An Empty Nester’s Guide to Peace of Mind

As a new empty nester, you suddenly have more space and free time than you’ve had in decades. While this newfound freedom can be thrilling, it also takes time to get used to this new phase in life — and all the changes that come with it.

Whether you’re missing the hustle and bustle at home or have too much unfilled time on your calendar, these tips can help you feel secure and connected in your empty nest.

Install a Security System and Cameras

Now that fewer people live in your home, it’s bound to feel a little different. A home security system can help you feel comfortable in your new routine.

With Ring Alarm, you can pick the Security Kit that best fits your space, whether you’ve stayed in your family home or downsized to something smaller. A Ring Protect subscription, sold separately, enables you to get notifications when your Alarm is triggered.¹ Ring security cameras and video doorbells add an extra layer of protection to your home, enabling you to check in anywhere, anytime.

Automate Your Home

Now that you no longer have kids lounging around in the afternoon, coming and going in the evening, or inevitably complaining about the temperature, it’s time to make your home work best for you. With smart home automation, your lights, thermostats, and other smart devices can better align with your changing routines.

Here are some ways to help make your life a little easier with automation:

Keep Your Connections Strong

As an empty nester, your relationships are bound to change — but that doesn’t mean they can’t stay strong. Technology can help you stay connected to your newly independent children and show your love from afar. So whether you miss watching a football game or baking a batch of cookies together, find a way to recreate the experience virtually.

In addition to calls, texts, and video chats, your Ring cameras can help you communicate with your kids when you add them as Shared Users. With a Ring Protect subscription, sold separately, you can leave a daily message on the video doorbell for them to watch later.⁵ Or, while you lounge on the patio, your kids can chat with you using Two-Way Talk on your Stick Up Cam.

While you find creative ways to stay in touch with your kids, be sure to focus on the relationships with your partner, friends, and other family members, too. From grabbing a cup of coffee to taking a trip together, find ways to reconnect with your partner and nurture other meaningful relationships.

Lean on Your Neighbors and Community

When your children leave home, your social connections can change accordingly. Instead of catching up with other parents in the school pick-up line or during weekend soccer games, you have to find new ways to get involved. Luckily, your community has plenty of resources to help you get involved now that your children have left the nest.

Look for social groups, classes, and community events that can help you maintain connections. Your local library or community college may offer courses or groups to help you pick up new hobbies or rekindle old ones. Volunteering is also a great way to spend free time and meet new people since it benefits your community and your health.

New connections can also happen close to home. Whether you’re close with your neighbors or have only met a few times, now is a great time to build or create those relationships. Consider inviting your neighbor over for a cup of tea, taking a walk together, or starting a group in your neighborhood. From block parties to book clubs, you can help create new traditions and make your community stronger.

With the Neighbors App by Ring, you can also get helpful updates on what’s happening in your community from the people nearby. Join the app today to check out the latest news, from upcoming events to heartwarming moments between neighbors.

Consider Adding Pets to Your Empty Nest

If your empty nester home feels a little too empty, consider adding new furry friends to the mix. Studies show that pets can help provide purpose and meaning, increase social connections, reduce feelings of stress, and keep you active. Of course, pets can also be a big responsibility — so if you’re excited about your newfound independence, a new fur baby may not be the right choice.

For all the empty-nesters-turned-pet parents, there are plenty of new activities to add to your routine, from daily walks to weekend visits to a dog-friendly restaurant. You may even be able to involve your pet in your new hobbies, like volunteering, hiking, or traveling. You’ll have a new companion to share your life with, and your new friend will have a place to call home.

¹ Ring Alarm and all Ring Alarm accessories require a subscription for in-app features and digital notifications, including digital arming / disarming and integration with other Ring, Echo, Alexa, and third party products. Subscription sold separately. View ring.com/protect-plans for pricing and details.

² Ships to the US and Canada (excluding Quebec). Requires Ring Bridge for smart controls. Sold separately. One Ring Bridge supported per household.

³ Batteries not included. Ships to the US and Canada (excluding Quebec). Requires Ring Bridge for smart controls. Sold separately. One Ring Bridge supported per household.

⁴ One Ring Bridge supported per household. Supports approximately 50 Ring Smart Lighting devices, including Motion Sensors (dependent on usage and other factors).

⁵ Your Ring videos in the cloud are stored temporarily, up to 180 days. Changing your video storage time will only affect videos that are recorded after you adjust your storage time setting. Check Ring Protect Subscription Plans for more information.

⁶ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8468022/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/pets-can-help-their-humans-create-friendships-find-social-support-201505067981

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