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For many people thinking about retirement does not conjure up thoughts of loneliness. Instead they are busy planning about going on cruising trips, or using their time to finally pursue their interests or hobbies, or spending more quality time with their partners and other members of the family. However, for singles, facing this stage of their lives alone can often seem bleak. A spouse's death or a divorce can leave people at the latter half of their lives feeling unsure and lost, wondering how to go on from there. However, being single and retired need not mean the death knell of life. There are many ways that you can beat loneliness after retirement. Here are a few tips how you can do it:

Learning New Things:

One of the best times to learn new things is after retirement. Enroll in a course online on a subject that has always interested you. Or you could return to school to earn that degree you have always been wanting to and never finding the time for. Visit the library; find the books on the topics you have wanted to know about. Learn to paint, learn to write poetry. Keeping your mind intellectually active is the basic idea. A stimulated mind keeps loneliness and boredom at bay.

Making New Friends:

Find an interest group that suits you, which you can join to make friends who share views and hobbies that are similar to yours. Join a book club, a bird-watching group, or a group of hiking or biking enthusiasts.

Adopting a Pet:

Many animal shelters have abandoned animals that need loving owners. When you adopt a pet, not only will you get an affectionate and loyal companion, but you will be helping a needy animal. Because they hardly need any maintenance and are independent, some people find cats ideal pets. Dogs, on the other hand, usually require more attention and affection, which could be what lonely single retirees need. Whichever kind of animal you choose to adopt, ensure you have enough money, time and space for the pet. There are many resources online where you can find out more about adopting pets.

Looking for New Romance:

There are many resources that you can use to find new romance in your life. There are online dating websites specifically meant for seniors, or you could look around in your friends' circle, or take part in singles events in your locality, or join senior centers where many kinds of activities are organized such as card games, trips, social gatherings, and so on. Even if you do not find romance, these will certainly keep you from being lonely.

Just Relaxing:

After working all your life, it is time to take the break that you deserve. Visit those sunny islands you have been longing to experience. Relax on the beach and take in the beautiful scenery. Go on a sight-seeing tour to some exotic locales. Take a cross country train trip. If you are healthy and the adventurous type, go sky-diving or bungee-jumping. Offer your services as a volunteer at your church or shelter. When was the last time you went to the movies? Retirement does not mean being confined to the couch all day. With the overabundance of opportunities for staying active, singles can certainly beat loneliness after retirement.

2008 Anna D. Banks, GCDF

Anna D. Banks, a passionate advocate for baby boomers in exploring their priorities, planning and setting goals for the next stage of their lives. Assisting her clients to attract and build a professional and personal life consistent with their values is not just a goal of Anna's, it's her passion. Her diverse work experience in business, education and financial services enables her to help the diverse population of baby-boomers with their life, career, and personal finance coaching needs. Anna is currently Adjunct Faculty at Essex County College, where she teaches Career Development & Management.

Author's Note:

Do you have any questions about career development or lifestyle changes for Baby Boomers, which you think others, like you, would want to know the answers? Please place a post on http://www.annabanks.com or email your questions to me at Anna@AnnaBanks.com

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