Retirement isn’t what it used to be

For a growing number of over-60s, it’s not a time to slow down, it’s a golden opportunity to fall in love with life all over again.  

Whether it’s discovering new passions, embracing adventure, or redefining what it means to ‘grow older,’ these trailblazers are proving that a retirement revolution is waiting to be embraced. This isn’t about settling for the side lines, it’s about living boldly, joyfully, and fully.  

Ready to join the movement? The retirement revolution is here, and it’s yours for the taking. 

Take inspiration

Famous faces help us to focus on achievement

These people prove that retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down, it can be a time to reinvent and thrive. 

David Attenborough, the iconic broadcaster and naturalist, despite being 98, remains a global force for nature, creating ground-breaking documentaries like Planet Earth and A Life on Our Planet. He continues to inspire all generations to take better care of the environment.

Dame Judi Dench, shows no signs of slowing down, achieving the accolade five years ago of being the oldest woman to appear on the cover of Vogue Magazine aged 85.

Tom Jones, the legendary Welsh singer still tours the world aged 84, wowing fans with his voice and energy. His recent albums have been critically acclaimed, proving talent knows no age limit.

Twiggy, the iconic 60s model has successfully transitioned into a fashion and lifestyle ambassador for older women. She remains active in promoting confidence, beauty, and wellness at
any age.

Rod Stewart, now aged 80, has been announced as the Legend Slot at this year’s Glastonbury Festival.

And, at the World Masters Athletics Championships in August, Evaun Williams, aged 86, set a new world record in the Weight Throw for the W85 age group with a throw of 11.97 metres – proof you’re never too old to be athletic. 

 

Keep learning and experimenting 

Novelty keeps you energised 

Board games and puzzles Games bring people together for fun and mental stimulation. Whether it’s classics like chess or modern favourites like Rummy Kub, these activities challenge the mind and foster camaraderie.

Sue, a homeowner, shares her experiences: “We have a games night here. There’s something called Rummy Kub. It’s great! We also have quiz nights, poetry nights, and a book club. We do a keep-fit class on a Wednesday and things like boules. When I tell people, they think I’m having a very wild social life!”

Join a Community Choir or Shanty Singing Group, inspired by The Fisherman’s Friends, can be uplifting, a unique way to make new friends and enjoy performing.

Dancing  More than a form of exercise, dancing is a joyful way to connect with others and improve balance, mobility, and mental health. From ballroom to salsa, there’s a style for everyone.

Homeowner Ann enjoys weekly movement classes in the activity studio: “It’s good having it in the same building because bad weather can put you off. If it’s here, you’ve only got to pop downstairs.”

Explore creativity 

Master Stand-Up Comedy  If you’ve always loved making people laugh, why not take a stand-up comedy course? Visit masterclass.com to find online lessons from comic greats like Steve Martin.

Art  A wonderful way to unleash creativity and to socialise. Many Adlington communities host art clubs and workshops, providing an inviting space to develop skills and make friends. Creative pursuits are known to improve mental health and boost overall well-being.

Jane, a homeowner, creates beautiful artwork: “I love pottery and painting. I try to encourage other people to paint. Most people are frightened of doing it, but if you just get a piece of paper and put some paint on it, you’d be surprised by what you can do. I’ve helped some of the other homeowners do pottery painting.”

The joy of nature

Gardening Whether cultivating flowers, vegetables, or herbs, gardening is a favourite pastime for many homeowners. It’s a calming activity that lets you connect with nature and enjoy tangible rewards.

Margaret, a homeowner, is passionate about gardening: “I’m a founder member of the gardening club. We grew sunflowers this year and planted them out, and we’ve grown celery, beetroot, and lettuce.”

Walking A longstanding, quintessential British pastime, whether it’s a gentle amble around the garden or a hike through scenic trails, walking keeps you active and in tune with your surroundings.

Margaret and Keith, homeowners in Menston, find joy in their walking routines: “We’ve always done brisk walking. About eight or nine miles was my maximum. Now we do a mile and a half every morning, and then we go out again on some days. We’ve started a little walking group going around the grounds and looking at the gardens. Yesterday there were about 10 of us. The atmosphere was brilliant.”

Try wild swimming Dive into nature by swimming in rivers, lakes, or the sea all year round. There are organised groups and clubs across the UK to keep you safe, like the Outdoor Swimming Society, and the health benefits are huge, from boosting circulation to enhancing mental well-being.

Active pursuits:

Cycling It doesn’t require intense effort – it can be a leisurely ride along canal paths or country lanes. It’s an excellent way to stay fit and explore the local area. All Adlington communities provide secure bike storage for homeowners who enjoy this rewarding hobby.

One of our homeowners brought home an Olympic bronze medal as part of the GB track cycling pursuit team in 1956. 

John and his wife Jean still enjoy cycling. Jean said: “When the weather gets better, we’ll go out on our bikes together. In the meantime, I go swimming and go to Chi Ball – it’s T’ai Chi with a bit of Pilates and a bit of Yoga.”

Lifelong learning:

U3A  Retirement is a great time to become a lifelong learner. Whether it’s picking up a new language, exploring history, or attending thought-provoking talks, learning helps keep the brain active and sharp.

Homeowner Lesley is an advocate for intellectual pursuits: “My U3A group is very active, with over 1,000 members. It was the first thing I joined when I retired. It keeps the brain going. We have interest groups, and I belong to the local history group and arts groups. There’s an awful lot to do.”

Learn to play a musical instrument  Ever fancied the ukulele, harmonica, or even the bagpipes? Retirement is the perfect time to pick up a quirky instrument. Music groups and classes are widely available, even for beginners, ask at your local library or visit musicteachers.co.uk 

Travel adventures:

Many retirees use their newfound freedom to explore the world. Living in an Adlington community makes it easy to travel without worrying about home security.

Margaret and John have travelled extensively: “We’ve done some very adventurous holidays over the years. Since we moved to The Woodlands, we’ve had a trip to Iceland and Norway and did a river cruise on the Douro in Portugal. We love travelling, so the ability to lock-up and leave our apartment, and not have to worry about an empty property, is a real benefit.  I feel very safe here.”

Romance is not just for the young 

There’s always time to fall in love again 

Between 2004 and 2014, the number of brides and grooms aged 65 and over in England and Wales increased by 46%, from 7,468 to 10,937. With an ageing population, when the next data is released by the Office for National Statistics, it’s highly likely that love will have continued to spread. 

Earlier last year, Dame Judi Dench, at 89, married her long-term partner, conservationist David Mills.  

In September, Sir Alan Bates aged 70, renowned for his relentless campaign for justice concerning the sub-postmasters Horizon IT scandal, married his partner of 34 years, Suzanne Sercombe. 

At our communities, homeowners find hobbies that bring them happiness, keep them active, and connect them with others. Whatever your interests, the possibilities are endless – and there’s no better time than now to explore them.