The more we interview retirees the more we appreciate the importance of having an interest. The happiest and most fulfilled individuals we meet usually have an interest or a hobby that engages them. It makes them enthusiastic and genuinely happy about their lives. Some people have had the interest since childhood, others discovered it later in life after searching for something, and the lucky few just happened to fall upon it by accident after they retired. It really doesn’t matter how they got there. The important thing is they found something they love doing.
Science fully supports what we have heard in our interviews: “Interest is a powerful psychological state. It makes us feel energetic and excited, fully engaged and focused. Our brains 'work better'. Research has shown that we pay more attention, we process information better and will remember it.” That statement alone sums up why it’s so important to a happy retirement.
It is harder to find the time to find an interest when you are working. But it is a good time to start so that you are fully engaged when you retire. Working from home during Covid freed up time for some to discover that all important interest. As one retiree said, “I had all this commuting time restored to me. I took that time and started thinking about some of the things I did as a kid. I read books and articles and did some exploring on the internet. I discovered an interest that drew me in. It made time fly. I know it will go with me when I retire. It’s exciting.”
Retirement can be more than managing money, spending time with grandchildren, exercising, or traveling or being part of the sandwich generation. Those are all important things. A hobby on the other hand can unlock loads of interest and give you a buzz that gets you up in the morning looking forward to the day. If you relocate, you can take your interest with you which helps you acclimate easier to a new environment. When new acquaintances ask what keeps you busy, you’ll have lots to talk about. You won’t be bored, and you won’t be boring.
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