“It’s incredible to see how many people are taking advantage of their retirement to enjoy things they didn’t have time for in their working years,” said Connor Smith, vice president of masterbrand at IHG Hotels & Resorts. “The reality is, that people put their careers and families first. So, in their retirement era, it’s inspiring to see them live their best lives. We love that travel came up as a top priority and encourage guests to come as they are, whether they’re adventurers, foodies, or just want to be taken care of.”
Along with traveling, respondents also said they’ll be side hustling (starting a small, part-time job or business) to have a little bit of extra income (78%) and to fend off boredom (45%).
And in their downtime, nearly half (43%) have or plan to pick up an old hobby. A third (33%) even said this is their time to learn a new skill.
Eleven percent are getting into sports, while others are becoming writers (17%) or learning a new language (16%) — perhaps to help make some of their travel plans easier by knowing local phrases.
While many have big travel plans and are picking up hobbies, the survey also explored who respondents might be enjoying these activities with.
Looking into their love lives, nearly one in six (15%) want to find love during retirement and are planning to spend more time dating to find “the one.”
But some single retirees are happy on their own — so when planning how to make the most of their retirement, many (16%) have boldly put a solo trip on the books.
Regardless of whether they’re going solo or have travel mates, for those with an upcoming trip, 25% plan to spend as much time as possible exploring and adventuring rather than resting and relaxing.
“One of people’s biggest fears when heading into retirement is being bored,” said Smith. “But now we’re seeing that retirees have countless ideas on how to make the most of their hard-earned time. Whether that’s traveling, starting a side hustle, or picking up a hobby, retirement can be an opportunity for adventure and reinvention, and anything but boring.”
The retirees’ top hobbies include gardening (43%), reading (42%), cooking (38%), and baking (28%). Additionally, other activities that come top among their hobbies include fishing (22%), painting (17%), and writing (17%). It was interesting to note that 16% of them like to learn a new language while 15% love photography.
Other top hobbies included sewing (14%), learning an instrument (11%), sport (11%), and carpentry at 9%. Another 9% like dancing and an equal percentage pickleball while 7% love singing and a paltry 2% love stand-up comedy. The survey was conducted in August 2024.
Produced in association with SWNS Research
