| Although you no longer have to worry | | | | book or go to the zoo and learn about |
| about going to work every day, you can | | | | animals. Knowledge is power, and even |
| still find many ways to keep yourself | | | | the most intelligent people can learn |
| busy. Many people think that once they | | | | something new everyday. Keep your mind |
| retire, they will be bored because they | | | | active; an active mind is never bored. |
| are used to working every day. However, | | | | 4. Adopt a pet |
| there are many different activities that | | | | There are many animals that go unadopted |
| you can get involved in once you are | | | | each year. By adopting a pet, you can |
| retired. Here are five things you should | | | | not only get a new friend, but help an |
| do after you retire: | | | | animal in need. Now that you are |
| 1. Stay involved with competition | | | | retired, you can adopt that cat that you |
| By joining a retirement community, you | | | | have always wanted. Cats make very good |
| can get involved in new activities you | | | | pets because they are very independent |
| have never participated in before. Or | | | | and low maintenance. Or you can get a |
| pick up those you enjoy but haven't had | | | | new companion in adopting a new dog. |
| time for. Many people always want to | | | | However, you should always make sure you |
| play more golf. When you retire, you can | | | | have the time, money and sufficient area |
| hit the links more than ever, especially | | | | to have a pet. For more information on |
| by joining a community that is on or | | | | adopting a pet, visit The American |
| near a golf course. Many retirement | | | | Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to |
| communities also have tennis courts that | | | | Animals web site. |
| you can play on. Try playing bridge, | | | | 5. Relax |
| bingo or other sporting activities. Some | | | | You have worked your whole life. Take a |
| communities host tournaments, where | | | | long and much needed break from the busy |
| those who still have their competitive | | | | life of work. Go on vacation and visit |
| spirit can once again play for that top | | | | the islands you have always been wishing |
| spot. | | | | to see. Sit on the beach in the shade |
| 2. Collect something | | | | and take in the nice weather. Go |
| Many seniors pick up a new hobby when | | | | sight-seeing at the Grand Canyon or in |
| retired. Some collect coins, stamps, | | | | Italy. Or just relax with your |
| cards or even cars. Collecting anything, | | | | significant other and a candlelight |
| no matter what it is, activates a new | | | | dinner. Either way, after working all |
| passion for something in your life. With | | | | your life, you deserve a break sometime. |
| the way the internet has evolved, | | | | After all, retirement is the one way |
| collecting things has become much | | | | ticket to relaxation. |
| simpler. Web sites such as eBay offer a | | | | Try one of these five things after your |
| wide variation of different stuff for | | | | retirement. However, five is not nearly |
| anyone, and it is a very simple | | | | enough. There are many other things you |
| interface to use. As many people always | | | | can do after your retirement. Try |
| say, one person's junk is another | | | | joining special interest groups in your |
| person's treasure. | | | | area. Go sight-seeing. Take a train ride |
| 3. Learn something new | | | | across the country. For the daredevil |
| Retirement is a great time to learn | | | | types, bungee jump or sky dive. |
| something new. Take classes about the | | | | Volunteer at a shelter, church or for a |
| internet. Or take an online course and | | | | political campaign. Go to the movies. |
| learn a particular degree of study that | | | | Retirement doesn't have to mean sitting |
| you always wanted to learn. Go back to | | | | around the house all day. With so many |
| school and earn that college degree you | | | | opportunities to stay active, retirement |
| always wanted. Watch the History | | | | can actually be all it's cracked up to |
| Channel, go to the library and find a | | | | be. |