Retirement living | Best ways to enjoy retirement
At our lifestyle village for the over 55s in Burnham-on-Crouch, many of our residents are already enjoying retirement living. If you are approaching retirement, or you have already retired and you are looking for a few ideas or some inspiration to keep busy and keep active, look no further! We have put together some top tips on the best ways to enjoy retirement.
With more time and more opportunities than ever before, this stage of life can offer the chance to focus on yourself, explore passions, and build meaningful connections.
At Burnham Waters in Essex, we believe that retirement is not about slowing down—it’s about living life to the fullest. So…we have put together some tips on the best ways to enjoy your retirement and make every day feel rewarding.
The best ways to enjoy retirement: Our top tips
1. Prioritise your wellbeing
The key to enjoying retirement starts with good health—both physical and mental. Simple lifestyle habits can make a huge difference.
Stay active: Gentle exercise such as walking, swimming, or yoga can help to maintain mobility, strength, and energy levels. At Burnham Waters, we will be delivering a host of facilities on site. These will include a swimming pool, tennis court and a fitness centre, with organised classes – the perfect way to keep active - and meet new friends.
Explore the lifestyle facilities on offer at Burnham Waters here.
Eat well: Nutritious meals keep your mind sharp and body strong. Lots of our existing residents have told us how much they enjoy cooking in their brand new open plan, sociable kitchens at Burnham Waters.
If you are looking for some recipe inspiration, Age UK have some great suggestions on their website. View the Age UK recipes here.
Practice mindfulness: Retirement can bring changes that sometimes feel overwhelming. Activities like meditation, journaling, or simply spending time in nature can reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Explore the benefits of yoga in retirement in our blog post here.
Residents at Burnham Waters are lucky enough to live near some beautiful countryside walks - a great way to combine some exercise with some fresh air. If you are looking for some inspiration, or a new route to try, take a look at our previous blog post, which celebrated National Walking Month - it provides a great round-up of some of our favourite, local walking routes.
Looking for some other ideas for keeping fit and healthy? Read our previous blog post where we share top tips for keeping healthy in retirement.
2. Explore lifelong learning
Just because you’ve retired from work, it doesn’t mean you’ve retired from learning or developing a new skill or hobby. In fact, retirement can be the perfect time to discover new interests or revisit old ones.
New hobbies in retirement might include:
• Taking up painting, pottery, or photography
• Enrolling in an online course or workshop
• Learning a new language - ideal for those planning to travel!
Not only does learning new skills keep your mind sharp, but it also gives you a sense of achievement and purpose and it can be a great way to meet new people too.
3. Travel and adventure
For many, retirement is the first real opportunity to see the world without the constraints of annual leave or busy schedules. Travel doesn’t have to mean overseas holidays (although that’s always an option). It could be:
• A road trip to nearby towns or cities, which you’ve never visited before
• Exploring local landmarks, museums, and walking trails
• Taking part in group trips organised by your retirement community
In fact, at Burnham Waters, we have already started delivering a social calendar of events for our residents. So far, we’ve had a day at the races and a trip to see the Tina Turner event at the Cliffs Pavillion in Southend – both of which were great fun. And there will be many more adventures to come.
If you are planning to travel more extensively and perhaps travel abroad or for longer periods of time, there are many benefits to having a property that is set within a retirement community like Burnham Waters. With 24/7 security on site, and friendly neighbours happy to keep a watchful eye on your home, it means you can ‘lock up and leave’ while enjoying the peace of mind that your home should be safe and secure.
4. Build meaningful connections
Social connections are one of the greatest predictors of happiness in retirement. Nurturing relationships can bring joy, companionship, and support. Here are a few suggestions to keep you feeling connected:
• Spend quality time with friends and family – there’s lots of space for the grandchildren to explore and enjoy within our village, or invite friends over for a cup of tea and a gentle stroll
• Make new friends through clubs, volunteering, or community events – with our schedule of community events, it’s easy to meet your new neighbours and to make new friends
• Stay connected digitally - make sue of video calls and social media if loved ones live far away
At Burnham Waters, community is at the heart of everything we do. Shared spaces, group activities, and social events make it easy to connect and feel a sense of belonging.
5. Give back through volunteering
One of the most fulfilling ways to enjoy retirement is by helping others. Volunteering not only benefits the community but also brings a sense of purpose and connection. There are lots of ways you can volunteer – either on a regular, or an ad hoc basis. For example:
• Mentor young people or share your professional expertise
• Volunteer at local charities, schools, or hospitals
• Get involved in environmental projects, such as community gardens or conservation groups
Why not check out Volunteer Essex, where you can explore current volunteering opportunities in the local area.
Retirement offers the gift of time and using that gift to give back can be deeply rewarding.
6. Cultivate hobbies and passions
This is your chance to spend time doing what you truly love. Hobbies provide structure, they can bring creativity, and joy to your daily life. Popular retirement hobbies might include:
• Gardening - enjoying the satisfaction of growing your own flowers or vegetables (as well as private terraces, we will be delivering allotments at Burnham Waters, for those who want to grow their own produce)
• Reading - whether novels, biographies, or joining a book club
• Music - learning an instrument, joining a choir, or simply enjoying concerts (we know that at least one of our residents is a member of a local choir and we’re sure they’d be happy to welcome you)
• Crafting - knitting, quilting, or even wood work
If you are a keen gardener, why not take a look at our recent post, where we share some gardening tips here.
The possibilities are endless!
7. Embrace simplicity and relaxation
Retirement is also about enjoying life’s simple pleasures. After years of busy schedules, it’s ok to slow down.
• Take leisurely morning walks
• Enjoy a cup of tea while watching the sunset
• Spend afternoons listening to music or watching your favourite films
These quiet moments of contentment are just as important as the bigger adventures.
8. Plan for peace of mind
Enjoying retirement isn’t only about the present—it’s also about feeling secure about the future. Having a plan in place for your finances, healthcare, and living arrangements provides peace of mind.
Living in a retirement village offers the reassurance of support, community, and safety, while still allowing independence and freedom. With these essentials taken care of, you can focus fully on the joys of daily life.
Retirement living at Burnham Waters in Essex
Burnham Waters is a 55 over housing community in Essex, comprising a collection of one, two and three-bedroom bungalows, set in a beautiful village community that encourages a healthy, active and enjoyable lifestyle – all in an idyllic countryside location.
Looking to enjoy the very best in retirement living? Then book an appointment to visit our show home today! We are open daily, 10am – 3pm. For more information get in touch by email, call us on 01621 861 559 or complete our enquiry form.
