When you retire from a lifetime of hard work, it is incredibly tempting to sit back, put your feet up, and settle in for the same routine your parents had when they got older. (You know, Matlock reruns, maybe some light gardening, and the occasional trip to visit the grandkids.)
But there has been plenty of evidence that resigning yourself to your parents’ definition of retirement isn’t just boring; it could be bad for your mental and physical health.
Retirees who remain socially and cognitively engaged often experience better physical health, slower biological aging and improved mental well-being, according to health organization Cedars-Sinai. The 2025 Age Adventurously Study by not-for-profit educational travel organization Road Scholar also yielded reports that support this premise; 94% of adults aged 50-98 who engaged in “adventurous activities” reported higher levels of well-being, reinforcing the idea that curiosity and exploration are key drivers of happiness later in life.
To challenge stereotypes around aging (like the aforementioned affinity for Matlock), and inspire more people to embrace curiosity, courage and connection, Road Scholar spearheaded the initiative to create Age Adventurously Day, a national holiday celebrated annually on June 8th. The holiday invites people to try something new — whether close to home or across the globe — as a way of reinvigorating a sense of adventure.
The definition of “adventure” is broad, in this case. You might feel daring for simply ordering something different at your regular restaurant, for example. Or maybe you’re up for enrolling in a class to learn a new language. Anything goes, as long as you’re expanding your horizons.
Here are a few ideas:
Get Outside
Exploring the natural world around you can have multiple benefits, including healthy aging. According to Harvard Health, research shows that spending regular time outdoors is linked with decreased stress and anxiety, improved cognitive function, better sleep, and a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
In her 2024 book Tough Broad, author Caroline Paul profiled older women who are living proof of the benefits of exploring outdoors, noting that healthy aging requires a blend of community, novelty, purpose, and a positive mindset.
Not sure where to start? Make a plan to hike a new trail. Start a patio garden. Find a new green space where you can bring a book and enjoy the feeling of sun on your face. Or even try taking a “fart walk” after dinner.
Culinary Travels
Although Road Scholar specializes in educational travel, not everyone can jet-set around the globe in order to expand their horizons. The good news is that you can learn an awful lot about different cultures just by sampling their cuisines.
By trying new-to-you foods, you can also improve your gut biome by making it more diverse and prevent boredom at mealtime. One 2024 study even found that novel eating experiences have “a significant positive effect” on your well-being.
Recently, a 62-year old Texas dad gained millions of followers (and was subsequently featured on the Today Show) by sharing his quest to sample foods from different cultures. Referred to as “TikTok’s favorite ‘old white guy,’” Kent Burris films himself trying out new cuisines for the first time, and what makes him so popular is his willingness to ask questions along the way. His genuine curiosity — and endearing ability to admit ignorance without offering insult — has made him a social media phenomenon.
“Look, I know the tendency to keep it safe, since I’m an old white guy,” he says in one of his videos while he’s trying a new Jamaican restaurant. He continues, “I tell [waiters in restaurants], I don’t want you to play it safe with me. I want to know what I would eat if I was sitting in your country.”
Since he started gaining recognition, Burris has sampled all kinds of “exotic” cuisines that expanded his palate from the usual fare he once relied on. That led to a journey of personal growth that surprised him.
“My advice would be, ‘Don’t wait too late,’ like I did,” he told Today. “I was 61 years old before I started exploring. You don’t have to wait. It’s OK to go in. These people are very proud of their cultures. They want to show that off to you. Go in there and give them the opportunity to do so.”
To live adventurously, try a new restaurant that’s out of your comfort zone. Take a cooking class. Plan a potluck dinner where people bring foods based on their own personal heritage. Or, try a recipe that requires a visit to a specialty grocery store for ingredients.
Make New Friends
There’s almost nothing scarier than putting yourself “out there,” but building a strong social support network is vital, no matter your age. We’ve written extensively about the importance of inoculating yourself against the loneliness pandemic, whether you need a social prescription or are simply seeking a stronger connection to your local community.
So on June 8th (or anytime, really), live adventurously by volunteering somewhere, joining a book club or enrolling in a Lifelong Learning class. Join a gym and sign up for the fitness class that has always felt just a tad too intimidating. The friendships will evolve naturally, along with your own sense of accomplishment.
Find Your Joy
Retirement is the perfect time to capitalize on your ability to try a new hobby, skill or craft. Whether you’re pursuing something you’ve always regretted not trying in your youth, or simply taking up something that “looks fun,” you can’t go wrong exploring your options.
Hobbies are more than just a way to take up time. They can help older adults stay mentally and physically active, which can in turn postpone age-related diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Hobbies can also provide purpose, introduce you to new friends, and offer a necessary mental reprieve. “When you practice and become proficient at a hobby, then your brain can actually go into autopilot mode and you can give it some time away from the daily barrage of new information and stimulus,” Judy Torel, a certified life coach and personal trainer, told us for our article on the mental and physical benefits of hobbies.
Go to your local craft store to buy any supplies you’ll need. Sign up for an intro “how-to” class at the library or even watch YouTube videos online. (There’s almost nothing you can’t learn on the internet, but it’s always better to do it in person if you can.) And live adventurously by trying your hand at sculpting, paper crafts, knitting, sewing, gardening, walking, bird-watching, calligraphy, dancing, golfing, pickleball, woodworking, martial arts, jewelry-making … the list is practically endless.
More Stories You May Like:
 was created to challenge stereotypes around aging and inspire more people to embrace curiosity and connection.){kind=link}