Retirement is a funny thing. You spend decades looking forward to it—no more early alarms, no more meetings, no more pretending to care about Sharon’s gluten-free birthday cake at the office. But then, after a few weeks of sleeping in and watching too much daytime television, you start to wonder… What now?

According to Alex Hoffmann, keeping your brain engaged is just as important as staying physically active. Some retirees dive into books, puzzles, or even online games—because not everyone wants to spend their golden years hiking up mountains. Playing games online from the comfort of home can be an easy and entertaining way to stay sharp, especially if traveling doesn’t appeal as much these days.

Whether it’s strategy games or even exploring different online casinos like the platforms here, there are plenty of options to keep the mind active. According to Card Player’s Alex Hoffman, these online platforms offer players various gaming options, including pokies, bingo, and flexible payment options.

If you’re someone who enjoys getting out and about, Australia has no shortage of things to do. Take a morning stroll along Bondi Beach, or if you’re feeling ambitious, tackle the Blue Mountains. Road trips are another great option, the Great Ocean Road never gets old, and a wine-tasting weekend in the Barossa Valley? That’s what retirement was made for.

If you’d rather keep busy closer to home, there’s plenty to do. Volunteering is a great way to stay active and meet new people—whether it’s mentoring young professionals, working in a community garden, or helping out at a wildlife rescue (because who wouldn’t want to spend their afternoons with baby wombats?). Libraries and community centres also offer classes in everything from painting to tai chi, and you might even surprise yourself by enjoying something you never thought you’d try.

Then there are hobbies—the things you always said you’d do “one day.” Well, that day is here. Always wanted to learn an instrument? Dust off that old guitar. Thinking about gardening? Start with a few herbs and see how it goes (warning: possums will probably eat half of what you plant). If you love the idea of traveling but don’t want the hassle of long flights and heavy suitcases, short weekend getaways can be just as fun—Tasmania, Noosa, and the Margaret River region are all perfect for a relaxed, no-stress escape.

Of course, not everyone wants to completely slow down. Some retirees keep a bit of part-time work going, whether for extra income or just to have some structure in their week. Others stay social with regular coffee catch-ups, book clubs, or even just weekly pub nights with old friends. The trick is to find something—anything—that makes you excited to get out of bed in the morning (even if it’s just knowing you’ve got a good crossword puzzle waiting for you).

The best part of retirement is there are no rules. Fill your time with things that make you happy, whether that’s trying something new every day or simply enjoying the freedom to do absolutely nothing whenever you feel like it. After years of work, responsibilities, and obligations, retirement is finally a time that belongs entirely to you.