The Ultimate List of 200 Activities to Fight Boredom in Retirement – Part Two

Retirement is often seen as the golden years, a time when you can finally relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. But for many retirees, the transition from a structured work routine to a slower pace of life can lead to boredom and a lack of purpose. Here is the Ultimate List of 200 activities to Fight Boredom in Retirement to help you get past that feeling of boredom.

In fact, according to a study by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, 75% of retirees cite staying mentally and physically active as a top priority. That’s why we’ve created The Ultimate List of 200 Activities to Fight Boredom in Retirement. From physical activities to creative pursuits, social outings to intellectual stimulation, and volunteer opportunities to self-development, we’ve got you covered. So keep reading to find out how you can make the most of your retirement and never have a dull day.

Ways to fill your day has been updated from 125 ways to 200 ways. I hope these 200 ideas help you in your quest for what to do each day. Or maybe they will stimulate your mind toward something you would have never thought about. So go out there and enjoy your day! Be aware, there is only half the list in this post. Last week I published the first half.

First Half Subjects: Physical Activities, Creative Pursuits, Keep Your Mind Sharp, Travel

Here is your second half:

Social outings can provide a sense of community and purpose, and they can also be a lot of fun! Participating in group activities can offer a sense of belonging and camaraderie, while also challenging you to try new things.

Social Outings and Contacts

1. Join the local garden society.
2. Does your community have a Farmer’s Market? Go shopping and meet other people from your community.
3. Visit all the museums in your area.
4. Check the upcoming events at your local performing arts center. Purchase tickets to your favorite.
5. Go see your local sports team play in person. Either high school, college, or minor league.
6. Surprise someone you love with a romantic picnic.
7. Watch your grandchildren overnight so their parents can have a date night or a weekend away by themselves.
8. Go on a group excursion offered through your local college or travel agent. Our Junior College offers shopping trips, theater trips, and trips to sporting events.
9. Get to know your neighbors. They may end up being great friends. Maybe they can keep an eye on your house when you are out of town. If your neighborhood doesn’t have a Neighborhood Watch, you can work on establishing one.
10. Go out for lunch with a friend. Or track down an old friend from high school and go out for coffee.
11. Grab a friend or spouse and beat the crowds by seeing a matinee. When you see a movie, always ask about their senior discount.
12. Call a friend you haven’t seen in a while and have a relaxed conversation. Don’t be in a hurry to get off the phone. You have the time.
13. Attend local events like Chili-Cook-Offs, Annual Festivals, Craft Fairs, Car Shows, and Fund-Raising Events.
14. Are you single? Try an online dating app, if you never have before. You never know until you try.
15. Say “hello” to someone at church that you haven’t really gotten to know. Or maybe a neighbor that walks by your house every day. Start a conversation and see what their interests are. Maybe they can become a walking buddy. Or someone to go out to coffee with occasionally. And if you really feel comfortable with them, possibly a traveling buddy. It can all start with talking to them, instead of walking by in silence.
16. Go to a concert, symphony, or play. Maybe an outdoor one if you have one in your area.
17. Go on a date to the local putt putt golf course.
18. Become a regular fan at your local minor league baseball games. Part-time jobs at baseball stadiums are plentiful if you are interested. Mascot anyone?
19. Check into social opportunities through your local senior center.
20. Join the Red Hat Society.
21. If you are a retired teacher, sign up to be a substitute teacher. This will provide you with a little extra money and provide a much-needed service to a local school district.
22. Get your cowboy on and attend a rodeo.
23. Become a pet sitter for your neighborhood dogs.
24. Is your high school having a reunion soon? Volunteer to be on the committee or to host it at your house.

Volunteering is an excellent way to stay engaged and active in retirement. Not only can it provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, but it can also lead to new social connections and learning opportunities. There are countless organizations and causes that could benefit from your time and skills. It’s important to find a cause that you are passionate about.

Volunteer Opportunities

1. Become a Friend of the Library.
2. If you have building skills, volunteer with Habit for Humanity. I think they will teach you if you don’t.
3. Non-profits usually rely on volunteer workers.
4. Volunteer at a hospital.
5. Take a volunteer vacation – explore unknown places while you volunteer in an unfamiliar state or country.
6. Volunteer to help a teacher in his/her classroom.
7. Volunteer at your local food bank. Bring some donations if you are going there, anyway.
8. Looking for a volunteer or part-time job? Check out your local convalescent home. They often have openings for activities leaders, pianists, and more.
9. Take the time to become an organ donor. This will be shown on your driver’s license.
10. Take a little more time to become a bone marrow donor. Go to bethematch.org for more information. Most likely, you can sign up for the donor registry at your local blood bank. If one day you match someone, a minor procedure will be performed under local anesthesia. This is a lifesaving gift. They prefer that you be 45 or younger, but with a family member in need, you may be able to donate up to age 65. Check with the blood bank. If you are too old, encourage your younger friends and family to sign up to give this gift of life to someone in need.
11. Donate blood at your local blood bank. This can be done several times a year, so mark it on your calendar to come back, or if they provide a reminder call, ask for you.
12. Your local Blood Bank most likely will also takes platelets. This is called plateletpheresis. Call ahead to make sure of the requirements like weight, age, and not taking an aspirin a few days prior. Platelets are a big help to cancer patients. This will take about 3 hours and can be done every seven days, up to 24 times a year. The platelets are removed from the liquid blood, and the liquid is returned to your body. Usually, you are offered movies to watch or bring a book to read or music to listen to during your three hours. They can also remove the plasma and platelets are the same time. The minimum age requirement is 16 or 17, so you can turn this into an opportunity to take your older grandchild along and spend the time talking about your life and theirs.
13. Volunteer to coach for a little league.
14. Our town has a “Love Ripon” day where people volunteer to repair and clean up areas of our city. Does yours? Ours is in April. See if you have one – spot signs in yards advertising its upcoming.
15. Support those in need in your community. Find a local charity to support. Volunteer your time and donate your money to the charity.
16. If you don’t know where to support your community, try Meals on Wheels. You can sign up for one day a week or more if desired.
17. Can you sew? If so, check with your local hospitals to see if they will let you sew bright, colorful gowns for the children in the hospital. I recently saw a story about someone that took this on as a donation project to help cheer up the children in the hospital. You may need to borrow one of their gowns to use for a pattern.
18. If you knit or crochet, make hats for preemies, families that are in need, and homeless people. You can also make scarves and gloves. There may be a group in your area that you can join to meet occasionally to work together and share patterns.
19. Volunteer to help with Vacation Bible School at your church during the summer. Make sets, put together craft items, make cookies, serve snacks, teach the lesson, help with the singing, etc.
20. If you don’t want a pet full-time, consider fostering a dog or cat. Contact your local animal shelter to get more information.
21. If you are really athletic, or at least know the rules, volunteer as a coach or assistant coach at a local middle school, high school, or college. Your position at a high or college will probably be paid. Even though it may be little, it can be some fun money, along with some splendid memories or your “kids” success.
22. Foster grandparent. If you don’t have any grandchildren, become a grandparent to a child who needs one. Various organizations can get you started, like Head Start, after-school programs, Americorps, and your local state or county programs. In most cases, you must give 15-20 hours a week and you must be 55 years or older and in good health.
23. Tour guide? Check with your local museum and see if they need volunteer guides. You will learn a lot about a local destination and help others learn, too.

One of the best things about retirement is the opportunity to focus on your own personal growth and self-development. Whether you want to learn a new language, take up a new hobby, or pursue a degree, retirement can be the perfect time to pursue your passions and interest.

Self-Development

1. Go to college and earn the degree you never did. It can be your doctorate or even your two-year college degree. Once you are finished, you can walk down the aisle for your diploma as your proud children and grandchildren cheer you on. You won’t be the first person graduating in their 60s, 70s, or 80s.
2. Start a new hobby. Is there something you wished you had time for when you were working but never could do it? Take up that hobby or maybe quilting, crafting, woodworking, model trains, writing, etc.
3. Join a book club.
4. Join a writing group.
5. Sign up for Tai Chi.
6. Join a walking or hiking group. You will improve your physical health and boost your mental well-being at the same time.
7. If you need to/or want to work try getting a job at Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware, etc., or maybe try Uber or Lyft. Or the local bakery, restaurant, or movie theater.
8. Start a garden. Check into a community garden if you don’t have room in your yard. And if there isn’t a community garden, see if you can start one in your neighborhood or city.
9. If you end up loving gardening, consider building a greenhouse to raise flowers and vegetables from seeds.
10. How about a compost pile to use in your garden? It is a great way to use or reuse leftover produce, eggshells, used coffee grounds, newspapers, and even dryer lint and hair.
11. Plant fruit trees in your yard. It will take a few years to get a big harvest, but it is worth it when it comes in. I would suggest orange, lime, lemon, grapefruit, cherry, apple plum, apricot, and avocado. Maybe add a few berry bushes and grapevines. Be sure to check if these will grow in your area and what extra care they may require.
12. Read all the books you have accumulated on your bookshelves. If you run out, buy more at a garage sale or estate sale. I can purchase books for 25 cents on Thursdays at my local Hospice Thrift Shop. Check to see if your local Thrift Shops do something similar.
13. Would you rather read or listen to books on your computer or phone? See if you can order online books from your library through Hoopla, Libby, or another online digital book source.
14. Once you have read those, visit your library for more books. If you don’t have a library card, sign up for one. You will be surprised how many things you can check out of a library besides books—things like movies, music, and magazines. Libraries usually have computers for you to use. Some cities have lending libraries that lend tools. In California, they include Berkeley, Oakland, Loma Linda, Tulare, San Diego, Santa Clara, and Sacramento. But there are many more in states throughout the country. Check with your local library or PG&E.
15. Join a Bible study.
16. If you can’t find a Bible study, start one.
17. Change your hairstyle, or if you are adventurous, change your hair color.
18. Attend City Council meetings and get to know what is happening in your community.
19. Run for a political office in your local community, like the mayor or city councilperson. Or set your sights higher.
20. Get a DNA test. This can be very interesting for you and a conversation starter among your friends. You will be able to contact your relatives and get a better understanding of your family tree.
21. Attend the opening of a new artist at an art gallery.
22. Take wellness classes through your health insurance, a local yoga studio, a junior college, or a local church. Possibilities include, but are not limited to grief counseling, monitoring your health, divorce care, caregiver support, and women’s health.
23. Build a tiny home. Or maybe order one, pre-built. The first step might be finding some land to put it on.
24. Learn, learn, learn. Join Masterclass. For $15 a month, paid annually, you can learn from experts on science, sports, makeup, singing, cooking, home decorating, writing (from people like James Patterson, my favorite author,) wellness, business, and more. With over 150 different classes, there is bound to be something for everyone. Each class has multiple lessons (some as many as 20.). Go at your own pace. Masterclass.com. Personally, I think this would make a great retirement gift.

And now we come down to miscellaneous, the place we put everything else. And there is a lot of miscellaneous below.

Miscellaneous

1. Start making your own wine or beer. First, learn all about the process and then take steps to create what appeals to you.
2. Start star gazing. Visit the closest observatory to your home. See if you can locate the Big Dipper. Go to your library to check out some astronomy books. Then, purchase the ones that interest you the most. If you find it as fascinating as you hoped, buy your own telescope. Share your findings with friends and family, especially grandchildren, friends and family.
3. Pick fruit in season at your local farms that allow this. In my area, you can pick several kinds of berries, zucchini, beets, nectarines, peaches, cherries, etc.
4. Learn how to make jam/jelly with the fruit you grow or buy locally.
5. Learn how to can, dehydrate, and freeze produce. Maybe some of your garden’s produce, or locally picked.
6. Do a random act of kindness and pay for the person behind in the drive-through. It is especially nice if there is a mother with small children behind you.
7. Make sure you have your annual medical checkup.
8. Take a relaxing bath. Make it a relaxing spa day at home.
9. Go shopping, window or actual, depending on your budget. Take a trip to a local shopping outlet mall, Ikea, or maybe the big city shopping (San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas, etc.)
10. Start going to garage sales and estate sales. If you learn the value of old items, you may sell the items on eBay or Craig’s List for a profit. Or maybe you will find a hidden treasure to keep.
11. Make a budget to plan your future, so you can afford to finish everything on your Bucket List.
12. If you don’t have a Bucket List make one. Include places to visit, mountains to climb, and goals to reach. Maybe include some items that may take a bit of time, like getting your college degree.
13. Relax at a spa. Get a massage. Maybe a manicure and/or pedicure? Get your brows done or maybe some waxing.
14. Buy a hammock, hang it between two trees, and then try it out, maybe for an afternoon nap.
15. Decide on a week to try something new for dinner every night for a week (or a few days.) Search for new recipes that sound good. (cookbooks or Pinterest) Buy all the ingredients and make yourself and your family something new. If it doesn’t go over well, toss the recipe. If everyone loves it, keep the recipe.
16. Start collecting something. Maybe do a little decluttering first. Ideas: China tea cups (for tea parties with friends or grandchildren,) rocks or shells from the beach (store in a clear, tall, tubular vase,) or some other souvenirs from your travels. Maybe even postage stamps: possibly floral, Love, or Christmas themed.
17. Sell Avon, MaryKay, Doterra, or some other product you love. You will end up with a discount on something you already buy and maybe even turn it into a business for yourself.
18. Start a side business making and selling cookies, bars, or cupcakes. This may require access to a commercial oven. Check the small business rules in your area.
19. Do you keep the same passwords on everything on your computer? It might be a good time to change all your passwords to something more difficult to make it harder for someone to hack your accounts.
20. Call a friend you haven’t seen in a while and have a relaxed conversation. Don’t be in a hurry to get off the phone.
21. If your neighborhood allows it, buy a few chickens and start collecting fresh eggs each day.
22. Take all your recipe cards and type them into a recipe organizer like Recipe Manager, ChefTap, or Wisk. It makes it easy to find the recipe you want. They also can help you make a grocery list.
23. Simplify your life by taking all of your old VHS tapes and having them copied to CDs. Or you can purchase the machine needed to do it and copy them from the privacy of your own home.
24. Do you have too many photos on your phone? Use a service like Shutterfly or Journi Print to print some of your favorites and make room for more on your phone. Another option is to make a photo book/picture book. It’s more convenient to show off your pictures in a book than to search for them on your phone. Your grandchildren will love looking through the books if you have them sitting out on a coffee table. Once they are in a book, you can delete them from your phone. I ordered one for a special trip we recently took. A book about my Mother’s life was a gift for her 80th birthday, and I have a copy. I also have one from my son’s wedding and one for each of their daughters’ first pictures.
25. Go through your emails and computer to get rid of your old messages and items you have saved on your computer. Delete the phone numbers of people you never call. Empty the trash on your emails.
26. Write letters and send cards to your grandchildren, even if they live close by. Kids love getting mail. If your grandchildren write to you, be sure to write them back.
27. Do you have any minor projects around the house that have been on your to-do list for years? Now is the best time to do them. Find your list or make a new one and do one thing each day or week, depending on your schedule. Things like washing the windows, getting the carpets cleaned, painting the baseboards, painting the spare bedroom with a new color, something to brighten the room. (White will brighten things up.)
28. Is it time to do a little updating in your home? Consider expanding your primary closet, adding a shop in the garage, a wine cellar in your home, or maybe a craft room.
29. Beat the crowd and see a matinee. When you see a movie, always ask about their senior discount.
30. Adopt a pet from the local animal shelter. Be sure to take time to think about this before you drive over to get a pet. Think about potty training if you are buying a puppy. Consider how often you are gone on trips. Can you take your pet with you? Where can your pet stay or who can care for him/her in your absence?
31. Are you a user of Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.? If not, have someone help you learn how to use them. I would definitely recommend Pinterest. Pinterest is full of ideas that you can save to your account, once you set one up. I use Pinterest to find out about places I travel to so that I can see what others recommend. Pinterest is also a great place to find recipes.
32. Memorize scripture passages or verses, so you always have them available when needed.

By taking advantage of classes, clubs, and groups, you can continue to learn new skills, meet new people, and pursue your passions well into your golden years. Retirement should be a time to unwind and enjoy life’s simple pleasures, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and exploration. Retirees can stay active and engaged in their communities by engaging in physical activities, creative pursuits, social outings, intellectual stimulation, volunteer opportunities, and self-development. Remember, boredom shouldn’t be a part of your retirement. Embrace this chapter of your life and try something new!

As you embark on this journey, keep in mind these words of motivational speaker Tony Robbins and go out there and make a difference:

“The only limit to your impact is your imagination and commitment.”

Learn something new every day. There is a world of knowledge out there waiting for you to discover. Most of all, make the most of the rest of your life. You don’t have any guarantee of tomorrow, so enjoy today.

I did go over a bit (109 + 103 = 212) but the more, the merrier, don’t you think? And that helps cover if I doubled up on one. Let me know which idea is your favorite in the comments below. I know you have a favorite! Don’t be shy.