Retirement and Solitude: How Older Adults Spend Their Time Alone

Written by Becky Yarwood  

Source: ‘Alone Time in the Golden Age: Pre-Retiree and Retiree Experiences of Solitude’ (Manuscript in Preparation) 

Relate post: https://www.solitude-lab.com/post/solitude-in-retirement-insights-from-older-adults

This project was made possible by the support of Age UK Durham branch.

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Did you know that time spent alone increases with age? Research shows that older adults experience more solitude than any other age group, with retirees spending an average of 7 to 10 hours a day alone. While solitude can sometimes be associated with loneliness, many retirees see it as a valuable opportunity to focus on themselves and the things they enjoy.

To better understand how retirees navigate this shift, we spoke with 23 older adults who were either retired or planning to retire. We wanted to know: How do retirees spend their time alone? and How does solitude impact their well-being? 

Many saw their newfound ‘me-time’ as an opportunity to engage in activities that work obligations once limited. Whether it was reigniting old passions, prioritizing rest, or investing in health, solitude played a meaningful role in their lives. 

Solitude for Hobbies 

For many retirees, alone time became an opportunity to dive back into hobbies they had set aside or explore new interests. Some revisited skills from their professional lives and applied them in personally fulfilling ways. 

An old person working on an art project

“I used to work in electronics and I still enjoy playing with electronic-type things... I like building amplifiers and speaker systems, just out of my own interest to see how good you can get it.” 

From knitting to DIY projects, retirees used solitude to cultivate creativity and develop new routines that brought them joy. 

Solitude for Rest 

As energy levels shift with age, many retirees embraced solitude as a time to rest and recharge. Having time alone provided peace and quiet, helping them feel refreshed and more focused. 

“I tend to get tired quite easily, so I think this will be time for me to rest.”  

Rest didn’t always mean doing nothing—activities like reading, watching TV, and taking nature walks provided a sense of relaxation and comfort. 

Solitude for Exercise 

Staying physically active was another key way retirees used their alone time. Many viewed exercise as a way to maintain their health and independence, even if it meant adjusting expectations about their physical abilities. 

An older man working out at the gym

“One of the main aims for retiring was to try to get myself back on track with fitness… I think I went a little bit quickly into that in January and ended up with a bad back as I threw myself into all of these classes and like walking, cycling, playing badminton with my son, but he is 23 and so obviously very fit.”  

For some, retirement was a time to reestablish healthy habits and enjoy movement in a way that felt good for their body and lifestyle. 

Solitude for Well-Being 

An older woman sitting on the park bench

Beyond hobbies, rest, and exercise, solitude was valued for its role in overall well-being. Many retirees described how spending time alone allowed them to focus on what made them happy and to fully be themselves. 

“It's easy when you're alone because you get to be yourself more than when you are around other people. You do the things you love, the hobbies that you are more interested in.”

Retirement offered a chance to slow down, reflect, and savour life’s simple pleasures—whether that meant gardening, listening to music, or just enjoying a quiet morning coffee. 

Final Thoughts 

For many retirees, solitude isn’t about isolation—it’s an opportunity. It’s time to pursue passions, focus on well-being, and embrace a new rhythm of life. While retirement may bring big life changes, it also offers the freedom to redefine how one spends their time and finds fulfilment. 

How do you envision spending your retirement? Let us know in the comments!