While they are unlikely to appear on any bucket list of major items, it’s likely that you may have some day-to-day retirement objectives that will be designed to underpin your lifestyle and wellbeing once you’re no longer working.
These could include:
- Staying fit and healthy
- Keeping your mind active
- Maintaining a social network
- Filling your time constructively.
Participating in regular sporting activity go will towards helping to tick all of those boxes. You’ll have more time available to spend on any sport you currently participate in, as well as taking up an entirely new activity.
Here are some suggestions of sports you might want to consider getting involved in, all of which are popular with retirees.
1. Golf
Of course I’m going to mention this one, as it’s my personal favourite! While the sport itself has been memorably described as a “good walk spoiled”, there’s no doubt that one of the key attractions of golf is that many courses are set in stunning outdoor scenery, so that while you’re playing a round, you’ll be getting plenty of exercise.
Indeed, a Golf Monthly survey confirms that the average round involves walking 6.6 miles. Furthermore, this may well be on undulating ground, rough as well as fairway, depending on your ability.
As well as the scenery and exercise, another attraction of golf is that the handicap system means mixed-ability competition is possible, which can be important if you are a beginner.
Then there are the obvious social attractions of the sport. You may well play a round with three friends or people you may not have met before, so over the course of three or four hours of playing time, there is plenty of opportunity for conversation.
On top of that, there’s the “19th hole” to enjoy with the convivial atmosphere in the bar and restaurant.
The nature of golf means it can take up a lot of your day, so in retirement with time to fill, it makes it an ideal sport to take up.
2. Padel
According to the Lawn Tennis Association, padel is the “fastest growing sport in the world” with a BBC report confirming it is now enjoyed by 30 million players worldwide.
The increasing popularity of a sport that was little heard of a decade ago, means that dedicated courts are springing up everywhere. These will either be standalone courts in a sports centre, or part of an existing tennis club, so there is likely to be somewhere local to you where you can give it a try.
Described as a less-frenetic combination of squash and tennis, it relies on skill and placement, rather than brute strength. This accounts for much of the increasing popularity, as it can be enjoyed by the entire family – from grandparents to young children.
Furthermore, it’s easy to pick up and quickly reach a competent level where you are playing a good standard of the sport against opponents of a similar ability.
There’s also a strong social aspect to it, as you are likely to be playing at a local club where there will be many other members to get to know and socialise with.
3. Lawn bowls
While some sports do depend on a decent level of fitness and mobility in order to compete properly, even once you’ve retired, lawn bowls is sedate enough for you to enjoy playing until well into your retirement.
For example, my grandparents played well into their 80s. I fondly recall listening into stories (and gossip) of their bowls exploits (particularly from my grandma), in the same way I’ve love to reminisce over golf!
Lawn bowls is a great combination of exercise, social interaction, and competitive enjoyment.
From a health perspective, it can improve your balance and mobility, and increases muscle strength. It also provides you with a great mental challenge.
4. Walking soccer
If you’ve formerly enjoyed playing a physical team sport, such as rugby or football, it can be hard to curtail your involvement as recovering from knocks takes longer, and you start to wonder if you’re just a passenger in a team of younger players.
This will probably have occurred well before you retire, although most local rugby clubs will boast a veteran or two still turning out in their 60s!
However, if you’re missing a regular game of football, walking soccer is a great compromise as it combines the social and physical benefits of the sport without the running.
Effectively, it’s the same game played at a lively walking pace, which makes it perfect if you’re active and still fancy yourself as a midfield general or goal-poaching striker!
5. Swimming
You will probably have swum for fun when you were younger, and may even still do so to stay fit.
If you don’t, you may want to think about taking it up regularly. It provides an excellent cardio-vascular workout and can help loosen muscles in a much gentler way than more active sports on dry land. In addition to that, if you have an injury, swimming may well play a key role in your recovery.
Furthermore, according to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, swimming releases “feel good” hormones known as endorphins, which can both enhanced your mood and help reduce stress.
Swimming pools tend to open early at sports centres, so it’s a beneficial and healthy way to start your day.
6. Badminton
If you don’t fancy padel, or can’t find access to it locally, a great alternative is badminton.
Because of the design of the shuttlecock, even the strongest players will find it hard to beat an opponent through sheer strength, and it soon becomes a battle of finesse and placement.
It also gives you a full workout and will help improve your balance and eye-hand co-ordination. Additionally, the tactical element will help keep your brain active as well as your body.
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If you would like to discuss any aspects of your financial planning, please contact us by email today. If you prefer to speak to us, you can reach us in the UK on +44 (0) 208 0044900 or in Hong Kong on +852 39039004.
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