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

@robeffy  A major tip of the cap to you my friend.  Strokes can be devastating and your determination and commitment to find a way is remarkable!!  A great example for all of us as we deal with health problems that become more common than we would all like.

On a different note. I have been really fortunate to integrate my endless hobbies with work... astronomy, photography, exploring the world... mountain climbing. Along the way I was able to take off over four years in one year increments in between jobs to bike ride cross country, back pack, explore...etc.

 Some smart person mentioned to me that it takes five years to get accustomed to retirement. How big a change it is, depends on the person. I felt a little skeptical.

So, for me. My endless pursuits instantly filled all my time. However, I did notice the lack of the goal. All of our lives are in pursuit of a goal... first grade... high school, college, first job, promotions, financial security, great vacations... they are always there. Then they are not. 

So I did notice that I continued discipline in aggressively managing my investments, planning trips, etc. There was that drive to pursue... but it seemed strange... that this time getting to the end was no longer the point... So, over time I relaxed (music very helpful). My focuses changed to learning... history, philosophy art... etc. So, over time the focus became my true interests... and not the artificial ones that work provide. So, I am completely interest driven in a relaxed fashion. Yeah, it took five years to relax and really embrace retirement. Kind of like breaking in a pair of leather shoes... there is adjustment to become perfect. 

@bassbuyer ,

I do indeed! Connecticut.

Never saw it coming with Mike Vrabel!

Use it or lose it.

My Dad read like crazy, was a jazz aficionado, and a did several crosswords a day. If cancer didn't take him, he'd have been sharp and witty 'till 95.  

Me, I mountain bike aggressively once or twice a week, but I need to get back to my daily walks. 

Brain-wise I took a job in medical diagnostic devices 13 years ago knowing zero about the subject (the tech or the biology) knowing I'd have several years of intense learning ahead of me, that would essentially never end. I knew it would be really hard, but I also knew it would be good for my brain-health. 

@thecarpathian  great to see fellow NE on the site!