Imagine this: You’ve waited your whole life to retire. But now that your retirement has arrived, people suddenly start making less-than-flattering comments about their perception of what you’re doing (or lack thereof).

Perhaps you even used to believe things about retirees that those people say to you. But just like it’s hard to convince a 20-year-old that youth is wasted on the young, it can also be hard for working-age folks to grasp what retirement is and isn’t.

While individual preferences and situations vary among retirees, we gathered these stereotypes that we believe far too many Arizonans—and Americans as a whole—have had to deal with upon entering their golden years.

1: A Time of Mental Decline

Contrary to what some people believe, just because a person retires doesn’t mean they suddenly start a cognitive decline. It turns out belief is a powerful thing.

Studies suggest that people who hold more positive stereotypes about retirement, particularly in terms of health, have a higher chance of a longer lifespan.

So, people who are about to retire and believe they could experience mental decline because they’re no longer working could end up experiencing that very scenario.

2: Sitting Around

We’re not here to shame anyone: Go ahead and spend your retirement sitting around if that’s what you want to do.

It’s not fair to place all retirees in the sit-around box, though.

On the contrary, many retirees take advantage of their newfound time to do the things they weren’t able to do during their working years. With careful financial planning and a dose of luck, many retirees have the money to travel, pick up a new hobby, and do the things they love.

3: Depression Sets In

Research shows that around 28% of newer retirees suffer from depression. That number is significantly higher than the overall older adult population.

Nevertheless, some people assume that retirement and depression go hand-in-hand, especially as one ages. This simply isn’t true, and researchers believe that older adults with depression often have co-occurring medical problems.

In other words, while retirement in and of itself can cause depression, it’s often combined with pre-existing factors, if depression happens at all.

4: Everyone Wants to Live in Florida

You may or may not be ready to shake your screen upon reading that all retirees want to live in Florida.

But alas, it’s a stereotype that some people say (although we question whether they truly believe that all retirees long to reside in the Sunshine State).

While it’s true that Florida has the second-highest rate of people of retirement age (21.3%, with Maine being first with 21.8% of people ages 65+), not all retirees desire to be in a place with excessive heat, high humidity, and the chance of their house getting wiped out by a hurricane.

5: Lonely Lives

Yes, retirement can feel lonely for some people who enjoyed being around their coworkers and clients. But retirement doesn’t mean that everyone sits in a rocking chair looking out a window, waiting for someone to visit or call them.

On the contrary, many people end up becoming social butterflies during retirement.

From golf buddies to meeting people at volunteer activities, opportunities are abundant for making friends. And if someone chooses to live a more hermit-like life during retirement, that’s totally great too.

6: Everything Is Awful

Retirees sometimes have the stereotype of being bitter, without patience, and thinking that everything in the present about the world is awful and most things in the past about the world were great. That’s an unfair generalization.

However, it’s slightly fairer to say that a higher percentage of people become cranky as they get older.

The chronic pain and physical ailments that people often get when they’re older are known to turn otherwise even-keeled people into chronically cranky people.

7: Financial Worries Are Gone

Some people retire with a comfortable nest egg to their names; many others don’t.

According to the Social Security Administration, approximately 25% of retirement-aged households depend on Social Security benefits for 90% or more of their income.

Given that Social Security checks are significantly smaller than what a person was earning before retirement, they can be challenging to live off of, especially if a person still has a mortgage or other debt when they retire.

8: You’re Done Working

Many of us are guilty of believing when we’re younger that retirement is the end of having a job. But as many retirees will either loathingly or happily tell you, that’s not always so.

According to one study, 48% of retirees who chose to go back to work did so because they needed more money to survive.

In contrast, 57% of retirees report wanting to continue working in some form, with the social aspect of having a job being a common reason.

9: Motivation Dissipates

Just because retirees no longer have a boss breathing down their backs about deadlines doesn’t mean they suddenly lose all motivation.

While the things that motivate retirees may change during retirement, motivation is still a common denominator among people 65+ years old.

Retirees might be motivated to help take care of their grandkids, beat their best tennis score, or give back to their community via volunteering.

10: Golf and Pickleball Only Sports

Did you notice that we chose tennis instead of golf or pickleball in the previous example?

There’s nothing wrong with these sports being a favorite among many retirees. But they’re far from the only sports people partake in during retirement.

While you might not see local football leagues abounding with retirees, there are plenty of low-impact and moderate-impact sports that increase a retiree’s heartbeat without being as risky on the injury front.

11: Grave in Sight

Believing that retirees are on the brink of passing away is yet another retirement stereotype that young adults are more apt to believe.

As one enters their 30s, 40s, and 50s, it becomes blatantly (and thankfully) clear that’s not true for most retirees.

Even though life expectancy dropped to 76.4 years as of December 2022 data, that still offers retirees many years before their grave comes knocking.

12: No Grasp of Technology

If we had written this article a decade ago, the idea that many retirees don’t have a good grasp of technology would have held a bit more truth.

However, the fact is that many people retiring today frequently use technology at their office and can hold their own when using social media (whether they want to use it is a whole different discussion).

13: Cruise Vacations

Some people have retirement pictured as people shifting from road trips and planning their own international vacations to taking their excursions exclusively via cruises.

While data support that cruise trips heavily leaned toward the 65+ crowd, that’s no longer the case.

As of 2018, the average age of cruisegoers was 46.7 years. Thirty-two percent of passengers were 65+ years old, meaning that the majority of people taking cruises were of non-retirement age.

14: Refusal to Change

“Because that’s the way it’s always been done” is a phrase that some people have heard from older generations.

But pegging all retirees as not being willing to change how they think or live their lives is a mentality that younger people need to drop.

Case in point? Retirement itself is a change. Even though retirement is something that most retirees dreamed of, it requires changes to one’s habits and lifestyle.

15: Unproductive Days

Just like retirement for many people doesn’t mean sitting around in a rocking chair waiting for life to pass by it also doesn’t mean not getting things done.

Retirees often still have houses that need cleaning, families to tend to in some form, and commitments that require their time.

I’d even argue that it’s more common to hear retirees comment on how they don’t know how they used to manage their jobs and personal lives, given how packed their days are during retirement.

16: No Value to Add

Although older people are often a source of valuable wisdom, some people view entering retirement as a person losing their contribution to society. That’s simply not true.

A job is only one aspect of who a person is, and some retirees never liked their job defining them.

Value comes in many different forms, and given that retirees have extra time to devote to things they love, some may feel that they provide more value to society in their golden years than when they had a job.

Best and Worst States to Retire in 2025

Are you hoping to settle down in a cheaper state with a better quality of life during retirement? These are the states to consider and, equally important, those you’re better off avoiding.

Best and Worst States to Retire in 2025

12 Reasons Why Older Generations Aren’t Retiring

Baby boomers are no strangers to criticisms from younger generations, and some youngins are stuck wondering why they won’t retire. But when broken down, it makes sense why boomers are forgoing retirement during their golden years.

12 Reasons Why Older Generations Aren’t Retiring

Life hacks are supposed to make Mississippi living easier, and sometimes they really do. Binder clips really can extend the life of your toothpaste, and a lemon with salt can truly clean a wooden cutting board. 

However, the internet is rife with hacks that aren’t actually effective. Sometimes, they even make your life more difficult. 

So, before you spend an hour making toilet paper roll speakers for your phone or attempt to whip up your own chemical-free sunscreen, read this first. We found many popular hacks are more trouble than they’re worth. 

1: Toaster Grilled Cheese

If you don’t think too hard about toaster-grilled cheese, it seems like a great idea. Why dirty a pan if you can simply stuff bread and cheese together into your countertop toaster? 

This hack has you turn the toaster on its side and add one piece of bread with a slice of cheese to each slot.

Unfortunately, when the bread pops, you’re almost sure to get the cheese all over the inside of your toaster, creating a huge mess to clean up. Plus, using your toaster this way is a fire hazard. 

2: Cheap DIY Speakers

There are a couple of supposed hacks for creating speakers out of trash. One says you can use toilet paper rolls to amplify your phone’s sound. Another involves using a split plastic cup to create “speakers” for your laptop. 

Neither hack works in real life.

Rather than waste time making arts and crafts from household trash, just invest in a real speaker. It will last longer and be much more effective at amplifying sound.  

3: Wooden Spoons on Boiling Pots

If you’re heating water on a stove, you might have heard that a wooden spoon will keep it from boiling over. In theory, this hack is great because you can walk away from a boiling pot and tend to other things. 

However, if your pot is really boiling, it will overtake your spoon and spill onto the stove, leaving you with the mess you aimed to avoid.

So, you’re better off just keeping an eye on the pot and turning the heat down when appropriate. 

4: Lemon for Cleaning Your Countertops

If you have marble countertops, you might have seen a hack that advised you to use lemons to keep them clean. The hack claims lemons will make your countertops sparkle. 

Here’s the problem: marble countertops are made up of calcium carbonate, which wears down in the presence of an acid, including citric acid.

If you use a lemon to clean your marble counters, it will start to eat away at the surface, creating dull spots. Instead of using the lemon hack, save yourself time (and the cost of replacing your counters) by using a cleaner made for marble. 

5: Cold Battery Storage

A lot of people believe storing batteries in the fridge will extend their life or even make them perform better.

You can save yourself the fridge space, though, because this life hack is entirely false. 

Storing batteries in the cold could actually lower their lifespan, and the condensation that accumulates can harm them. Both Energizer and Duracell have warned against the practice. 

6: Vicks on Feet 

If you have a cold, Vicks rub can be helpful and comforting. However, you should stick to rubbing it on your throat or chest.

Many people claim putting Vicks on your feet is also helpful, but this isn’t true. Not only is it messy, but it doesn’t do anything. 

Vicks works because menthol and camphor trick your brain into believing you’re not so congested and help to soothe coughs. Putting it on your feet when you have a cold just moves the medication further away from your nose and throat, making it less effective. 

7: Empty Ketchup Bottles for Pancake Batter

If you want perfectly round pancakes like they make at diners, you should invest in a restaurant-style dispenser. Alternatively, just use a ladle and deal with a few misshaped pancakes.

Both options are cleaner and easier than attempting to use an old ketchup bottle for pancake batter. 

For one thing, getting every last trace of ketchup out of a plastic bottle is difficult. Filling it with batter isn’t that easy either.

Worse still, when you try to squirt the batter out, it almost never leaves in a smooth stream, so you’re left with oddly shaped pancakes anyway.   

8: Cutting Cherry Tomatoes with Tupperware Lids

There’s more than one video online in which someone puts cherry tomatoes between two Tupperware lids. Then, they take a knife and run it horizontally between the lids, cutting a bunch of tiny tomatoes into perfect ellipses. 

Unfortunately, this hack isn’t as easy as it looks. If you press too hard on the Tupperware lid, you get smashed tomatoes, and if your knife isn’t perfectly sharp, you’re going to have a tough time.

If you want nicely cut tomatoes, it’s best to cut them individually. 

9: Nails in a Stuck Cork 

Unless the only thing you have is a toolbox full of nails, there are better ways to open a bottle of wine.

This hack suggests sticking a nail into a wine bottle’s cork, then using a hammer to pull the nail and cork out together. 

However, in most cases, a single nail won’t pull a cork out. You’d need several nails and, honestly, it’s easier to go find a bottle opener. They sell them at most stores.

10: Christmas Ornaments in Egg Cartons

At the end of every holiday season, people start sharing seemingly creative and “easy” ways to store their decorations. One of these hacks suggests storing Christmas tree ornaments in egg cartons to keep them safe. 

If your ornaments happen to be the exact size of large eggs, this hack could work for you. For most of us, though, trying to fit our ornaments into egg cartons is unnecessarily tiresome.

They sell ornament storage boxes for a reason.  

11: Plastic Bag Cardio 

Perhaps you’ve seen pictures of athletes or Tom Holland running in a trash bag to lose weight fast. While we wish this were effective, it really just makes working out more uncomfortable. 

Wearing a plastic bag could make you sweat more. That’s why wrestlers run in them right before a weigh-in.

However, the only weight you’re losing is water weight, which can be dangerous, and your body will replace it the second you grab a drink. 

12: Jeans Around the Neck Fit Test

Some people claim you can tell if a pair of jeans will fit by wrapping them around your neck. Supposedly, if the waistband of your jeans fits around your throat, they will fit your waist.  

This hack comes from the fact that in non-obese people, one’s waist is about double the circumference of their neck.

However, the hack can’t tell you the stretch of the jeans or if they’ll fit your thighs. So, unless you want to waste time returning them later, you’re better off just trying the pants on. 

13: Rubber Band Paint Can 

No one likes dealing with drips and spills while they’re painting, which is why the rubber band paint can hack is so enticing. The idea is that you can place a large rubber band around a paint can to wipe your brush on while painting. 

Unfortunately, if your rubber band isn’t perfectly sized, pressure from your brush could send it flying, throwing specks of paint across the room.

Plus, when you’re done, you’ll have to carefully remove the rubber band, which is sure to create a mess. 

14: Charcoal Teeth Whitening 

Lots of foods and drinks cause staining on our teeth, and many of us are constantly looking for ways to counteract that. Charcoal is often touted as a great way to remove dental stains, while also providing supposed health benefits. 

In truth, the only thing activated charcoal is sure to do is bind to poisons. So, if you accidentally ingest a poisonous substance, consuming activated charcoal could help. 

However, when it comes to whitening teeth, there’s nothing that suggests charcoal is a good idea.

Instead, you’re probably just paying for less-effective, ultra-expensive toothpaste. 

15: Hang Wet Laundry to Fix Dry Air

Many people experience dry skin in the winter months and are open to just about any hack that will remedy it. One supposed life hack says you should hang your wet laundry in your house to increase the humidity. 

In truth, hanging your wet laundry inside will have a non-measurable effect on the humidity in your home.

It will also take a lot longer for your clothes to dry. If you struggle with dry skin, there are better ways to combat it. 

16: Anti-Aging Facial Exercises

The internet is full of anti-aging and fitness hacks, and in this particular piece of advice, the two combine. Many people online claim you can stop the signs of aging by exercising the muscles of your face. 

While there’s nothing wrong with doing this, there are faster and more effective ways to keep your skin looking younger.

Things like retinol have been shown to work and are likely more potent than any sort of exercise you could implement.  

17: DIY Sunscreen 

Many people want to protect their skin from the sun but worry about potentially harmful ingredients in sunscreen. Life hackers often suggest a DIY approach for this particular problem.

They claim you can use readily available ingredients, like avocado oil, to protect your skin from the sun. 

Unfortunately, DIY sunscreens typically don’t have any ingredients that actually work. Instead of falling for this life hack, you might want to invest in a hat. 

Weirdest Laws in Each State

Most Americans are clear on treating thy neighbor as they’d want to be treated to reduce the chance of fines and jail time. But did you know you could be breaking the law by carrying an ice cream cone in your pocket? These are the weirdest laws in each state, most of which courts (thankfully!) no longer enforce.

Weirdest Laws in Each State That’ll Make You Chuckle

14 Real-Life Sin Cities in the U.S.

We all have our vices, but not every city is notorious for its transgression. From the dazzling lights of Las Vegas to the vibrant streets of Miami, these are the most mischievous urban hubs in America.

14 Real-Life Sin Cities in the U.S.

A strong, supportive community is special. But when it comes to friendliness, some American cities feel more neighborly than others.

Neighbor.com analyzed the 100 largest metro areas using a survey, government data sets, and consumer data to find the friendliest cities in the USA. In the survey, 1,000 Americans were asked what makes communities the most neighborly. 

If you’re looking for a nice place to visit or call home, these are the U.S. cities with the most welcoming spirit. Can you guess which one is in Minneapolis?

What’s Next Door 

Using its results, Neighbor.com ranked each city with a weighted score based on the following categories: 

• Violent Crime 
• Voter Turnout 
• Charitable Giving 
• Volunteering 
• Property Crime 
• Population Change 

1: Madison, Wisconsin 

Claiming the top spot for the most neighborly city in the US is Madison, Wisconsin.

One of the best ways for Madison locals to connect with their community is to head to the farmers’ market—Madison has the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the country.

On top of that, “Mad City” boasts incredible outdoor recreation and a stellar food and drink scene. Its politically active residents also care about shaping the future of their city, as 59.67% of residents participated in the last mayoral race. 

2: Minneapolis, Minnesota 

You’ve heard of Southern hospitality, but Minneapolis shows America what Midwest hospitality is all about. Scoring high in volunteering and charitable giving, this community loves supporting others.

Plus, with its scenic blue lakes, thriving art scene, and proximity to hotspots like the Mall of America, it’s a city worth settling down in. 

3: Colorado Springs, Colorado 

Iconic for its gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is a popular spot to visit and an even better place to live.

It has the highest volunteer rates of any other city, with 69% of its residents supporting a local organization.

For three years in a row, this charming Colorado city has had one of America’s hottest real estate markets. 

4: Sarasota, Florida 

For the first time, the Sunshine State appeared on the list of most neighborly cities. With a warm climate and sandy beaches, Sarasota, Florida, is home to the endless summer you dream of.

It has the highest population change of the top 25 cities, adding 3.4% new residents to the community between 2021 and 2022. 

5: Rochester, New York 

While it’s a common stereotype for New Yorkers to be a bit brash, Rochester is an exception.

Landing in the top five for the most neighborly city of 2022, it scored high marks in the charitable giving and volunteering categories.

6: Provo, Utah 

You can look to Utah for opportunity, community support, and high-quality neighbors, according to Neighbor.com. Many Provo residents volunteer within their community, and people are flocking there for its affordable cost of living.

Some of the largest companies in the state are headquartered in Provo, and it was ranked as one of the best new places to start a business. 

7: Salt Lake City, Utah 

Another major city in Utah made the list: the state’s capital, Salt Lake City.

Earning high remarks for its safe neighborhoods, voter turnout, and volunteering, it was also dubbed the next Silicon Valley for attracting tech talent from all over. 

8: Ogden, Utah

The third Utah city to make the list is the oldest in the state. Ogden is home to many helping hands, as 50% of its residents reported volunteering in the community.

Its vibrant downtown and proximity to awe-inspiring outdoor entertainment and recreation make Ogden a desirable place to live.

9: Raleigh, North Carolina 

Many people who’ve been to Raleigh know its pleasant charm and neighborly feel. With a strong economy, abundant jobs, enjoyable climate, and small-town hospitality, you’ll feel right at home in Raleigh, even if you’re a newcomer.

This year, the city stood out for its influx of new residents. Plus, there are 180 miles of greenway trails to explore for every outdoorsy resident. 

10: Richmond, Virginia 

As the political capital of Virginia, Richmond has made its way on 2023’s most neighborly list.

Since the housing market pushes people to relocate to more affordable communities, Richmond has seen more than 30,000 new faces move between 2020 and mid-2022.

It also ranked among the top 10 cities for the highest voter turnout. 

11: Virginia Beach, Virginia 

Virginia Beach is a popular vacation destination for Americans as the longest pleasure beach in the world, and it’s also one of the most neighborly places to live. It ranked the highest for its substantial voter turnout in the community.

It’s also close to several family-friendly attractions, including Grommet Island Park. 

12: Seattle, Washington 

Arguably the most popular city in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is full of residents who care about giving back to the community and helping it grow.

The coffee capital of America earned high scores in charitable giving and volunteering. It’s also home to several major tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon.  

Staying Put 

Along with asking Americans which cities are the most neighborly, Neighbor.com also inquired about community habits. As far as planting roots goes, 85% of Americans said they plan to stay in their current residence for the long term.

That’s good news for fellow locals, for the more time residents spend in their community, the more they’re encouraged to help it grow and prosper. 

Come Together 

While it may seem like community events fell by the wayside, 90% of Americans said they plan to participate in neighborhood events like block parties, local church events, youth sports, live music performances, and shopping at farmers’ markets.

According to Neighbor.com, 11% of residents plan to participate in community events significantly more in the future than they did in 2023.

Picky Politics 

While high voter turnout is a strong sign of a thriving and neighborly community, 40% of Americans said they’ve seen the political divide impact their neighbors in at least one way.

Some of the ways include 18% of residents being annoyed by a neighbor’s political signs, 17% who’ve complained in an online forum, and 15% who’ve ended friendships over politics. 

14 Real-Life Sin Cities in the U.S.

We all have our vices, but not every city is notorious for its transgression. From the dazzling lights of Las Vegas to the vibrant streets of Miami, these are the most mischievous urban hubs in America.

14 Real-Life Sin Cities in the U.S.

Best and Worst States to Retire in 2025

Are you hoping to settle down in a cheaper state with a better quality of life during retirement? These are the states to consider and, equally important, those you’re better off avoiding.

Best and Worst States to Retire in 2025