A Serious Look at Play

One of my pet leisure activities is golf. Golf nut that I am, I know that the game is not to be a central focus in my retirement plan. If I tried to design my life around golf, it would no longer be a diversion and thus no longer leisure. You may know retired people who didn't design a blueprint for the "third act" and assumed they would just fish all they want, play golf every day, or center life around whatever they found on television. Soon they start looking for diversion from those activities. As a break from our routines though, leisure is essential. It can be a means of personal growth and fulfill critical needs. Leisure activities are best cultivated during our work years when they can keep us fresh and productive. In retirement, leisure will play a larger role. Without play of some sort (social interaction, spectator activities, creative expression, mental stimulation. physical exercise or solitary relaxation) our lives soon lack luster, says Dr. Richard Johnson in "Creating a Successful Retirement", one of his many excellent guides to the new retirement. Check out your own attitude toward play and your preferred leisure activities. They may well be the fountain of youth.