Ditch the Bucket List and Build an Adventure and Legacy List

As a culture, we seem to be addicted to lists: “To-Do Lists,” lists of “Top 10 BBQ Joints” and “Top 7 Places to Retire” and so on. While they’re great for organizing our priorities and getting things done, sometimes the rush to quickly check things off can impact the enjoyment and sense of accomplishment of doing something we cared enough to write down in the first place. It’s that wanting to savor the moment that is leading many older adults to scrap their bucket lists in favor of creating something more meaningful.
If you’re thinking about what to do when you’re retired, consider forgoing the typical bucket list ideas and instead focus on building on your interests or think about building a legacy for your family and community. That may bring more purpose and interest to your life instead of merely checking off a list of to-do’s.
Goodbye, Bucket Lists. Hello, Adventure and Legacy Lists.
Rather than having a list of random things you’ve never done (there’s probably a reason you haven’t done them yet), consider an adventure list. To create an adventure list, look at your current interests and things you used to have as hobbies. Sometimes all you need is a little push to expand in new directions or rediscover an activity that you dropped because you just didn’t have the time. Here are some examples of adventures the residents of Cypress Village have taken:
How to Build a Legacy List
You could also consider creating a legacy list with the goal of making people’s lives better, helping the planet or something else that you think will continue to make a difference. You can make a meaningful legacy list with these three suggestions:
- Start small. Use your existing skills to help one person in need.
- Think local. There are so many challenges and ways you can help right in your own backyard.
- Think ‘legacy.’ Do any of the charities and philanthropies already doing amazing work inspire you? If so, give them a call. There are many ways you can help.
Ideas for Starting Your Legacy List
If you’re still wondering how to begin, here are some suggestions to get you started. At the very least, one of them might spur another idea.
Teach someone to read: Whether you’re working with children, adults or people for whom English isn’t their first language, teaching people to read can help connect them to a larger world.
Help out in your local school: Be a positive influence on younger generations while giving teachers an extra set of hands.
Protect wildlife: There are options all over. Volunteer to assist with sea turtles in Florida, set up a pollinator garden for bees and butterflies in your own backyard or even go farther afield and do something like help with the annual horseshoe crab survey in New Jersey.
Mentor an entrepreneur: Give someone the benefit of your years of experience by providing them with a friendly ear to bounce ideas off of or to talk to about their challenges.
Foster a pet: There are a lot of dogs and cats who could use a foster parent while they look for their forever home.
Help with conservation work: If protecting the natural world interests you, volunteer to help maintain hiking and biking trails or be part of a clean up crew.
Volunteer at a soup kitchen: Helping those with food insecurity can go a long way toward making the world a better place and provide you with a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Drive a bus or van: In our mostly car-centered culture, having a ride to doctor appointments, shopping, errands or just seeing friends is vital. You can help people stay connected by driving them around.
Coach sports: Being part of a team teaches about collaboration and doing your best and can help build friendships. Whether you’re the head coach or just providing encouragement, being a coach can be very rewarding.
Volunteer in a hospital: If you’ve spent any time in a hospital, you know it can be a lot of waiting. By helping out, you can be a valuable guide and assistant to people navigating the health care system.
Learn first aid or CPR: Learn important skills to help out during an emergency. Who knows? You even could help save a life.
Start Your Next Adventure at Cypress Village
An important part of any new phase of life, like retirement, is finding a supportive community that shares your goals and interests. To learn more, schedule a visit today to get to know our community or attend one of our upcoming events by contacting us here.