Barbara Diedel takes part in a fitness class at the Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center, 4706 Overland Drive.

For Todd Seymour, entering the slowdown of retirement was tough compared to his fast-paced career.

“I kept thinking I was supposed to be someplace and that I ought to be doing something specific,” said Seymour, 80, who retired in 1992 and is a past president of the Kansas University Endowment Association.

To keep busy, he was able to rely on his previous career. Through people he knew at the university, Seymour was able to advise and consult different organizations, such as the KU Natural History Museum, on fundraising and other organizational matters.

Lawrence and its many civic organizations offer opportunities for retirees to get involved in almost anything they desire, another well-known Kansas businessman said.

“They will utilize your experience and your capabilities,” said Ross Beach, 89, chairman of Douglas County Bank.

Beach and his wife, Marianna, well-known philanthropists, have been active in community groups and served on boards in Douglas County.

He said being home to a major university gives Lawrence retirees many opportunities to be involved.

Seymour says retirees often need to simply find some activity to occupy their time.

“If they don’t get themselves into something, I think they’re going to be pretty unhappy,” he said.

That can be anything from volunteering through the United Way’s Roger Hill Volunteer Center to sticking to a regular exercise schedule.

He’s involved in a senior strength-training course three times per week at the city’s Holcom Park Recreation Center, 2700 W. 27th St. And he walks on a treadmill up to one hour per day.

For health and wellness, classes are available through Lawrence Parks and Recreation, Lawrence Memorial Hospital and Douglas County Senior Services Inc., 745 Vt.