Many people are curious about life in retirement. Will it work out? What do people actually do in their retirement? Do they like it? I asked several people about their experiences of retirement. Here are 5 insights from their retirement life.
Retirement Life: Choice
‘The best thing about retirement is doing what you want, when you want – could be travel, golf, sailing, writing your memoirs……….what ever….and, yes, you can have 2 morning teas’. (John H)
‘Retirement is best thing is time to do the things that weren’t possible before’. (Rick)
Retirement is being able to survive on your savings or pension and having to fill in time doing your favourite hobbies, travelling or volunteering to help the elderly such as delivering meals on wheels. (Robyn G)
Projects
‘Retirement has taught me that you definitely need a project (or two ) and it’s good to still make lists – achievement drives happiness’. (John H)
Money
‘I have learnt to be more frugal with my money. Also spend more time looking after myself’. (Rick)
Retirement Life: Opportunities
‘Retirement gives most of us an opportunity to travel, sightsee, catch up with and spend meaningful time with family and friends made during a lifetime of work. It should be considered as a new life in many ways, as one is not restricted by the regimentation of work’. (Len)
Stretching the Body And The Brain
‘Unless one remains active mentally and physically, a period of idleness will work against one’s life. I have seen friends live only a short life because of their inactivity’ It brings truth to the saying ‘If you sit in God’s waiting room you will be called’.
It is important to be physically active, like – volunteering for work in charities, etc; walking or playing sport; doing Pilates (Physio exercises); doing the garden while one is able; travelling to see more places.
It is also important to keep one’s mind active, like – reading interesting books; doing one’s family genealogy; joining friends and others in debates or just talking; writing books; lecturing or being a guest speaker on matters of one’s knowledge; studying subjects of interest’. (Len)
Jill Weeks is the author of 21 Ways To Retire and co-author of Where To
Retire In Australia and Retire Bizzi. Information Provider For Great Retirement Lifestyles.
She is a regular contributor to radio.