I don't want to just 'fill my time' when I retire!

Make a to do list of all the things you keep putting off but never have time, decorating, decluttering etc. That way you'll have some useful projects to start with. You don't have to rush into anything. Think of it like a student deciding on a course or career- the world is your oyster. Time to study that subject you always wanted to, take a degree, learn or improve a skill you could build on, get a part time job somewhere that interests you, travel, catch up with all those old friends, become a theatre, film or opera buff, write a blog - don't know how? Learn! I agree it's the best time- enjoy it

I would advise you to take your time. Have a good rest and research the many, many activities locally. Enjoy setting your own agenda and taking your time when doing tasks when you don't have to squeeze them into limited time. Don't do anything that doesn't give you pleasure. This is probably the best period of your life.

Voluntary work? Learn something new, like a new language or skills? Get around to doing those jobs around the house that you've never had time to do before? Travel? Visit places of interest in the UK that you've not been to before. Get a bus pass and use it to the max, getting to places off the beaten track. The world is your oyster!