14 Types of Retirees: Which One Are You
Retirement isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. Some people embrace it like it’s their new full-time job (with better coffee breaks), while others wander around wondering what day it is—and why they're suddenly so into birdwatching. Here are 14 types of retirees—odds are you’ll recognize a friend, a neighbor… or let’s be honest, yourself.
1. The Perpetual Vacationer
This retiree has been counting down to this moment since their first paycheck. Think cruises, golf resorts, national park road trips—passport always ready. Their motto? “I worked hard, now it’s time to play harder.”
Signs you’re this type: You own more luggage than cookware, and your house plants live a more stable life than you do.
2. The Hobbyist
Whether it’s woodworking, quilting, birdwatching, or homebrewing, this retiree finally has the time (and the basement space) to dive into their passions. They’ve got tools you’ve never heard of and a craft room that could rival Michaels Arts and Crafts.
Favorite phrase: “It’s not a hobby, it’s a lifestyle.”
3. The Full-Time Grandparent
This retiree is busy—but in the best way. From school pickups to bedtime stories, their calendar revolves around grandkids. They’re the MVPs of family life, and their love language is probably “snacks and rides.”
Warning: They’ll show you a hundred photos before you can blink.
4. The Serial Volunteer
Retirement hasn’t slowed them down—it’s just redirected their energy. Meals on Wheels, the library, the animal shelter… They’re everywhere, doing everything, and somehow still have time to bake cookies for every fundraiser.
Superpower: Making you feel like you should be doing more with your free time.
5. The Second Act Entrepreneur
Just because they left their 9-to-5 doesn’t mean they’re done working. This retiree starts a side business, writes a book, or launches a YouTube channel. Retirement is just code for reinvention.
Catchphrase: “I’m busier now than when I was working!”
6. The Couch King/Queen
Ah, the ultimate relaxation champ. They’ve earned the right to binge-watch everything. Cozy clothes, slippers all day, and a deep knowledge of every British detective series ever made.
Daily ritual: Morning coffee, mid-morning nap, afternoon snack, evening nap.
7. The Forever Fit
Retirement = more gym time. Whether it’s walking 10,000 steps before breakfast or crushing a 6 a.m. yoga class, this retiree is in the best shape of their life. They know their macros and their blood pressure, and they’ll ask you if you’ve tried pickleball yet.
Most likely to say: “Age is just a number.”
8. The Nomad
No fixed address, no problem. They’ve sold the house, downsized everything, and live out of an RV or Airbnb hop around the globe. Freedom is their mantra and every day is an open road.
Can be found: Wherever the Wi-Fi and weather are decent.
9. The Financial Guru
This retiree has spreadsheets for their spreadsheets. They read retirement blogs before they retired. They know the 4% rule, track every penny, and are quick to tell you about Roth conversions or the best dividend ETFs.
Motto: “Failing to plan is planning to fail.”
10. The Reluctant Retiree
They didn’t really want to retire, or maybe they’re not sure what to do now that they have. A bit restless, maybe a little bored. They might start a part-time gig just for the structure.
Favorite pastime: Telling everyone how much they miss “having something to do.”
11. The Nature Lover
Birdwatching, gardening, forest hikes—this retiree is all about the outdoors. They might even talk to plants (and swear the plants talk back).
Catchphrase: “That’s a cedar waxwing, not a chickadee!”
12. The Tinkerer
Garage? Workshop. Free time? Project time. Whether it’s building a birdhouse or rebuilding a carburetor, this retiree is happiest elbow-deep in something mechanical.
Catchphrase: “Don’t throw that out—I can fix it.”
13. The Eternal Student
They’ve swapped deadlines for lectures and Netflix for online courses. Universities and community centers are their new playgrounds.
Catchphrase: “Did you know the Romans had fast food?”
14. The Gardener
Their backyard is their sanctuary. From flowers to veggies, they know what’s blooming and when to plant it. Expect conversations about soil, sun, and slugs.
Catchphrase: “Just wait till you see the dahlias this year.”
So... Which One Are You?
The truth is, most retirees are a little mix of a few types. And the beauty of retirement is—you get to reinvent yourself any time you want. Whether you’re chasing sunrises, grandkids, or just a second cup of coffee in peace… you’ve earned this.
Myself? I am a combination of 1, 2 and 11. I wish I had some number 3 in there but we aren't there yet.
John is 1. 11 and 9 (which is likely why we were able to retire early.)
Which type are you, or do you see yourself being once you retire? Drop it in the comments!
Interesting post. Never thought of those categories. I’m a little of most of them. I was a traveller, hobbyist, student, gardener, etc all the while I was working. Then I experimented with working less, that backfired somehow and I started to work more till I got fed up, wised up and retired. I didn’t feel it was a big event at all except I had PTSD after 30+ years of nursing. I was not defined by my profession. Not one who says, once a nurse, always a nurse.
ReplyDelete30 years of nursing is a long time! I would say it was more than time to retire!
DeleteWhile I *should* be "Forever Fit" (lol) I am most certainly The Hobbyist with a side of Second Act Entrepreneur!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a good mix.
DeleteReading this was so fun! I am 5, 6, 10 and 13. I have a plethora of chronic illnesses, so you could say I am retired by illness. But I'm making the most of it.
ReplyDeleteAgh! Not what you had planned for retiring, I'm sure. I'm glad you're making the best of it.
DeleteWhat a fun post! I haven't spent much thought on what type of retiree I may be one day, because this day is still far away for me. Since I don't think there'll be any grandkids just yet, I could see myself as a number 5, still doing the blogging challenges, just with more time at my disposal. I do hope, health permitting, I'll do my fair share of traveling.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have lots of time still to come up with your plan ... and I'm sure it will change a few times before you get there.
DeleteWhat a cool post! I fit in a few but the number one would be a full time grandparent even when the grands aren't around. I'm also a nature lover and definitely a gardener. Let's also through in the volunteer, tinkerer and financial guru. So how do we fit retirement in here? LOL
ReplyDeleteRight? Who ever had time to work with everything we have going on.
Delete