How to begin your retirement bucket list

Now’s the time to accomplish those things you never had time for! 

Have you created your retirement ‘bucket list’ yet? Even if you haven’t written it down, you’ll probably have a mental list of places you’d still love to go, skills you’d still like to learn, and things you’d still like to achieve.

Retirement can provide you with the perfect opportunity to do all those things you’ve been putting off, or haven’t had time to pursue. Yet while you can fill your list with everything you could ever imagine doing, you might not physically have time to fit it all in.

That’s why having a list written down can help you to look forward to some interesting and exciting things to do, while ensuring they’re achievable for you.  

In this news post, we’ve put together a few ideas to help inspire you as you put together your own personal ‘bucket list’. We’ve come up with six categories – but you should feel free to add your own. After all, it’s your bucket!

1) Travel somewhere new

You may have already travelled to some of the popular destinations, such as Europe, New Zealand, Asia or the UK – not to mention our own incredible country Australia.

Bucket lists are different. This is your chance to aim for some of the more unusual destinations – so think about the once-in-a-lifetime places you have always wanted to see. And while you’re researching, think about whether you’d travel alone, with your partner, with family, friends or in an organised tour group.

These days you can find so much information simply by researching on the internet. Have fun deciding which top spots make it to your list. Here are some of the top bucket list destinations for the retirement years. What would be yours?

• Kakadu National Park
• Las Vegas
• Antarctica
• Uluru
• Galapagos Islands
• Machu Picchu
• The Great Wall of China

Looking for more of an adventure?

What about these ideas:

• Drive Route 66
• Go on an African safari
• Travel the Ghan
• Scuba dive in the Maldives
• See the Northern (or Southern) Lights
• Spend a week on a French canal boat
• See the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids
• Revisit your honeymoon destination
• Celebrate St Patrick’s Day – in Ireland!

 2) Educate yourself

Chances are you’ve always wanted to develop a particular skill… or learn more about a topic that you’re particularly passionate about. You may already have a hobby, such as photography or watercolour painting, but would like to take it to the next level. Now is your chance!

Here are just some of the things that retirees have added to their ‘like to learn’ (or re-learn) list:

• A foreign language
• Sign language
• Advanced cooking class
• A musical instrument
• Dancing
• Horse riding
• Facebook
• Tai Chi, yoga or meditation
• Scuba diving or snorkelling
• Manual photography
• Speaking course eg: Toastmasters

There are so many courses available, you could learn something new every week and never run out of ideas. Search online, ask at your retirement village, at the local library, TAFE, U3A or community notice board.

3) Connect (or re-connect)

This point is all about connecting with those people who are most important in your life. It’s also about connecting with you. Memories are made from those special times spent alone, or sharing with people who truly matter to you. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Just you:

• Work on the family tree
• Write that novel you’ve been meaning to for years
• Book into a meditation or yoga retreat

With others:

• Take your grandchildren on a camping trip
• Renew your wedding vows
• Book a professional family photo shoot
• Have a spa day with girlfriends (or daughters, or granddaughters)
• Go to a concert with your son or daughter (pack earplugs just in case…!)
• Work on a project with a family member, such as scanning old photos to preserve them

4) Give something back

It’s not surprising to discover that the highest percentage of volunteers, are people in retirement. It makes sense of course as you generally have more time on your hands.

But there’s also that sense of wanting to continue contributing to the world in a positive and meaningful way; to share your skills and talents. You’re sure to find your own personal ways to give back.

Here are a few more:

• Volunteer for a charity that inspires you
• Plant a tree that will outlive you
• Rescue a shelter dog or cat
• Enter a sporting event for charity
• Donate blood
• Write your memoir
• Pass a skill onto a young person
• Write a column for a local publication

5) Have a new experience

Not all experiences need to be the adrenaline pumping kind; in fact many serene activities will fill you with just as much joy and excitement.

What experiences might take your breath away, or bring a warm smile of contentment? See what you think of this list and add in what you have always wanted to experience. Now’s the time!

• Hot air ballooning
• Swimming with dolphins
• Watching tennis at Wimbledon
• Flying in a helicopter
• Experiencing white Christmas in New York
• Whale or dolphin watching
• Riding a camel
• Dining at a Michelin starred restaurant
• Doing a tandem skydive

6) Do something daring!

Retirement could be the perfect time to challenge yourself a little, get out of that comfort zone and shed those inhibitions. You’ve reached an age where it really shouldn’t matter what other people think of you!

So have a think: what might stretch you a little, make you blush, or bring a few raised eyebrows when you tell your children? Have some fun!

We have a few ideas... if you’re game?

• Eat something you’ve never tried before
• Go skinny dipping
• Stay in your PJs all day watching movies and eating takeaway
• Take a tandem ride on a Harley
• Have a glamour or boudoir photo shoot
• Wear a bikini to the pool or beach (ladies!)
• Sing at a karaoke bar
• Shave your head for charity – or just for you

Make room on your list for a visit to Renaissance

Writing down your goals or bucket list is a great way to gather all your hopes and dreams for your retirement years. Your retirement years are a fantastic opportunity to fulfil those dreams you’ve held for many years. It’s your time now!

While you’re putting together your list, why not make time to visit our luxury retirement village? Our Information Days are a wonderful introduction to the Renaissance lifestyle, in just the sort of relaxed and welcoming environment you’ll experience when you choose to move in.

Call Renaissance today on (07) 3820 7700 or fill out the form here to find out more about the lifestyle you’ll enjoy at our outstanding Victoria Point retirement living.