Retirement. It’s something most of us don’t spend much time thinking about when we’re young. But after decades of alarm clocks, meetings, deadlines and the familiar routine of wake, work, sleep, repeat, the idea of finally putting your feet up can seem pretty appealing.

Many of us imagine retirement as the reward for a lifetime of hard work. We save, plan, tick off life goals and start dreaming about those bucket-list adventures. But once the novelty of sleeping in wears off, is a life of complete leisure really everything we expected?

For a growing number of New Zealanders, the answer is "not quite".

The pandemic changed the way many workplaces operate, creating opportunities for people to return to employment on more flexible terms. Industries struggling to find staff, particularly in health and care sectors, began actively encouraging experienced workers back into the workforce.

It's proving to be a win-win situation. Employers gain decades of knowledge and life experience, while retirees enjoy extra income, social connections and the mental stimulation that comes from having a purpose outside the home. Some choose part-time work, others take on short-term projects, and a few even discover entirely new interests or careers they never had time to pursue during their traditional working years.

Of course, "working" doesn't always mean earning a pay cheque.

Many retirees find just as much satisfaction through volunteering. Whether it's supporting community organisations, mentoring younger people or lending a hand to a cause they care about, contributing skills and experience can provide a powerful sense of purpose.

One inspiring example comes from residents at Ryman Healthcare villages, where a project to knit teddy bears for displaced Ukrainian children has grown into a nationwide effort. Thousands of bears have been lovingly crafted and sent overseas, giving residents the chance to make a meaningful difference while enjoying the companionship that comes from working towards a shared goal.

The idea of continuing to contribute later in life is becoming increasingly common. Around half of New Zealanders aged 65 to 69 remain in paid employment, and many others volunteer regularly within their communities.

Christchurch resident Lynda Burdekin wasn't ready to stop working altogether when retirement arrived. Instead, she took on a part-time role and embraced the opportunity to try something completely different.

For Lynda, the additional income certainly helped, but it wasn't the only benefit. She enjoyed meeting new people, becoming more involved in her local community and discovering that the skills she'd developed throughout her career were still highly valuable.

"There are a few drawbacks," she admits. "People are surprised that you are over 70 and still working. I'm also not as fit and healthy as in the past, which sometimes makes work difficult too."

Retirement villages are also finding creative ways to help residents stay engaged. At Broadview Lifecare, one resident continues her lifelong passion for gardening by helping maintain the village grounds. At Settlers, residents have used their woodworking skills to raise money for charitable causes, while many villages rely on resident volunteers to help run social activities, support fellow residents and contribute to community life.

These opportunities benefit everyone involved. Former teachers can continue sharing knowledge, skilled tradespeople can keep creating, and lifelong gardeners can keep getting their hands dirty. More importantly, people can continue doing the things that give them enjoyment and purpose.

Times have changed. We're living longer, staying healthier and remaining active well into our later years. Whether it's paid employment, volunteering or simply sharing skills with others, retirement no longer has to mean stepping away from contributing altogether.

After all, the old saying "use it or lose it" still rings true. And if continuing to work, volunteer or contribute helps keep us connected, engaged and fulfilled, why stop doing what we love?

This article is adapted for online from the New Zealand’s Best Magazine 2023 Edition. For more interesting senior related content, order the latest 2026 issue from www.agedadvisor.nz/Annual-Magazine.