10 Best Activities for Outgoing Retirees to Try in 2025
Question: you’re retiring! Now, what do you do?
Answer: whatever you want!
Being retired doesn’t mean you stop living your life. In fact, the real fun is just beginning! And, if you’re not quite ready to slow down, you’ll love this list of outgoing endeavors for those who just don’t do loungy life!
1. Home Exchanges
Remember student exchange programs? Well, same concept, but with houses! Home exchanges allow you to literally swap your place with another family for an agreed-upon amount of time. This unique vacationing concept can happen any time of year, all over the world. Simply join an exchange network, post your home, and start making offers. Here are a few sites to get you started:
2. Volunteer Opportunities For Outgoing Retirees
You can find plenty of volunteer opportunities within your community. But, if you’re looking for a program that can keep you busy here, there, and everywhere, then try Habitat For Humanity.
Habitat For Humanity builds and rehabilitates homes for low-income families and individuals. Volunteer options range from construction to office work to helping out at educational functions or fundraisers. And, if you want, there are even travel opportunities!
Doesn’t sound like you? Then check out these other organizations to volunteer for:
3. National Senior Games
The National Senior Games Association (NSGA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to motivate “active adults to lead a healthy lifestyle through the senior games movement.” Every two years, The Games are held in a different host city, where adults ages 50 and over compete in 20 different sports. It is the largest multi-sport event in the world for senior citizens. Think Olympics, but for retirees! If you’d like info on how to qualify for The Games, then start here!
4. Adventure Travel For Outgoing Retirees
Do you enjoy travel but would rather explore than sit on a beach? Have you always been a risk-taker, likely to venture outside of your comfort zone? Then adventure travel might be for you!
There are whole agencies solely dedicated to organizing trips to anywhere in the world that may offer the potential for tourism plus exploration. Destinations are often exotic, remote, or perhaps even hazardous. Safari in Zimbabwe? Sure! Always dreamt of visiting the Holy Lands in Isreal? You could do that too! Here are a few adventure travel agencies to get you started!
Read Next: How Retirement Planning Can Double As a Vacation
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5. Adult Education
What better time to learn something new than when you have all the time in the world? Want to learn a new hobby? Are you interested in pop culture? Then take a class! Adult education programs exist across the country, many specifically tailored to senior interests (or outgoing retirees)! Try contacting your local community college or trade school, or start with our adult education directory!
6. Photography
Do you love taking pictures? Or have you always wanted to be a photographer? The only thing standing between you and a photography hobby is yourself! All you need is a camera, some creativity, and an eye for detail. If you’re an especially outgoing retiree, consider starting a photography business. Of course, you’ll need to practice a little if you’re not an experienced photographer! Whether you do wedding photos or snap pictures of people’s pets, you’ll get to meet a wide variety of clients—and make a little extra cash!
7. Get Outside
Sometimes, you don’t need to go to any place special to meet others. You just have to step outside your house! Not only is spending time in nature great for your health, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to make new friends. Whether you walk around your local park or spend a day at the beach, you’re bound to cross paths with a stranger or two. And while you should always take heed and never blindly trust anyone (especially in today’s world!), you never know. You could be one chance meeting away from making a lifelong friend!
8. Take An Exercise Class
If you want to meet friends and stay social, get moving—literally! See what classes your local gym or YMCA offers. It’s a great way to make friends of all ages and boost your health. Check out SilverSneakers to find exercise classes near you!
9. Attend Community Events
Even the smallest towns throw a big celebration or two! If you need to scratch your social itch, see if your community is offering any events, celebrations, or fun group activities. Visit your town’s website or social media page. Can’t find anything that catches your eye? You’re not out of luck yet! Oftentimes, churches also host social events where non-members are welcome—such as community potluck dinners and concerts!
10. Visit a Senior Center
Some people might think of senior centers as sterile, uninviting places where they could never meet any friends. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth! Senior centers are designed to help older adults get access to the resources they need and live fulfilled independent lives. Better yet, they offer a wide range of fun activities and social opportunities you might not find elsewhere. Don’t knock a senior center ’til you visit one!
More Resources For Outgoing Retirees
Even the most outgoing retirees need help sometimes! If you’re in need of aging-in-place help or home care, then start here!
Image Credit: Cristian Negroni / 500px @ Getty Images | Shutterstock | Unsplash
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Originally published February 17, 2025
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