Whether you are retired or approaching retirement, these keys will help you have a truly fulfilling life during this transition. Take just a moment to read each key and reflect. (What are you doing now, what will you do later?)
Remain Positive and Enjoy This Time
Staying positive during change increases happiness and a healthier life. Research has shown that pessimists’ health deteriorated far more rapidly as they aged, while optimists’ health showed lower levels of cardiovascular disease and longer life spans. Take every day as an opportunity to check something off your “bucket list”.
Enjoy some alone time as well. This will help you to catch your breath and relax.
Stay Active and Social
Make some time to take care of your health, both physical and mental. Strive to take at least 30 minutes per day to walk or participate in a low impact sport (golf, biking, bowling or swimming).
Whether you delight in a weekly get together with fellow retirees for breakfast or you meet with your friends for a movie matinee, staying connected with the world is extremely important. So go ahead and join that book club you have been dreaming about!
Learn Something New
Learn a new skill. You have the time to devote to learning how to use those mobile devices or tune into social media. Facebook and Instagram have pretty much replaced hand written letters and telephone calls as preferred methods of communication. If you hope to stay in touch with younger friends or family, you will need to the same communication tools that they use.
Take a class to learn how to paint, garden, crochet, or woodwork. This will give you something to look forward to as well as the chance to interact with others about your new found interest.
Spend Time with Grandchildren, Family and Friends
You have worked hard and spent so much time over the years pouring yourself into your work, probably with little to no time left for family and friends. Now is the time to rekindle friendships and truly enjoy all the laughter and smiles from those adorable grandchildren. Make the most of this time and create lasting memories for you and your loved ones.
As you reflect on these keys, set your goals for this important time in your life.