Not a surprise that using the creative side of your brain aids in brain health.

It’s important to have a purpose and to keep moving in retirement.  I did a lot of research and preparation so I was mentally, emotionally and financially ready.  I’m more into this hobby than ever along with more time for family, boating, cars, homes and travel.  I highly recommend it and hope everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of not having the stress and time drain of working.  I loved my career and enjoyed a lot of success.  I’m using that same mindset to successfully enjoy retirement. 

@bassbuyer , I see you're a Patriots fan.

You live in New England?

@ghdprentice   I could not agree more.  I have many other hobbies beyond audio and the love of music.  After I finish listening to my morning music and coffee, I will head out on a 34 mile bike ride (on a FWD recumbent I built up from a frameset this past winter).  

While all my different interests could occupy my time nicely, I was not brave enough to fully retire.  I continue to work part time, when and where I want, hopefully serving others in a positive way.  It gives me satisfaction that my often solitary hobbies can't.  

I have had 2 strokes. 15 years ago.  I was pretty much a vegetable after both events, that were 1 year apart. It was driving me nuts, just sitting on a couch, reading, not understanding or remembering what I read and then falling asleep.
So, my wife got me into brain training games, I forget the name of the software, but, it tracks your progress. I maxed it out, to my best ability.
I am now into woodworking, still and always read like crazy. Started Tai Chi, which is GREAT. Tai Chi is a combination of low impact stretches and movements, based on martial arts. Sort of like Karate without any impact on joints. The "brain gym" part of Tai Chi is insane, trying to remember the nuances of each move of the 108 set... that is brain gym. My Balance is nearly perfect, my memory is improved, my flexibility is great, 68 years old and in better shape than many friends who are younger. I still do daily brain training, like cooking, and games like Spider Solitaire and Splendor which I play daily, around 20 minutes. 

Excellent post. I also bike ride, but at 75 my physical activities are limited. I read for 3 hours a day which is quite mentally stimulating, plus routine home and personal maintenance means learning new ways of coping. 

I would add that seeking out new music is a creative exercise that stimulates the brain. In the past year, I've started listening to music I never liked before. Not forcing myself to like it, just allowing my brain time to appreciate what I'm hearing. That's led to going out for new musical experiences, learning about music history, and understanding different ways of connecting.