Going back to school
Retirees are also seizing the opportunity to further their education. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 59,000 Americans over the age of 60 are currently enrolled in colleges and universities.
Take Margaret MacDougal of Harpswell, Maine. MacDougal worked as a clinical social worker and therapist during her career. After retiring in 1997, she volunteered at a museum and returned to school to earn a master's degree in art history at the University of Louisville. She is now working toward a doctorate.
Many retirees don't pursue degrees, but rather take classes in subjects that interest them. Some go to learn a new language or sharpen math skills, whether at a traditional college or online in the comfort of their homes and on their own schedules. Online resources such as www.elearners.com serve as connections to online courses and provide information about grants, scholarships and tax breaks.
Taking hobbies to the next level
An impressive 72 percent of the participants in the AARP survey said they want to spend more time pursuing hobbies and interests. James Lantz of Pembroke, Ga., has loved model trains since he was a young boy. Retirement allowed him to take his hobby to the next level.
"I have always told myself that when I retire, I am going to have the model railroad that I really want," says Lantz. After retiring from forestry in 1989, Lantz and a friend designed a model railroad that measures 30 by 12 feet and is a built-to-scale replica of the small town of Therman, W.Va. "It's a continual project," says Lantz.
Hitting the road
Travel is another way retirees are making the most of their newfound free time. According to a travel profile report published by the Travel Industry Association, short day trips are popular with older singles and retired adults. This demographic segment is also very likely to visit more than one place while on vacation or take trips of 10 days or longer.
Emery and Connie Nanasy of Lakewood, Calif., are a prime example. Since retiring, they've have traveled to 64 countries in six continents.
John and Sarah Sparks live in Boulder, Colo., where a round-trip drive to the mountains takes less than a day. They stop for breakfast on the road, have lunch at their destination, and discover new restaurants for dinner on the way home. They also enjoy day trips to go antiquing, visit their grandchildren and follow the horse show circuit.
Networking on the Net
A recent report by the Pew Internet & American Life Project estimates that 70 percent of people aged 50 to 64 use the Internet, but only 33 percent of people over 65 do the same. As baby boomers join the over-65 set, this figure is expected to increase. The Internet is often used to stay in touch with friends -- and make new ones.
Online social networking can help retirees connect with other people who enjoy the same activities. "After years of watching their kids live their life around activity on popular social networking sites, they are ready to play," says Jeff Taylor, founder and CEO of www.eons.com, a social networking Web site for the 50-plus crowd. Among the site's features is "Six Degrees of Separation," where friendships can flourish. It's clear that retirement doesn't have to be a period of down time, unless retirees choose for it to be.
"Retirement is the age of choice," says retirement coach Carter. "It's an age where we can wake up naturally in the morning and control our own schedules."