Daily Life & Simple Joys

Creating days that feel good — not just busy

What does a “good day” in retirement actually look like?

Retirement life looks different for everyone. Some days are full and energetic. Others are quieter, slower, and more reflective. What matters most isn’t how full your calendar is — it’s whether your days feel comfortable, meaningful, and satisfying.

This space is about the real day-to-day of retirement: how we live, where we live, how we spend our time, and what brings simple joy as life settles into a new rhythm.

How do you spend your days?  Is this meaningful to you, or are you simply wasting time? 

Home Sweet Home

Life begins and revolves around your home sweet home (and whether a home, condo, apartment or room in assisted living, doesn't matter, it's HOME). Make it yours. 

Home takes on a whole new meaning in retirement. It may become a place of comfort, creativity, connection — or sometimes, a reminder that things need to change.

As we age, there are so many simple products we can buy to improve our lives. Senior independent living is what we really want. Right?

I found many for my mom as she aged in place at home, then later in Assisted Living. I will share them as we move along!

Simple Joys Matter More Than Ever

Joy doesn’t always come from big plans or major milestones. In retirement, it’s often found in:

  • quiet mornings
  • familiar routines
  • favorite chairs, windows, and views
  • conversations that aren’t rushed
  • doing things because you want to, not because you have to

Simple joys are not small things — they’re what make everyday life feel grounded and satisfying.

Hobbies

Do you have personal interests or hobbies? I have a hobby list started to help you remember a long-gone hobby or something new you might enjoy!

Some retirees dive into hobbies they’ve loved for years. Others discover new interests they never had time for before. And some are still figuring it out — which is completely normal.

This isn’t about staying busy. It’s about staying engaged, curious, and mentally alive, whether that’s through creative pursuits, learning, volunteering, or just exploring what feels good now.

Work-Optional

Retirement doesn’t have to mean “never working again.” For many, it means choice.

Some retirees enjoy:

  • part-time or seasonal work
  • consulting or freelance projects
  • volunteering for causes that matter
  • mentoring or sharing experience

The key difference is freedom. Work becomes optional — guided by interest, energy, and purpose rather than obligation.

To work or not to work, that is the question!

Some of us will work longer before retiring. Look at your options before you retire too early, that is, too early for you.

Why work when you just retired? Working in retirement has examples of why we work after retirement as well as lots of retiree experiences. 

Many of us need work, in some manner, to feel life again.  Just a simple job, and being needed is huge in retirement

Volunteer

Volunteer -- start with simple jobs and show you are capable of more!

The thing about volunteering is helping others. If you are a happy retiree, consider the smiles you can spread and the help you can provide to the working world. Remember when time was so lacking when you worked? Time to help those who need a lift.

I think this is especially good for negative mindsets so they can be out and busy instead of brooding over retirement. Go help someone and brighten your own day!

Finding Purpose in the Everyday

Purpose in retirement doesn’t always come with a title. It often shows up quietly — in routines, relationships, and small contributions that matter.

Your purpose may change over time, and that’s okay. Retirement is not a finish line — it’s a transition into a life that can be reshaped again and again.

Based on where you are in life right now (not necessarily your age, but what you are capable of doing to stretch your body and mind)... what do you do daily (or most days) that you enjoy?

How do you keep busy with retirement activities?

A Gentle Reminder

There is no “right” way to live retirement.

Some days will feel full and productive. Others may feel slow, uncertain, or even dull. All of it counts. This section exists to help you shape daily life in a way that feels realistic, supportive, and uniquely yours.

Simple living can still be deeply meaningful.

Would you share Your Retired Life with Others?

Are you busy busy? Do you live a simple, quiet retirement life? Do you work/volunteer in retirement? Do you belong to any organizations (even church)? Do you have friends and how often do you get together (weekly lunches or card parties, etc)? How often do you get together with your own family? Do you have a daily routine or does each day just come and go as it does? Do you have a hobby/hobbies (explain them a bit). Do you eat out lots (or mostly at home)? Just trying to see what a "day in the life of this retiree" is like... how many keep busy, how many watch tv and nap their days away? Thanks for sharing your retired life with others!


Senior Voices - Experience retirement living through the voices of our readers!