What do most retirees do?

Most people in retirement focus on staying active, engaged, and purposeful, balancing leisure with meaningful activities like pursuing hobbies (gardening, art, reading), volunteering, mentoring, spending time with family, traveling, learning new things (languages, instruments), and prioritizing health through exercise, leading to a mix of relaxation and structured, enjoyable days.


What does the average retiree do all day?

Retired people fill their days with a wide variety of activities, often focusing on leisure, personal interests, and social connections, including hobbies (gardening, reading, art, music, puzzles), physical activities (walking, cycling, yoga), learning (online courses, languages), volunteering, spending time with family (grandkids), home/DIY projects, travel, and sometimes part-time work, aiming to stay active and engaged without the structure of a job. 

What is the number one mistake retirees make?

The top ten financial mistakes most people make after retirement are:
  • 1) Not Changing Lifestyle After Retirement. ...
  • 2) Failing to Move to More Conservative Investments. ...
  • 3) Applying for Social Security Too Early. ...
  • 4) Spending Too Much Money Too Soon. ...
  • 5) Failure To Be Aware Of Frauds and Scams. ...
  • 6) Cashing Out Pension Too Soon.


What is the $1,000 a month rule for retirement?

The $1,000 a month retirement rule is a simple guideline stating you need about $240,000 saved for every $1,000 of monthly income you want from your investments in retirement, based on a 5% annual withdrawal rate ($240k x 0.05 / 12 = $1k/month). It's a motivational tool to estimate savings goals (e.g., $3,000/month needs $720k), but it's one-dimensional, doesn't account for inflation, taxes, or other income like Social Security, and assumes steady 5% returns, making a personalized plan essential. 

What do the happiest retirees do?

SunLife's 2025 Life Well Spent report, which surveyed more than 2,000 adults age 50 and older, found that the happiest retirees spend 43 more minutes per week in nature and significantly less time watching TV than unhappy retirees. (Image credit: SunLife, Life Well Spent Happiness Report, 2025.)


10 Things Happy Retirees Do Well | MOST COST $0



What is the biggest retirement regret among seniors?

Not Saving Enough

If there's one regret that rises above all others, it's this: not saving enough. In fact, a study from the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies shows that 78% of retirees wish they had saved more.

What should a 70 year old be doing all day?

A 70-year-old should focus on a balanced routine of ** physical activity, mental engagement, social connection, good nutrition, and adequate rest**, incorporating elements like brisk walking, puzzles, time with loved ones, healthy eating, and quality sleep to maintain health, independence, and a fulfilling life, while also managing stress and consulting doctors regularly.
 

What is a good monthly income for a retired person?

A good monthly retirement income is often considered 70-80% of your pre-retirement income, but it truly depends on your lifestyle, location, and expenses, with benchmarks ranging from $4,000-$8,000+ monthly for a comfortable life, factoring in needs like housing, healthcare, and travel. Financial planners suggest calculating your specific "income gap" by subtracting guaranteed income (like Social Security) from your estimated needs to see what you need from savings. 


What are the 3 R's of retirement?

The Three R's of Retirement: Resiliency, Resourcefulness & the Renaissance Spirit.

What does Suze Orman say about retirement?

Orman recommended making the most of retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. She suggested contributing enough to get any employer match, as this is essentially free money. For those closer to retirement, taking advantage of catch-up contributions allowed for individuals over 50 can be a smart move.

What is the number one fear of retirees?

Financial security

Many older adults worry about how they're going to afford to live in retirement. They may be concerned about running out of money, not being able to afford healthcare, or not being able to maintain their current lifestyle (or achieve their dream retirement lifestyle).


What is the biggest expense for most retirees?

The biggest retirement expense is typically housing, including mortgage/rent, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance, often consuming around one-third of a retiree's budget; however, healthcare becomes a rapidly growing and often underestimated expense, potentially surpassing housing in later years, covering premiums, gaps in Medicare, dental, vision, and long-term care, making it a crucial financial focus. Other major costs include food, transportation, and taxes. 

At what age does the body decline the most?

It's natural to lose about 10% to 15% of your muscle mass and strength over your lifetime. This steady decline starts around age 30 and speeds up after you hit 60. Muscle loss happens for a mix of reasons, including lower levels of muscle-building hormones and changes to your muscle fibers.

How do I stop boredom in retirement?

Plan what you want to do before you retire

Terry offered this simple but powerful advice: “If you have nothing to do, keep working. Otherwise, you'll be bored.” Planning retirement is NOT just about your finances—it's about knowing how you'll spend your time.


What is the best age to retire?

“Most studies suggest that people who retire between the ages of 64 and 66 often strike a balance between good physical health and having the freedom to enjoy retirement,” she says. “This period generally comes before the sharp rise in health issues which people see in their late 70s.

Can a retired couple live on $5000 a month?

With $5,000 per month in retirement, you can afford to live in many locations, coast to coast and beyond. As long as you pay close attention to your savings and stick to a reasonable budget, you can turn that $5,000 monthly retirement budget into a dream lifestyle for your golden years.

What are the biggest retirement mistakes?

The biggest retirement mistakes involve poor planning (starting late, underestimating costs like healthcare/inflation, not having a budget) and bad financial decisions (claiming Social Security too early, taking big investment risks or being too conservative, cashing out accounts, having too much debt). Many also neglect the non-financial aspects, like adjusting lifestyle or planning for longevity, leading to running out of money or feeling unfulfilled. 


How many Americans have $500,000 in retirement savings?

Only a small percentage of Americans have $500,000 or more in retirement savings, with recent data (late 2025/early 2026) suggesting around 7% to 9% of households have reached this milestone, though this varies by source and can be skewed by high-income earners or home equity. For instance, one study showed only 4% of all households had $500k-$999k, and 3.1% had $1M+. 

How much do most retirees live on per month?

Most U.S. retirees spend around $5,000 per month, but this varies significantly, with basic needs potentially requiring $3,000-$4,000 and comfortable lifestyles needing $5,000-$8,000+, with major expenses being housing, healthcare, and food. Younger retirees (65-74) generally spend more (around $4,870/month) than older ones (75+) (around $3,813/month). 

At what age do you start feeling tired and old?

You might start feeling more tired and notice signs of aging, like decreased energy and strength, in your 40s and 50s, due to natural shifts in hormones, metabolism, muscle mass, and bone density, with significant molecular changes noted around age 44 and 60. However, these feelings vary greatly, with factors like poor sleep, stress, diet, activity levels, and mental health playing huge roles, and persistent fatigue should always prompt a doctor's visit as it can signal underlying issues.
 


What is the number one fruit that seniors should eat everyday?

The 13 Best Fruits And Vegetables Seniors Should Include In Their...
  • #1.) Blueberries. Blueberries are often referred to as “brain berries” for a good reason. ...
  • #2.) Spinach. Spinach is packed with essential nutrients, including folate. ...
  • #3.) Broccoli. ...
  • #4.) Avocado. ...
  • #5.) Oranges. ...
  • #5.) Kale. ...
  • #6.) Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • #7.) Apples.


What to do when you are older and have no friends?

Get involved in local community activities. These will vary according to where you live, but the chances are you'll have access to a singing or walking group, book clubs, bridge, bingo, quiz nights and faith groups.