15 Ways to Add More Adventure to Your Life in Retirement
Science reveals that embarking on an adventure can make us feel more alive and connected, triggering a release of happiness and satisfaction. These experiences stimulate our brain’s reward system, motivating us to pursue even more thrilling activities. But you don’t have to scale towering peaks or travel far to enjoy the benefits of adventure. Whether you’re retiring at an Oasis Life estate or just looking to add excitement to your golden years, here are 14 delightful activities that can help you step out of your comfort zone and embrace the joy of adventure.
Cultivate an Adventurous Mindset in Retirement
Just like any new venture, living adventurously starts with a mindset shift. It’s about choosing to be curious and exploring new things. No matter your age, it’s never too late to begin.
- Redefine adventure: “Living adventurously is about the attitude you choose,” says Alistair Humphreys, National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. Try activities that pique your curiosity.
- Start small: As psychologist Gordon Livingston advises, don’t wait for motivation—just dive into your adventure, even if it’s something small like signing up for a pottery class at your estate’s community centre.
- Embrace your fears: Stepping into the unknown is natural, but don’t let fear hold you back from exploring new hobbies or experiences. As Frederique Murphy points out, the best moments often lie just beyond our fears.
Take the Long Way Home—Explore Your Local Oasis Life Estate
Sometimes, the most rewarding adventures are closer than we think. Try taking a different route through your estate to uncover new spots and hidden gems within your community. You might stumble upon a walking path, a quiet corner in the garden, or a new vantage point of the surrounding nature. Living at an Oasis Life estate gives you the perfect opportunity to explore on foot or by bike—your adventure awaits right outside your door.
Go Forest Bathing in Nature’s Embrace
At Oasis Life estates, nature is your playground. Forest bathing, a practice originating from Japan, involves slow, mindful walks through the woods, focusing on the sights, sounds, and smells around you. It’s a peaceful and rejuvenating way to connect with nature and enhance your physical and mental well-being. Whether in the lush greenery of Constantia or the scenic views at Burgundy Estate, taking time to immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding your home offers a refreshing escape.
Learn a New Language and Connect Globally
Learning a new language can be a thrilling adventure, especially if you’re planning to travel or connect with fellow residents from diverse backgrounds. At Oasis Life, you might even find or form a club created by other like-minded community members. Download Duolingo, grab a friend and learn a new language in preparation for a holiday. Not only does learning a new language keep your mind sharp, but it also opens doors to new friendships and opportunities to explore different cultures.
Rekindle Childlike Wonder with Creative Pursuits
Never stop playing! Engaging in creative activities such as painting, baking, or making crafts can spark joy and revive the wonder we all had as children. At Oasis Life, residents can participate in art classes, dance groups, or gardening projects—turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Reconnect with the simple joys that will make you feel alive and energised again.
Be a Hometown Tourist
Rediscover the beauty of your surroundings by playing tourist in your own backyard. Sign up for an art, food, wine or cultural tour to experience your city in a new way and you’re bound to see it all with fresh eyes, greater insight and more interest. Whether it’s wine tasting at one of our Oasis Life estates or a new show at a nearby theatre, there are plenty of ways to experience familiar places in a new light.
Throw a Dress-up Party to Bring People Together
Hosting a dress-up party is not only fun, but it’s also an excellent way to engage with fellow residents and explore different themes. Why not organise an event around a specific decade, like a 60s-inspired soirée, or a “Hollywood Glamour” gathering to celebrate your retirement adventures? Dress-up events provide opportunities to get creative, share laughs, and connect with friends new and old. For Women’s Day at Oasis Life Clara Anna Fontein, the men dressed up as women in a lighthearted dress up event. Read more here.
Go Back to School and Learn Something New
As we age, we often wish we had more time to explore hobbies or interests that once seemed out of reach. In retirement, you have the freedom to pursue these passions. Many Oasis Life estates offer adult learning opportunities, from cooking classes to creative writing workshops. Take advantage of these and challenge yourself to learn something new—no exams, just pure enjoyment!
Treat Yourself to a Staycation at Oasis Life
Who says you have to travel far to experience adventure? Treat yourself to a staycation by booking a stay at Oasis Life Burgundy Estate to experience the lifestyle for yourself. Enjoy dining at the clubhouse, or simply order in and relax in serene surroundings. Sometimes, a quick getaway without leaving town is just what you need to recharge and rethink. This service is coming soon! Email info@oasislife.co.za to learn more and register your interest on our waiting list.
Prioritise Personal Growth with Inner Adventures
The greatest adventures are not always external—they can be found within. Whether it’s through meditation, reading self-development books, or listening to inspiring podcasts, there’s an entire world of personal growth waiting for you. Oasis Life offers tranquil spaces to reflect, relax, and rejuvenate, allowing you to explore your inner world and embrace personal transformation.
Rekindle Connection in Your Relationships
Why not reignite the spark in your relationships by revisiting your favourite experiences? At Oasis Life, you can join activities, book getaways within your community, or participate in relationship-building activities to keep the adventure alive.
Start a Culinary Adventure with a Chef’s Circle
If you’re a foodie, embark on a culinary adventure by hosting a dinner club with neighbours. Each gathering could feature a different cuisine from around the world, with each member contributing a dish. Not only will you expand your cooking skills, but you’ll also build lasting friendships while enjoying delicious food. Want chef-inspired inspiration with freshly delivered ingredients and restaurant-worthy recipes? Download Oasis Life Ripple to enjoy an exclusive Ripple reader discount for a UCOOK subscription.
Go Armchair Travelling from the Comfort of Your Home
For those who prefer to travel from the comfort of their own home, check out VoiceMap’s audio tours, or dive into adventurous books and documentaries that transport you to exciting destinations. Whether you’re reading about Anthony Bourdain’s culinary adventures or watching a captivating documentary about nature, armchair travel offers the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation. You might even find inspiration for your next adventure. Living at Oasis Life provides the ultimate lock-up-and-go lifestyle!
Discover New Perspectives with Stunning Documentaries
Explore the world through the lens of renowned filmmakers and photographers. Documentaries such as Our Planet with David Attenborough or Tales by Light offer incredible journeys to distant lands and hidden gems. These films remind us that adventure is all around us—whether in the remote wilderness or the bustling streets of a city.
Inspiration from Daring Pioneers: Adventure Awaits at Any Age
As Roy Chapman Andrews reminds us, “There has always been an adventure just around the corner and the world is still full of corners.” Adventure is not confined to youth—it can be found at any stage of life, including retirement. Whether through travel, new activities, or rekindling old passions, the possibilities for adventure are endless. At Oasis Life, there’s always something new to discover and explore, making retirement a time to embrace the bold and the unexpected.
Inspired? Read more in Oasis Life’s Summer Ripple: The Adventure Issue.
