The emotional impact of retirement can often lead to loneliness. Many of us feel lost and empty during this phase and it is important to find a purpose and drive for your second act, in order to feel fulfilled and not to feel lonely. Setting goals, creating a plan, and figuring out your drive will help you gain a start!
Retirement is a time for you to embark on another adventure with a new zeal. If you are looking for a healthy and happy retirement, it is time to find new meaning and purpose in your life. So here are our top 10 tips that can help you foster new ideas for the second act of your life:
#1 Develop Purpose & Meaning
Now that you are retired, what is it that will get you out of bed?
You need to make every day meaningful and have a new sense of purpose. Now is the time to invest in yourself – and we don’t mean just through money. After retirement, you need to change your focus from wealth to health and start thriving.
People with a sense of purpose have a significantly lower death rate and are happier than those who feel lonely and aimless. However, it is ultimately you who has to find out what inspires you and what is your happy zone.
#2 Replace Your Work Identity
Transitioning from work to retirement can be a bumpy experience for some, who often start to question their identity and feel puzzled over how to structure their routine as their familiar area of work starts to fade into the background.
Although many welcome the freedom and flexibility, some experience being on loose ends and constantly struggling with restructuring their lives after being gainfully employed for so many years. When faced with retirement transition, many people often take up a different identity for a new sense of purpose and direction.
#3 Focus on your Health
Retirement is the time for you to take it easy. According to a Merrill Lynch study, Americans over 50 years of age mention healthcare costs as their greatest concern, irrespective of their wealth. Still, many of them do not factor healthcare costs while they are nearing retirement.
The best retirement plans do not just focus on the money that you have, but also to renew, refresh and re-invigorate yourself and your health. Just prioritize on yourself now; what do you enjoy doing most, like gardening, walking ,or any other hobby that keeps you refreshed.
Stay vital, stay focused, and, above all, stay relevant to yourself.
#4 Develop a Routine
You may find that getting up, eating and sleeping at the same time every day is more normal. You can plan your day in advance to include activities like volunteer work, exercise, hobbies, or assisting your former workplace in knowledge transfer processes.
It is important that you keep a schedule and ask yourself, “Who energizes me?” Then make conscious efforts to be around them!
We all understand retirement is a major life change, and for most of us it is not fun. By establishing a routine, you can avoid the boredom and restlessness that accompanies the onset of retirement. When you have days and evenings at leisure, you may feel excited or even dull, but having a routine can help.
#5 Make a Retirement Plan
Lot of people just spend their lives working from day to day, month to month, and even year to year. Once they reach retirement, they feel clueless about what to do next.
You can make retirement the best time of your life’s second act, but it is advisable that you plan well in advance what is it that you aspire to do. You need to make sure financially you are well prepared to do what you would like to after retirement. Working with a financial advisor or retirement coach is an excellent way to achieve your retirement goals.
#6 Stay Socially Connected
You may be retired, but working on creating new social connections and friendships is still relevant for you. Different researches have been concluded that being social has a positive impact on health. Moreover, being lonely can have adverse effects as well. According to research conducted by the University of Chicago, loneliness in older people can increase the chances of death by 14 percent. Being lonely can have twice the amount of impact on early death as obesity.
It doesn’t matter whether you are an introvert or an extrovert – being social and having friends is actually critical to your health and well-being. If you find it difficult to make new friends, you can keep in touch with your workplace friends and plan regular outings to stay connected.
#7 Stay Cognitively Engaged
Once you approach retirement, mental health becomes as important as physical health. Many studies have shown that learning something new in your later years can help in keeping you independent and active.
So, it is recommended that you use your time in challenging yourself mentally through different ways. Think about learning a new language, a new musical instrument, or a new set of skills that will keep you excited and, most importantly, energized.
#8 Think about Retirement Income
It is important to plan and estimate your retirement income essentials. You must work out a plan that divides your income into two categories: the basic income you need for survival and another flexible amount that you would like to earn for a desired lifestyle.
Your retirement assets must be allocated to cover the basic income that is guaranteed for as long as you live. There are certain retirement plans that you can invest in well in advance to cover your expenses once you retire.
#9 Make Travel Plans
Research says that retirement is the time to unwind, relax, and plan that elusive trip that you have been dreaming of for so long. This holds true for newly retired professionals who are beginning to feel despair out of boredom. Whatever you choose, depending upon your health and budget, you can make retirement the most exciting phase of your life.
Anything is possible when you plan right. If travel is what you have been yearning for, now is the time to focus on it.
#10 Think Positive
“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” ― Sophia Loren
It takes three positive emotions to overcome one negative emotion. So grab Gratitude, secure Serenity and feel the Joy. Retirement is your time to thrive, not just survive. You need to avoid the negative emotions that make you feel alone, insecure, and less relevant. Grab some positivity in life and optimism.
Don’t dwell on your working days – focus on what’s next.
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