Can I Still Retire if I Hate Golf?

(Photo Details:  Hawaii--Doug without his clubs)

I receive a lot of requests from people wanting me to write a guest post on their blog.  I know I will never get around to that, I barely get around to posting on my own blog!  So I have learned from experience to just say no to that.  

I also receive many requests to publish guest posts on my blog.  Usually from investment companies or insurance companies, or someone else trying to sell something to my readers.  I also say no to that.  But I will usually publish a guest-written post to introduce a new retirement blogger.

The following is a guest post by Jared Scharen.  Jared is an MBA student at Northwestern who has started a website dedicated to helping boomers figure out where they want to retire.  His website eRetirements has a fun quiz to help you pick a place to retire, and also a retirement blog.  It's fun, but truth be told, that's not why I agreed to a guest post.  When he introduced himself to me he said that his parents read my blog.  And that made me happy.

So here is Jared's post: Healthy Hobbies for Retirement:  Active Alternatives to Hitting the Links.

It comes as no surprise that many people associate the word “retirement” with “golf.” Early tee times with friends followed by a midday lunch at the clubhouse seems to be a common stereotype of how retirees spend much of their free time.  This is a common fallacy that forces many people to unwillingly pick up the game and end up finding absolutely no pleasure in it. So what should you do if golf isn’t your thing?

Despite the common perception of golf as being the main hobby for retirees across the country, there are tons of other activities that offer a unique combination of exercise, shared connection, and most importantly, satisfaction. They can also shape your decision on where to retire. A few of them include:

Softball: Softball is great way to be outdoors while staying active and competitive. It is also a sure way to engage in social bonding, especially if you miss the comradery of your office team. 

Swimming: Swimming offers multiple benefits for your body including improved flexibility, built up endurance, and stronger heart muscle. It also provides the social benefit of meeting others during exercise classes or general lap swims.

Hiking or Walking: According to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, a steady routine of walking can greatly reduce the chances of disability at old age. Walking or hiking also helps prevent or manage certain conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure, and can be done with your friends or significant other in remote areas of nature. 

Yoga: One of the many benefits of yoga is that it can help protect you from injury by increasing your muscle strength and tone. It also enhances your respiratory and energy levels in addition to being a huge stress reliever.

All of these exercises can improve your quality of life by enhancing your strength and improving your overall mood, both of which can be attributed to a longer, healthier life. Exercise classes offered at various community centers provide manageable training with specialized teachers who understand the limitations of your body. It is therefore crucial to explore these avenues when selecting your eventual retirement location.

So you have already heard this advice from your doctor…over and over again. And quite frankly, you just don’t care. Well, you are not alone in that mindset. According to a report conducted by the Merck Manual, at least 75% of people over the age of 65 do not exercise at recommended levels despite the known health benefits of exercise. Whether it is an issue of ignorance or more practically a problem of physical limitation, there are still ways to maintain your welfare outside of simply moving your arms and legs.

One of the beauties of retirement is that it allows you to finally undertake those projects that previously seemed impossible due to prior commitments to “the job.” It gives you an opportunity to pursue something exciting and fresh. So maybe that means a trip to Europe? Or a quick excursion across the country to see relatives? Or possibly the start of your memoir? You certainly do not have to pick up a golf ball or put on a bathing suit to stay active. Instead, try considering personal projects like the following:

Home Projects: Build a garden in your new home or decorate your backyard porch so you can invite friends over for dinner or drinks. Often, retirees have commented on how much gratification they receive from projects around the house.

We talked with Kathleen from Chicago, IL who could not agree more, “I’d really like to challenge myself during retirement by finally taking an advanced class in horticulture or possibly joining a local gardening club. This would keep me active while not forcing me to travel too much either. And it would impress all my new guests!”

Volunteering: Volunteering is another excellent activity that can bring you satisfaction while benefiting those within the community. This could involve tutoring children in academics or arts and crafts, or assisting patients in hospital outreach programs, just to name a few.

Theater and Arts: Reengage your artistic side and audition for a play or musical at the local arts center. This would allow you to make new friends while displaying your talents in front of a local audience. And anyone who has experience in theater knows that on stage performances are a workout in their own.

Regardless of the hobby that you choose, it is essential to always be cautious with your body as you decide on what new activities to begin, or what sports and games to continue to engage in.  It is important to do something that does not overly strain your body or your mind.  Instead, find something that is safe, manageable, and allows you fully enjoy the free time that you’ve worked so hard to attain. 

eRetirements.com is devoted to solving the problem that millions of baby boomers face each year: Where should I retire?  Our users enjoy a personalized retirement quiz, comprehensive location info, and a variety of blogs and advice to assist in discovering, and enjoying their ideal retirement location.

 

Related Posts:

Am I Really Getting Old Like Everyone Else?

Middle-Age Fitness

What Does Yard Work Have to do with Retirement?

 

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Comments

[Another Younger Retiree]

Haha, I have never been interested in golf (or most sports), and really my husband hasn't either, but we bought a little condo in Florida that includes a golf course, and so I was thinking maybe when we retire there (winters from Michigan - not yet, but soon) we can try golf - I figured just walking around the course missing all my shots would be better than sitting at home. :-) But then someone said you HAVE to use the golf carts? Is that always true? Seems I saw folks walking around ours.

[Still the Lucky Few]

Enjoyed the article! So well written, and (bonus) it was funny too. I've never been attracted to golf, but walk, do yoga and work out at a gym. I find life incredibly busy since I retired, so I have the opposite problem, it seems!

[Donna]

I am also retired and have no interest in golf. Similar to Still the Lucky Few, I cannot believe how busy I am in retirement. With travel, family, our children, grandchildren, friends, walking club, newcomers club, hiking, gardening, home exchanges, catching up on household stuff, blogging....etc, etc....I now understand the true meaning of the adage "how did I ever have time to work?".
Thanks for a great post.
Donna

[Tom Sightings]

You don't have to be retired to like golf. I've been playing for almost 40 years. Too bad I'm not getting any better. I took the e-retirements quiz, and got at least one new idea for my retirement destination. So thanks for the link!

[Retired Syd]

Tom: My husband Doug has always liked to golf. When I retired I asked him if he would like me to learn so we could golf together. Without a moment's hesitation he said no.

[deegee]

I am 53 and have been retired for 7 years and I never had any interest in golf whatsoever. I always hated gym class in grade and high school, so even doing a small amount of physical activity these days is an accomplishment. My dad was always an avid golfer until some minor physical ailments have pretty much eliminated that in favor of the far less strenuous bowling he now does regularly since he retired 22 years ago.