sessions for older people
• Enter competitions at your own pace
• Show up to club meetings
• Offer to help out on club sports days
• Keep your expectations realistic.
The Academic
We didn’t all get to remain at school for as long as we would have liked to, or go into tertiary education, although we were suited to it. However, it doesn’t mean our interest in things academic have to go by the by forever. With retirement comes more free time, and the opportunity to pursue our interest in whatever academic fields we choose. Here’s how to make it happen:
• Join U3A – it’s groups extend around the country and provide opportunities to listen to engaging speakers on a variety of subjects.
• Look out for public lectures available at your local university (they are often free or inexpensive to attend).
• Watch YouTube videos and TED Talks featuring experts in your area of interest
• Enrol in a university summer school programme
• Check out online or part time university courses
• Become a citizen scientist
• Join a book club with a focus on your chosen area of interest
• Check out volunteer opportunities at botanical gardens or the Department of Conservation
• Read, read, read!
Instead of regretting what you could have done or been, reboot yourself to a place where your dreams still have time to take flight!
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