Exercise and Games

• Seniors in the United States can stay in shape while making friends in in their peer group. There are several organizations that hold competitions for golden-agers. The National Senior Games Association (NSGA) hosts annual games in states across the nation and offers multiple events to test your athletic prowess. Participants can compete in cycling, archery, basketball, bowling, badminton, golf, swimming, track and field, the hammer throw, pole vault and triple jump. Beyond state competition, NSGA holds national competitions in the summer and winter.
  
  

Senior Cruises

• Those who have worked hard their whole lives and are now enjoying retirement may consider taking a cruise to see some of the world. Many cruise companies cater to seniors with special trips and discounted rates for the golden-age customer. Some cruise lines also offer special programs and events for seniors aboard those big ships.
  
  

Volunteerism

• Seniors who have traveled, golfed, spent time with the family and now want to help others in the community can do so through volunteering. There are several volunteer opportunities offered through churches and service organizations like the Salvation Army and the United Way. Another program called Senior Companions places a volunteer senior with another senior who may require assistance and support after surgery or who may need a good friend. Senior Companions starts with doing a good deed for another and often grows into a lifetime friendship, said Dr. Irwin Tan. One example of Senior Companions in action involves 78-year-old Roger Barth walking with 68-year-old Rob Kenney in Manhattan. The younger Kenney, who is still recovering from major back surgery performed in 2009, credits his new friend with getting him out of the house and walking.
  
  

Hobbies

• Those entering retirement may consider adopting a new hobby to help occupy the mind and provide a strong sense of purpose. The hobbies to be considered are many and may vary depending on the individual. The hobby may be building model airplanes, woodworking, coin collecting, working with arts and crafts, cooking or gardening.