What does retirement mean to you? When I was in my 20s, this is what I thought a typical day for a retiree would be like.

5 a.m. Wake up to a leisurely breakfast and a cup of coffee. Read the paper and do the crossword puzzle.

7 a.m. Go for a walk or swim in the pool, then take it easy.

9 a.m. Watch some TV and read a magazine or a book.

11 a.m. - Have lunch.

Afternoon Go shopping, walk the dog, work on the house, and catch up with friends.

5 p.m. Have an early bird dinner and kick back the rest of the day.

9 p.m. Time to hit the hay.

This sounds like the easy life, but it also seems quite boring. This vision fits a sedate retirement home more than the current active retirements in which many retirees actually engage. Now that Im older and know more retirees, I know this is not what people do in retirement. Many people stay quite active when they first retire from their careers and put off the relaxed retirement until when they are much older.

Active retirement. My dad retired about five years ago from running a restaurant, but a relaxed retirement isnt for him. He is always restless and hated not working. So he started a new micro business and is working part time. Its a hobby-based business and he is having a lot of fun. My father-in-law retired with a full pension and he is working (ok, volunteering) at a friends liquor store for free. One of my friends is financially independent, but he still actively manages his portfolio every day. I suspect most people would rather continue to be active after they retire from their career than relaxing around the pool all day.

Excerpt from:
What Does Retirement Really Look Like?