Naturally, you want to enjoy your retirement! Happiness is, in the words of the Dalai Lama, “the purpose of our lives.” ” At retirement, however, that desire often becomes an expectation.
According to a white paper published by Empower, 283 percent of pre-retirees believe they will be able to live their best lives in retirement. After all, it’s the moment you’ve been working toward.
Indeed, retirees are generally happier. However, it would be incorrect to believe that you can finally be happy after you clock out for the last time. That’s because happiness is more than just a feeling.
Retirement is a time of immense opportunity and freedom, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. To truly thrive in your golden years, it’s important to approach retirement with intention and a plan. Here are 10 secrets to a happy retirement, gleaned from the wisdom of experts and the experiences of contented retirees:
1. Be a Saver, Not a Spender:
Financial security is the cornerstone of a happy retirement. Start saving early and consistently, aiming for a nest egg of at least $500,000 by retirement. Consider having your mortgage paid off or close to it, and diversify your income sources to include Social Security, pensions, rental income, investments, and perhaps part-time work.
2. Nurture Your Interests:
Retirement is the perfect time to pursue your passions and explore new hobbies. Engage in at least three activities that bring you joy, whether it’s hiking, photography, volunteering, or painting theatrical sets. Having a variety of interests keeps life stimulating and prevents boredom.
3. Establish Satisfying Daily Routines:
Structure your days with routines that bring you pleasure. Experiment and find what works best for you, whether it’s morning walks, reading, or spending time with loved ones. Consistency and purpose are key to a fulfilling retirement.
4. Stay Connected to Your Children:
Maintain close relationships with your children, but avoid becoming overly dependent on them. Encourage them to live their own lives while cherishing the time you spend together.
5. Forge a New Identity:
Retirement is a chance to reinvent yourself beyond your work identity. Find a new purpose that brings you fulfillment, whether it’s writing, volunteering, or pursuing creative endeavors.
6. Cultivate Strong Friendships:
Friendships are essential for happiness and well-being in retirement. Nurture existing friendships and seek out new connections with people who share your interests. Having a strong social network can boost your mood and provide valuable support.
7. Embrace New Experiences:
Stepping outside your comfort zone and trying new things can add excitement and growth to your retirement. Consider taking a class, learning a new skill, or traveling to a new destination.
8. Invest for Income, Not Growth:
Focus on generating steady income from your investments rather than chasing high-growth opportunities. Work with a financial advisor to create an investment plan that aligns with your retirement goals and risk tolerance.
9. Prioritize Your Health:
Good health is crucial for enjoying a fulfilling retirement. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get regular checkups. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being will allow you to live life to the fullest.
10. Avoid Penny-Pinching:
While budgeting is important, don’t deprive yourself of simple pleasures in retirement. Enjoy occasional treats like a Starbucks latte or a nice meal out. Find a balance between enjoying your savings and living a comfortable lifestyle.
By embracing these secrets, you can set yourself on a path to a happy and fulfilling retirement. Remember, retirement is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the opportunities it presents, stay active and engaged, and savor the freedom to live life on your own terms.
Find a sense of purpose
Even if your work wasn’t enjoyable, it probably gave you something worthwhile in addition to money: a purpose. Longer, healthier, happier lives are associated with having a sense of purpose in life.
Finding purpose doesn’t require grand gestures. It can stem from hobbies, travel, family moments or even a pet. Find what matters to you through relationships, meaningful experiences, or both. Prioritizing what you care about consistently can lead to a more purposeful, fulfilling life.
Giving back qualifies as a source of purpose, but it’s worth discussing on its own because of its significant impact on happiness. People who give to others — through time, money or energy — tend to be much happier on average than those who don’t.
Interestingly, focusing less on oneself in retirement correlates with higher levels of happiness. One survey found that nearly 70% of retirees say being generous is an important source of happiness in retirement.
Giving back to the community by volunteering at a local shelter or donating money on a yearly basis can have a significant positive impact on both the lives of others and yourself.
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The BEST Retirement Advice EVER From Retirees (7 Examples)
FAQ
What do the happiest retirees do?
Why am I unhappy after retirement?
What is the happiest age to retire?
How do you emotionally handle retirement?
How can I make my retirement a happy time?
Retirement can be a time when our social interactions wane. So, consider using it as an opportunity to broaden your social life. Call old friends. Travel to visit family. Attend community events. A happy retirement is as much about who you spend time with as what you spend your time doing. 2. Never stop moving
How can you improve your social life during retirement?
It found that close relationships, more than money or fame, keep people happy throughout their lives. Retirement can be a time when our social interactions wane. So, consider using it as an opportunity to broaden your social life. Call old friends. Travel to visit family. Attend community events.
What should you do if you’re retired?
Bring joy to other people. Be inspiring. Do something memorable. Sure, retirement is your time. Just keep the big picture in mind and be sure to leave behind a little inspiration. Speaking of inspiration… Share this article with your friends!
What makes a person happy in retirement?
One of the keys to happiness in retirement is cultivating positive relationships with the people around you. Social connections are essential for our well-being, and they become even more important as we age. Retirement is the perfect time to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.