Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Retirement is a big adjustment and can be quite a shock to one’s system! As humans we are naturally resistant to change and disruptions in our systems, even if these changes are good for us!
Security and comfort are what we cling to when things are uncertain, and we tend to turn to what is most familiar to give us this. But when it comes to retirement, it’s not like we can turn back to our old familiar jobs. So, how then do we make a smooth transition into our golden years and how do we make sure that we have a happy and fulfilling retirement?
For a start, it’s a good idea to do some navel gazing and reflect on our own thoughts about retirement. Are they negative or positive? Stepping into unknowns are always easier when we have a positive outlook and train our brains to think about what could go right instead of what could go wrong. When we’re in this frame of mind, we find ourselves identifying more opportunities to grab hold of – ones that will ensure we have a satisfying retirement.
However, we know that this is easier said than done and so to help those of us that battle with changing the way we think, we’ve drawn up a list of opportunities to get excited about and to help us make the most of our later years.
While we know there’s not always a one-size-fits-all formula for everyone, research points to a wealth of opportunities that will most likely lead us to a fulfilling retirement:
- Being Purposefully Active – this means seeking out activities to spend your time on that are purposeful (read our blog, ‘Why You Should Reconsider Retiring Early’ to see why a sense of purpose is so important). Sure, your sewing may come in handy come birthdays and Christmas, but when you’ve run out of gift ideas, then what is the purpose for your craft? Surely not just to keep busy. Perhaps you can look for ways to give your special hobby a purpose. For example, selling your crafts to raise money for a worthwhile charity that is meaningful to you. Which leads us to the next point.
- Giving Back – there is a special sense of fulfilment that comes from volunteering your time, money or efforts to a special event or cause. Research shows that giving back to others through volunteering, decreases your risk of depression, reduces stress levels and can even help you live longer!
- Connectedness – opportunities to maintain or rekindle socially supportive relationships are essential to your mental health. As humans, we were never made to live in isolation – closed off from the word around us. Those who are lonely tend to have lower confidence levels and self-esteem and greater risks of developing Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or dementia. Spending time in good company makes us happy (even for the most introverted of us), reduces stress, keeps our brain active and helps us live longer.
If you would like further advice on how to make your retirement more meaningful and enjoyable, please feel free to chat with our financial planner come life coach, Alex Wardle. His many years of experience in the industry put him in the perfect position to offer wise tips and information regarding both the financial and emotional aspects of retirement.