Paul Leatherbarrow, Liverpool
Being retired may mean you have more time to do the things you've always wanted to. Or you might want to look for new ideas to do things you never knew you'd enjoy. In any case there are a range of opportunities you can enjoy in retirement.
Be a Volunteer
Be prepared to dedicate a certain amount of your free time and energy, show a lot of commitment and be a good listener. You are not there to teach or police the person, but to encourage and give support. Whether you are still working or are retired, there are a number of things to bear in mind if you decide to volunteer.
You will need to work out how much time you can afford to give and how flexible your hours need to be.
Voluntary organisations recognise that older people bring a wealth of skills and expertise to volunteering. By passing on your skills and knowledge can make a difference to people 's lives.
It is also a good way to make new friends and improve general levels of health and fitness.
Working as a volunteer can be extremely rewarding after you retire. It can also help you learn new skills that you may be able to use later for paid work.
Local Community
There are lots of different projects you can become involved with locally. Donating just a few hours each week can make a real difference in your local area. Different Schemes You can help the environment by volunteering. Conservation projects are often run locally by councils and voluntary organisations. There are also green gyms organised by the British Trust for Conservation which help you get fit at the same time as helping out.
Working with animals can be rewarding and provide new areas of interest. There are many animal charities that offer volunteering opportunities, from working directly with animals at rescue centers to helping to organise charity events. You can also help monitor the wildlife in your local area.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP) is an organisation that provides people aged over 50 with volunteering opportunities in England, Scotland and Wales. Volunteers can do what they want and choose when to do it. There are a wide range of activities and projects both in groups or individually. Activities involve knitting, environmental projects, befriending people and much more.
Mentoring as a volunteer
Not everyone has a family or friend support network that they can rely on for guidance and advice to help them through difficult times. Volunteers can help to fill this gap by offering their free time and providing support. Mentoring and befriending is a one-to-one, non-judgmental relationship where you can volunteer your time to support and encourage someone. Many people will seek the support of a mentor at a time of change in their life. For example, the loss of a family member or change in personal circumstances such as redundancy or retirement. Many volunteers will provide assistance over a long time-scale helping to build trust and a relationship. People who need guidance and help come from all walks of life and ages, from teenagers through to the elderly.
Become a Coach
Older people's skills and experience are highly valued in communities. You can put your work experience to good use by becoming a coach. In return you can develop your own inter-personal skills and remain active and involved in your community. You can put your highly valued skills and life experiences to good use to help other people develop their skills and gain confidence. In return, you can develop your own interpersonal skills and remain active.
Learn for fun
Learning can be fun and a great way to relax and socialise. It doesn't have to be formal and you don't have to learn for a qualification. Free courses are easy to find and if you're learning just for fun, you can choose anything you find interesting whether it's a new interest or a subject you already know something about. You might want to develop an existing interest or learn something new.
What are the benefits?
Learning can be a way of relaxing and doing something you enjoy, alongside other like-minded people in a relaxed environment. Learning for leisure can also build your confidence. You can learn just about anything you want and courses can take place anywhere from colleges and learning centers to libraries and outdoor locations. You can learn over a weekend, do a longer course or even go on a learning holiday.
Some Ideas
Cookery can be fun and challenging and the range of courses on offer means that there is always something new to learn. Whether you are a complete cookery beginner or are looking to enroll onto a gourmet master class, you will be able to find a course that's right for you.
Gardening whether you just need to keep your garden neat and tidy, or want to take on a bigger challenge, such as redesigning it or adding a new water feature, there is a course to suit you.
Home improvement is a popular course choice and there is a wide range of courses available.
Learn a language, there are many courses available across the country. Whether you are a complete beginner or an advanced level speaker, there will be a course for you. You are never too old to have fun invite a friend to go along with you.
If you enjoy art or want to develop your skills there are courses where you can work at your own pace and at a time that suits you.
Art can be a very social hobby too, with classes taken in groups and each student learning from one other.
Photography offers a wide range of courses and something for everyone regardless of whether you are a complete beginner wanting to take a better picture or an experienced photographer looking to get familiar with the latest digital technology and techniques. Whatever level you are at you're also guaranteed to meet like-minded people with the same passion for photography as you.
Dancing is an enjoyable way for learners of all ages to keep fit and meet new people in a relaxed environment.
Where will I find a course for me?
Try local libraries or community offices, the direct gov website has a database of courses near you as does the local council websites
Leisure pursuits
Leisure activities for over 50s in your area can be found on your local authority website. This may include cultural, sporting and other organised social activities.You can find many green and pleasant open spaces in Liverpool where you can have a picnic, play cricket or watch out for wildlife. These range from a small village green to one of the vast local Parks. Taking a walk in Liverpool is a great way to discover new places and enjoy the variety and beauty of the Merseyside landscape. There are all kinds of walks, trails and routes to choose from. Whether you are a committed hiker or a casual rambler, you'll find something suited to your interests and abilities. You can improve your fitness by spending just 30 minutes a day on a physical activity such as gardening, swimming, or walking. It's also easy to find local leisure facilities where you can go for sporting activities such as tennis, squash or keep fit classes.
Fancy carrying on working?
If you want to find work, there's a range of government services that can help. New Deal 50 plus This scheme can help if you're aged 50 or over and have had difficulties getting a job, or work that pays a decent wage. It provides you with a personal adviser to help you find work.
New Deal for Disabled People
If you get disability or health-related benefits, the New Deal for Disabled People can help you. A 'job broker' will help you find suitable work.
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