If you jump on Google and type in retirement, you’ll find hundreds of articles about how to plan for retirement. You’ll get information on savings, how much to save, expenses, etc. but you very rarely find information about planning for what comes next. While you’ve spent a large majority of your time working, that time will now be available. What will you do with your new time freedom? Here are some things to consider when planning for after-retirement.
Decide what you want out of retirement
Are you up for a new adventure? Are you ready to dive into a ton of new books? Ready to learn the guitar finally? Take a new painting class? There’s no right or wrong answer here. You get to decide what you want your new life to look like. Be sure to fill your time with the things that bring you the most amount of joy.
Studies show that retirees who have a few regular activities can boost their physical and mental health.
Here is a list of things you can do to maintain a healthy and exciting lifestyle even after retirement.
1. Volunteer
You’ve built a lifetime of knowledge and skills. Put those skills to use after retirement hits. Mentor someone in the community. Organize a food drive. Find a cause you are passionate about and start helping. The organization will be eternally grateful for your support and you may make new friends!
2. Get fit
We don’t just mean physically either. During those years at work you had to exert yourself mentally and physically. Don’t let that slip away. Instead of exerting yourself at work, find things you enjoy physically and mentally. Staying sharp will keep you young and vibrant in life in retirement.
3. Get out there and work
I know, you just left your 9-5 but maybe part-time work would satisfy you. It’s hard to go from working 40+ hours a week to not working at all. It’s a hard transition. Finding a part-time job that requires minimal stress and just a few hours of your time can be a great way to thrive in retirement. Not only will you reap financial benefits, but you never know where this could lead you. Take a job in a cool coffee shop you love, a local bookstore, etc.
The trick with life in retirement is to find something you love and make it part of your new lifestyle.