How do you feel about retirement? Do you think about it often and look forward to it with excitement, or is it an event you try to keep out of your mind as much as possible as it triggers feelings of fear and dread?
A huge change in lifestyle for most of us, there is probably a mix of emotions when that mandatory date appears on the horizon. But usually when we look the monster squarely in the eye – and prepare for it properly – we find the future could be very rosy indeed.
As much as retirement means we can say goodbye to the boss for the last time, we are also letting go of a factor in our lives that gives us a source of social interaction and a sense of value and validation. What will there be to take its place?
Those golden nuggets are not hard to find. You just need to focus your energy and time on what makes you feel good! With motivation, good health and the right funding, you can be active socially, contribute to your community and also reach all those dreams you have waited so long for.
Let’s take a look at what could be out there waiting for you.
Learn about the things you love
Now you have the time to learn more about those subjects you have a real interest in. This could be via college classes, reading (feed the mind!) or through travelling to places you have always wanted to see. Travelling in groups is going to enhance your social outlets too!
Spend more time on hobbies
As well as extra time to do your favourite hobbies, you can participate much more dynamically. Perhaps by doing a course, meeting others with the same interest, or setting up a group yourself.
Make contact
The world does not shrink in retirement. You just need to find new ways to associate and enhance friendships. Social media can be a great way of keeping in contact with friends. Voluntary work offers new contacts and new purpose. With quality time for your family at your fingertips you can actively seek out groups which have the same interests as yourself.
Feeling Competitive? Keep fit classes can keep you healthy. From chess to football and golf to bowls, sport can be a great way to have fun and de-stress. Maybe there is a local league for your favourite sport near you?
Don’t let those dreams pass you by (bucket list)
If you have prepared for retirement, then you will have a whole bucket list of dreams. Consider early how you can achieve these dreams money wise, time-wise and health wise.
Your life experience is invaluable
In the autumn of your life, you may feel a little like you are now out of sync with what is going on. But your life experience is invaluable to your peers and the next generations. As well as offering services, consider teaching or mentoring or even playing an active role in your community
The earlier you consider what you want your retirement to look like, the better chance you will have of filling your day with stuff that keeps you healthy, connects you with the community, is rewarding and makes you feel happy. So prepare, prepare, prepare…
And don’t forget, you have to have the funds to enjoy it. Save and monitor your pension pot throughout your life. To get a full idea as to how that money can grow for you, check out good guidance websites like Pension Wise or get advice from a regulated financial adviser. In many cases the latter, such as Portafina, can offer a no obligation pension check. This means the initial investigation into your pension is free. And in many cases advisers can continue to provide full advice with no obligation. Ultimately, at any stage you can walk away, better informed and with nothing to pay. To get an idea of how to access a registered financial adviser, click here.
