For a growing number of over-60s, retirement is 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 retirement is a revolution waiting to be embraced. This isn’t about settling for the sidelines, it’s about living boldly, joyfully and fully. 

At Adlington Retirement Living 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. 

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. 

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

Art 

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

Jane, a homeowner at The Sidings, creates beautiful artwork and pottery: “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.” 

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 at The Woodlands in Heaton Mersey, 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!” 

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 at The Folds in Romiley, is passionate about gardening: “I’m a founder member of the gardening club. We grew sunflowers last 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 at The Spindles 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.” 

Lifelong Learning 

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. 

Lesley, a homeowner at The Newells in Kempston, 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. That’s what I like about the U3A. We have interest groups, and I belong to the local history group and arts groups. There’s an awful lot to do.” 

Travel Adventures 

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

Margaret and John have travelled extensively: “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.” 

Discovering Your Passion 

At Adlington 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. 

If you would like to find out more about Adlington Retirement Living, the friendly sales team are ready to welcome you from Monday to Saturday at The Woodlands in Heaton Mersey, Stockport, The Sidings in Lytham, Lancashire, The Spindles in Menston, Yorkshire, The Newells in Kempston, Bedfordshire, Broadleaf House in Wylde Green, West Midlands, Brookfields House in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, Radford House in Exeter, Devon, and Riverside Gardens in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. Call 0800 118 1694 to find out more or visit Adlington.co.uk.