Keeping your brain active in retirement

[Floofydawg]

I've just retired at the age of 55 (not entirely through choice, but that's another story). I've been going to the gym, reading, walking the dog and just trying to adjust to a slower pace. But I'd like to keep my brain active and am looking for ideas of what other retired people do to keep busy.

I may get some part time work at some point but I'm not ready to do that yet.

Some people like puzzles and hate Sport.

Lots of people on this thread have mentioned going to the gym, doing gym classes and going swimming. All physical activities.

I retired, and got a job for 3 days a week. Tried volunteering and pottering for 6 months but couldn't hack it. Love having a job again now ! And yes - still do Wordle every day - but used to do that before retiring anyways... I have more time for reading now too

Pottering (ugh and reading won’t ward off dementia. I read voraciously - have literally hundreds of books in my house -but the most intellectual pastimes are fun but not at all effective on keeping your brain active into old age.

Puzzles do help @Bewareofthisonetoo

https://www.healthline.com/health/alzheimers-dementia/memory-games-for-dementia

... as does reading (quoted in that article too)

Not denying that sport isn't effective either, but not everyone is interested or can do sports.

I live near the sea and know quite a few retirees who have taken up gig racing. The local rowing club is very active and sociable - as is the walking group I belong to which is 90% retirees.
Maybe, if you live inland, learn to sail a dinghy in a local lake or reservoir or canoeing on a canal. Canoeing along rivers and canals is a great way to observe wildlife, too. The animals don't hear you coming 😁

Revisit or take up learning an instrument.

(I am doing this.)

I was just about to suggest this. I’m not retirement age but my piano teacher has lots of retirees as clients.

I have just been looking at violin for similar reasons, but I do love the sound of the cello - do you have to drive to your lessons? Is it difficult to carry? I have some joint problems so wondering if it's feasible for me.

@Trickedbyadoughnut my teacher currently comes to me, but I may travel to her in due course. So I've only transported it home from the shop I hired it from so far. It isn't really heavy but it is a bit awkward, and fragile of course. But I doubt you would find it difficult to put in and out of a car, assuming your car's big enough.