Some have referred to retirement as 18 years of days. While a few of us have big ideas, not that many of the soon-to-be-retired people have envisioned what their day-to-day lives will look like.
The 2025 Retirement Confidence Survey found that only 60% of people have discussed with their spouses what they hope retirement would look like. And even fewer have thought about how they will occupy their time in retirement.1
There is nothing wrong with figuring out retirement once you’ve arrived there. In fact, that may be part of the fun. Our goal is to help you prepare your personal finances, so that you have the freedom to pursue your dreams, whatever they end up being.
To help spark your imagination, here’s a “Top 5 List” of what we see people who retire do.
Travel & Explore: Some want to travel overseas or take a big cruise. But travel can also include spur-of-the-moment weekend trips. Now that work is done and kids have grown, travel may take many forms. If you see yourself as a globe-trotter—or an RV pilot—we encourage you to set your travel goals, prepare for the trip, and don’t miss the opportunity when the time comes.
Travel & Faith: It’s possible you’ve felt His calling to missionary travel, but have never had the time to consider the possibility. Perhaps it’s time to reflect on whether this type of domestic or international travel can be a catalyst for personal and spiritual growth.
“Idle hands are the devil’s workshop; idle lips are his mouthpiece.” Proverbs 16:2
Commit to Fitness: Some have been committed to fitness their whole lives while others see retirement as an opportunity to focus on their health. Whether it’s committing to a daily walk or training for a marathon, being physically fit may bring joy into your life while helping you manage mobility issues as you age.
“Remember—don’t rust out. Wear out! Keep serving where God has called you and planted you,” writes Mick Owens, author of the popular book, Diamond of Life: The Five P’s of Success and Significance.
Explore Extended-Care: No one wants to be a burden to their family, but without taking a proactive approach to creating a strategy for extended care, you risk putting your loved ones in a difficult position. The goal is to put an extended-care strategy in place that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
Make a Bucket List: Let your mind roam, and jot down anything that comes to mind when you’re surfing the internet or checking out a magazine. Retirement can be a time to do those things that you never thought you would have time for. We encourage you to find a purpose. Live in the moment. And keep an open mind about the possibilities.
- EBRI.org, 2025
