The joy of doing nothing in retirement

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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Wall Street Journal or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: A personal reflection from writer Robbie Shell explores the surprising value of “doing nothing” in retirement — a sharp contrast to the common belief that staying constantly busy is the key to fulfillment later in life
• After decades of productivity-focused living, Shell discovers deep satisfaction in stillness during quiet mornings at her family cabin in rural Virginia

🔭 The context: Cultural expectations often tell retirees to fill their days with activities, hobbies, and commitments to stay “young” and purposeful
• Yet many retirees report that unstructured time helps them reconnect with themselves, reflect more deeply, and feel more grounded
• The calm routine that Shell describes — early hours free from interruptions, nature’s quiet rhythms, and the absence of obligations — highlights the psychological benefits of rest, slowness, and solitude
• The piece also taps into a broader societal conversation: in an overstimulated world, intentional idleness can be restorative rather than wasteful

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: A slower, more mindful lifestyle — including embracing stillness in retirement — can naturally reduce consumption, energy use, and pressure on ecosystems
• When people shift away from high-activity, high-consumption habits and toward appreciation of nature, quiet, and simple routines, it supports more sustainable patterns of living
• In this sense, “doing nothing” can be an environmentally gentle way of living 

⏭️ What’s next: As retirement trends evolve, experts expect a growing embrace of “slow living,” mindfulness, and nature-based routines
• This shift may influence wellness, community design, and lifestyle choices — and could encourage more people to prioritize sustainability and intentional rest over constant activity

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