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34 Cheeky, Wholesome, And Wild Splurges Older Adults Treated Themselves To After Retiring
Interview With Expert
Retirement, the ultimate mic drop after a long, grueling, coffee-fueled career. It’s the time when you hang up the office jargon, ditch the deadlines, and step into a life of you-do-you. For many, that means kicking back and just treating themselves to a well-deserved gift – whether it’s a shiny new gadget, a passport to adventure, or just the sweetness of doing nothing, or “Dolce far niente,” as the Italians would say.
On Reddit, one curious 71-year-old retiree asked fellow golden-agers about the best gifts they’ve given themselves since trading in their suits for slippers, and the answers are pretty fabulous.
More info: Reddit
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
A house in Spain! We retired, sold everything in the states, and moved permanently to Spain. Life is great!
Jenny 1 year ago
Apparently, she's an hour south of Valencia in the Monduver mountains near Gandia.
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RELATED:
#2
This is such a great question. As a 53 year old retired lady, I started learning diy projects and bought myself some tools. It has been fun and satisfying to still be able to learn and accomplish something, even if it's simple.
SpiderWoman13 1 year ago (edited)
Retired at 53 y/o? Where? How can I get in on this? UPVOTE just for the fantasy...
A girl 1 year ago
I retired at 55. My first job at 20 did 6% matching on 401k contributions. I always contributed the max. I also didn't have kids. Financially the two best decisions I ever made. Being in tech didn't hurt.
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Laura Lawson 1 year ago
I'm 55yrs old & I too would love to know what fantasy world this is coming from because I'll be working until I'm dead. Or this person is incredibly wealthy & out of touch. And that picture is offensive, I am a grandma & my hair may be greying but it's also in a style similar to P!nk & is dyed purple. No knitting nana life for me thank you kindly!
Roland C. 1 year ago
When I worked at Canada Post, a postal worker with at least 30 years of service could retire at 55 because that's what unions do for the working class.
Load More Replies... #3
We remodeled our bathroom for "aging in place". No tub to climb over, grab bars actually blocked into the walls, a nice shower bench, etc. My favorite thing is the warm towel rack. I do miss having a tub in there but I can't get out of a tub once I'm in one so there is that. And I've heard awful things about the walk in ones.
Firstname Lastname 1 year ago
I used to live in an apartment that was designed with the aging in mind, and the shower had a grab bar. It was convenient for propping bottles on, or holding my leg up near my nearsighted face to shave. I kinda miss it.
Huddo's sister 1 year ago
We had our bathroom renovated after we moved into the place my grandad built because my older brother was in a wheelchair. We still had a bath, but the shower was removed and one without a door replaced it, so the shower chair could go in easily. The showerhead was on a bar that could be raised or lowered and could actually be removed to be handheld as well. The floor was made of non-slip material, though you do have to use a particular cleaning product on it to keep it that way. There was also a hoist bar on the ceiling, but that style hoist became dangerous-one time my brother was being lifted into the bath and the cable snapped and the hoist fell on him! Thankfully the bathroom was big enough for the new hoist, which was on wheels and operated differently to fit in beside the bath. All of these modifications made it much easier for him to access the facilities and many were fairly cheap, like the showerhead.
Dorothy Smith 1 year ago
My brother had the same setup and was a blessing for him having MS.
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Retirement isn’t just an exit; it's more like an entrance to a whole new chapter of self-discovery, joy, and, let’s be honest, some well-deserved indulgence. After years of earning and saving, treating yourself in retirement is not only satisfying but also a great way to redefine your goals and passions.
Think of it as a pat on the back for all those Mondays you survived, the promotions you snagged, and the office coffee you endured.
#4
I bought a Switch, a PS5 and spend a small fortune at my local dispensary. No, I never grew up. I'm ok with that.
Sven Horlemann 1 year ago
It is funny how my mother always said I will grow out of things. Humph. Still play games on the PC, still play guitar and in bands, still go out for my runs. NOTHING changed. I am 58.
Auntriarch 1 year ago
My mother always said I would prefer more grown up colours when I grew up. I think she's given up on that now. Oh and I've branched out into sequins too.
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supertall 1 year ago
A dispensary sells legal marijuana/cannabis products.
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#5
Neither one of us is big on things (although my husband’s guitar collection is growing) but as a joint gift to ourselves now that we’re both retired (coming up on our one-year anniversary) we offloaded our most hated chores and hired people to take them over. House cleaning (which we both suck at), snow removal and landscaping? Yeah, more than happy to have others take ‘em on. More time for us to do anything or nothing.
Geoffrey Scott 1 year ago
As a retired someone who supplements my income from lawn care and snow removal...thank you!
Michael Largey 1 year ago
Better your heat stoke and heart attack than mine. You're welcome!
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Jane Jayne Jain Jeign Jein 1 year ago
I like the idea of having retirement anniversaries. Even better if you both manage to retire at the same time.
María Hermida 1 year ago
No. It's better if they DON'T retire at the same time, so they can celebrate twice every year. Two very good occasions to have cake!!!
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Gandalf the Pink 1 year ago
Maybe it's the way I was brought up but I would never be comfortable with having people working for me in my home unless I was severely disabled. I'd just move back to an apartment if I had a house I no longer wanted to take care of. And maybe get a really good robot vacuum for that house money.
VikingAbroad 1 year ago
I'm young, but I have bought the precious gift of time. By paying others to clean, mow the lawn and wash the windows, I have time to do the things, that makes me enjoy life. I'm not wealthy, but I have prioritised this, so I can go for a long hike after work, or visit friends instead of mowing the lawn. If you feel like using your money this way, let nobody shame you out of it. if you like to clean, cook and wash, let noone shame you for doing it either. Do what makes you happy, and let noone take your happiness away.
Load More Replies... #6
Extravagent vacations! I don't want more stuff just fun experiences.
MonicaChicagoGal 1 year ago
My husband and I though not retired we are in our late 50s and have decided to travel at least once a year headed to Curacao next week!
Huddo's sister 1 year ago
My mum and stepdad planned to travel around Australia when they retired, but then they bought a property and animals to go with it and they couldn't just leave. They have someone staying with them who will look after the place for a week or two at a time but physically can't do all the upkeep long term because of disability. My advice would be to decide on a property or travel because it's too hard to do both, unless you rent out the property.
But retirement, as we know it, wasn’t a common concept until the 19th century, when pensions and Social Security made it possible. In the U.S., the first employee contribution plan was established in 1880 by a railroad company, while in 1889, German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck introduced the concept of retirement as we know it today.
Before that, people worked until they physically couldn’t. So really, you’re part of a generation that earned the right to celebrate this phase. But, in some parts of the world, older adults actually prefer to keep working, even after retirement, to keep themselves sharp.
#7
I moved in with my daughter after she moved North and put in a lovely garden area with raised beds. I also have an herb spiral in there.
ElfVibratorGlitter 1 year ago
Nice! I'm still under 40 but bugging my partner to put in some raised garden beds. They're sooo nice, especially if you have mobility issues.
Huddo's sister 1 year ago
My stepdad built me two raised beds from scrap metal and wood that was already there when I bought my house. They are so much easier to use than the regular beds. I have a chronic pain condition so not having to bend down to weed is fantastic. They do need to be topped up with new soil every so often though.
Load More Replies... #8
I didn’t buy it I live it, peace and contentment.
#9
2. Puppies.
We wanted to learn more about what older adults think of retirement, so Bored Panda reached out to Eng. Liana Hancu, PhD, an engineer and professor at Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, who recently retired after spending 40 years teaching at the same university.
She told us that, so far, retirement has been wonderful, though it’s not exactly what she imagined. Professor Hancu explained that she thought she would have endless free time once retired, but she's managed to keep herself quite busy! “It feels freeing but also a little strange not having a rigid routine after so many years. It’s a mix of excitement and adjustment,” she added.
We asked Professor Hancu what the one thing is that she would say is better about being retired compared to working full-time. She told us that the freedom is unmatched. No more early alarms or looming deadlines! She gets to plan her days entirely on her terms, whether it’s taking an impromptu trip with friends or relaxing with a good book and a cup of tea.
#10
Art.
My partner and I have started buying original art, and it give us such a lift to look at it on our walls. And it's nice to support local emerging artists.
#11
We got a new to us Casita camper last year and spent 3 months in it last year.
#12
Single, 72 and my career was in software development. My favorite place in the house is my workspace, and so I gifted myself a very nice desk chair, built myself a high end computer, a 4k 43" monitor, some audio add-ons, and a very comfy bed. I do all my reading at my workspace, and I still mess around running VMs under Linux, I have a few Raspberry Pi, etc. Basically I indulge my geekdom.
We wanted to know how Professor Hancu celebrated her retirement and if she treated herself to something special. Hancu said that she splurged on some incredible trips to Italy and Spain with her friends, which were relaxing but also enriching. She also mentioned that she loves surprising her family with gifts a bit more than she did before.
We also asked Professor Hancu if she thinks waiting until retirement to splurge on yourself is worth it. She explained that it’s all about balance. Retirement gives you the time to enjoy things, but your energy and health might not always be the same. “I’d say: treat yourself occasionally during your career too—don’t wait for 'someday.' Life’s meant to be enjoyed along the way,” Hancu advised.
#13
I bought myself a new car. I usually buy certified pre-owned, but I thought, “what the heck.” Now I’m going to adopt a dog and I’ll be set.
#14
For mid 5 figures I bought myself a 128 day cruise around the world. What an experience. Of course my husband insisted on coming so that made it a low 6 figures extravagance.
Michael Largey 1 year ago
My wife found me kind of handy on our last cruise. She had a stroke, and I was the one who called the medical people. (We go her to a hospital in less than 90 minutes, and she made a full recovery. The ship of course sailed on without us.)
#15
An ebike. A medical problem made me decide I was a risk while driving so I parked the car. Balance issues made riding my regular a little difficult taking off. After 6 months of riding my ebike I realized my car was sitting, so I sold it. I've found so many places to explore and visit in my area that I previously drove by. I also got into metal detecting so every trip is like a little history lesson. The only time I rely on a ride somewhere is vet visits. The dog won the battle of getting into a dog trailer with the bike.
In some countries (like Japan), senior employment is both a necessity and a way to stay engaged and sharp. Japan’s aging population has embraced “silver work” as a way to keep physically active, socially connected, and mentally stimulated. Seniors often fill part-time or flexible roles, contributing their expertise while steering clear of retirement boredom.
In fact, initiatives like senior employment programs and community-driven roles aim to provide a fulfilling alternative to endless hours of daytime TV. Because let’s face it—there’s only so much Sudoku one person can do!
Psychologists also point out that treating yourself can have emotional benefits. Rewarding yourself reinforces the idea that you’ve worked hard and deserve happiness, boosting your overall well-being, developing a greater sense of self-compassion, and even relieving stress. Gifts and better health? Count me in!
#16
Porsche 911
Worth it!
#17
Once a year I have spent a week on the road by myself. From Texas, in separate trips, I have driven to Montana, Virginia, and Michigan. Next year my plan is to drive Route 66 to California.
Bob Brooce 1 year ago
Did hell freeze over? Not only does that picture fit the post more accurately than any photo BP has ever chosen, if somebody told me that it really is route 66 I wouldn't feel a need for evidence.
Lab Lover 1 year ago
Road tripping is amazing. I know this won’t be a popular opinion, but if you are planning to Motor west- Route 66 is probably one the least attractive ways to do it. I’m not suggesting one NEVER drives it, but if you think only one country drive is in the cards for you, routes further north are much more scenic.
Bob Brooce 1 year ago
Driving Going To The Sun highway in Glacier NP is definitely on my bucket list, but there re thousands of miles of road through the southwest that I'd also love to see.
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This may sound nuts, but a couple of months ago I went to a hobby shop and purchased a remote controlled race car.
I took it to the county park and ran it all over the place, wearing out the tires. It gave me hours of fun and sparked dozens of conversations with friendly strangers.
I went back to the shop, bought new tires, ordered a custom made super fast ‘monster truck’ from them, and a fast battery recharger pack. That truck is tons of fun!
Now my great- granddaughter and I can race whenever she drops by, but for me they have consistently been a good way to break up my boredom. .
DennyS (denzoren) 1 year ago
Very nice clean fun and a way to spend time with your granddaughter.
Whether it’s a drum set, a house in Spain, or simply peace of mind, these retirees are living proof that rewarding yourself is an essential part of retirement. Whatever your dream retirement gift may be, make sure it sparks joy, celebrates your achievements, and makes this chapter of life truly golden. After all, you’ve earned it.
And if one Redditor can buy themselves an airplane, surely you can treat yourself to that thing you’ve been eyeing.
#19
My kitchen aid mixer and a kitchen reno.
Now all my stuff fits in my cupboards, I've got counter space to hold my kitchen aid so I don't have to lift it down from a shelf, I have a pantry that holds months worth of canned goods and I can see them all, and I have a giant deep sink where you can bathe a dog or stack up three days worth of dishes.
#20
Edibles and an electronic drum set!
Pandemonium 1 year ago
I could've written this one! My theory is the mind-body left-right coordination will keep my brain active and plastic, delaying the dementia affliction my dear mother. If it doesn't help, at least I'm having a blast playing along with Clyde Stubblefield and Bernard Purdie
#21
Airplane.
Retired aircraft maintenance guy (mil/civ).
Bad eyes so couldn’t fly for the Army. Set piloting aside. Rode my motorcycle across the country, skydiving while in the military, volunteer work after retirement.
Finally found myself in a place to get a pilot certificate. And then started airplane shopping. It wasn’t inexpensive, but didn’t break the bank. So I went for it. Now it’s a matter of getting open days on the calendar (holidays and all) and good weather.
Bob Brooce 1 year ago (edited)
About the same way you can drive if your vision isn't at least average. The military has plenty of young people to choose from, so their standards for vision in pilots is very high. Among other things, I think it needs to be 20/20 (or very close) without correction.
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Donna Peluda 1 year ago
Good evening, this is captain Magu at the controls we are cruising at, hang on....... 4 tho.... 5..... In the air
#22
At 75 I bought a sports car. Still have it at 88. Not many miles on it Gets lots of attention. I may give it to my granddaughter in a few years—or just let it be a part of my estate. I love just knowing it is there.
#23
A beach house.
#24
I bought a new refrigerator. Wow.
#25
A really good mattress for a really good night's sleep. Beauty Rest Black.
Our old mattress was sagging and every movement that my husband or I made was annoying to the other person and waking us up. Plus sagging making little canyons where our bodies sleep the most.
keyboardtek 1 year ago
I have arthritis in the spine and being slender a hard mattress is painful for my shoulders to side sleep on. I bought a memory foam mattress and added an additional memory foam topper and all the pain is gone. I used to toss and turn. Now I flip sides once all night.
kitteh floof lover 1 year ago
buy a hybrid latex mattress and you'll never need another mattress, they last up to 50 years, don't need rotating or flipping, are anti-microbial, and so very comfy and supportive. 85% natural latex, 15% man made latex. pricey, but so worth it in the long run.
keyboardtek 1 year ago
But the memory foam mattress's do not get flipped.
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#26
High-end extra virgin olive oil and cacao powder that’s been third party tested for purity and polyphenols/flavonoids. I have very little money so I spend any little extra on my health 😊.
#27
A meditation chair from Pipersong for my art studio. I sit all wonky and have had trouble with every single office chair. It was so annoying to have to try so many chairs and have them fail.
This chair lets me sit wonky comfortably. Why I didn't get it years ago is a mystery to me, but now I have it and it feels great to sit for hours and hours.
[Chair]
It isn't a huge expense at all, but I normally wouldn't bother with a chair that costs 300$!!
#28
I'm not waiting until retirement to buy myself presents. I like to buy things that make my hobbies more enjoyable.
For instance, I like to cook so I bought myself a $200+ knife. It makes cutting stuff up so much easier.
I also play guitar so I bought a $1000 Taylor acoustic guitar. I didn't want to get it too expensive because I still want to take it camping and stuff. It sounds 100 times better than my last guitar. It's truly a pleasure to play.
I play disc golf so I spent $400+ on a pull cart that has a place to sit. It holds all the stuff I normally carry and I can take a load off on the longer tournaments that wear me out.
Not sure if you're looking to buy yourself one big ticket item but maybe a bunch of smaller quality of life items would be nice too.
Jane Jayne Jain Jeign Jein 1 year ago
Reminds me of when I went to buy a beginners guitar and the guy in the shop kept showing me ones for £1000+ and telling me I'd need one like that for when I started gigging and recording. Really lovely how that sales guy really believed in me ;-)
#29
After 25 years of not having a new vehicle and not having one since I was provided a vehicle for work I brought new F150 for myself.
Now in the next few years I’m looking at getting a second home in a warmer climate state.
Karl der Große 1 year ago
I spent over 25 years in Arizona. I'm not eager to go back to a warmer state!
Geoffrey Scott 1 year ago
In January, when it's 5 freakin daytime degrees.....
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#30
When my dad passed away and left me some money I bought myself a natural gas Kohl’s standby generator. That feeling of safety is unparalleled.
geezeronthehill 1 year ago
Get the propane conversion kit to have on standby, just in case the nat gas supply gets interrupted. Happened in southeast a few years back.
#32
BMW R1200RT motorcycle.
keyboardtek 1 year ago
Not a very safe thing to start doing at retirement age. Eyesight and muscle coordination start to fail at that age. One split second of attention loss on a motorcycle can mean death.
John Boy 1 year ago
How do you know at what age they retired? Our son retired at age 39 because of Bitcoin and other investments. Do you think 39 is too old to ride a motorcycle? He rides his thousands of miles every year.
Load More Replies... #33
Some crocodile skin style Dr Martens boots. I look like a pair of bouncy golf clubs. It's great.
Kelly Scott 1 year ago
There are way more crocodiles than we need on earth today.
Load More Replies... #34
2 whitewater kayaks.
Bob Brooce 1 year ago
Been there, done that and it was an absolute blast for about 15 years. Outfitted my wife and I for perhaps $1500 by starting with a couple of used kayaks. Then spent about 3 grand on gas and dinner out with paddling companions. Then upgraded to $250 helmets. Then a $250 pfd. And an $800 drysuit.
What do you think ?
Uncommon Boston 1 year ago
They have more money when they retire? How? Some of us will never be able to retire.
Alli Marston 1 year ago
What is this word 'retirement'? I'm not familiar with it (nor ever will be at this rate).
Tyranamar Suess 1 year ago
Anyone else depressed hearing all these people were able to buy big ticket items? Bc you have nothing set in retirement and will be working as a Walmart greeter until you die?
Lowrider 56 1 year ago
Yea, I always figured that would be my fate. "Welcome to Walmart!" "Get your s**t and git."
Load More Replies... geezeronthehill 1 year ago
I bought 2 pairs of really good workboots. Hope to make them the last workboots I buy.
Charoltte Mike 1 year ago
I never believed initially that it'll be so successful investing bitcoin and stocks with Mr Harold Kendrick, despite the fact I invested a little amount as a beginner, I'm so glad I withdraw my $31,000 profit successfully. Contact him directly ᴏɴ Watsap+ 44 7407600166.
Warren Peece 1 year ago
I bought a large piece of wooded land with a creek going across it and had my dream house built here. My land is bordered on two sides by a state forest preserve that is thousands of acres in size and on the third side by privately owned forest land. The land across the road is fields where the neighbors grow certified-organic crops. I paid cash for my house and land. I worked hard for decades and managed my money and never had a debt.
Uncommon Boston 12 months ago
@Warren Peece You are a true American hero. Ever you supported yourself on minimum? Have you always made enough to pay your bills? Do you have the golden ticket -- a good education? Not everyone has access to quality education.
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Miracle Max 1 year ago
Travel: Key West, Texas, New Orleans Baton Rouge, Vegas, Utah, Maine to Florida on the East Coast, Arizona, Mexico, off to Belize next month. I travel somewhere about every month.
Papa 1 year ago
You should enjoy Belize. My wife and I spent a week there last year about this time (we stayed a few miles from Placencia).
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Uncommon Boston 1 year ago
They have more money when they retire? How? Some of us will never be able to retire.
Alli Marston 1 year ago
What is this word 'retirement'? I'm not familiar with it (nor ever will be at this rate).
Tyranamar Suess 1 year ago
Anyone else depressed hearing all these people were able to buy big ticket items? Bc you have nothing set in retirement and will be working as a Walmart greeter until you die?
Lowrider 56 1 year ago
Yea, I always figured that would be my fate. "Welcome to Walmart!" "Get your s**t and git."
Load More Replies... geezeronthehill 1 year ago
I bought 2 pairs of really good workboots. Hope to make them the last workboots I buy.
Charoltte Mike 1 year ago
I never believed initially that it'll be so successful investing bitcoin and stocks with Mr Harold Kendrick, despite the fact I invested a little amount as a beginner, I'm so glad I withdraw my $31,000 profit successfully. Contact him directly ᴏɴ Watsap+ 44 7407600166.
Warren Peece 1 year ago
I bought a large piece of wooded land with a creek going across it and had my dream house built here. My land is bordered on two sides by a state forest preserve that is thousands of acres in size and on the third side by privately owned forest land. The land across the road is fields where the neighbors grow certified-organic crops. I paid cash for my house and land. I worked hard for decades and managed my money and never had a debt.
Uncommon Boston 12 months ago
@Warren Peece You are a true American hero. Ever you supported yourself on minimum? Have you always made enough to pay your bills? Do you have the golden ticket -- a good education? Not everyone has access to quality education.
Load More Replies... Miracle Max 1 year ago
Travel: Key West, Texas, New Orleans Baton Rouge, Vegas, Utah, Maine to Florida on the East Coast, Arizona, Mexico, off to Belize next month. I travel somewhere about every month.
Papa 1 year ago
You should enjoy Belize. My wife and I spent a week there last year about this time (we stayed a few miles from Placencia).
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