Valuable assets for a happy retirement

It’s not all about the money

Along and happy retirement is going to take more than money. Yes, you are going to have to have to crunch the numbers when the time comes and yes, you may have to tweak a few things here and there, but there are so many other things you need to think about as well.

Staying healthy

A lot of retirees would say that having good health when you retire is number one in their books. It’s never too late to get moving and eat right. You now will have the time for leisurely walks, some yoga or pilates or even a few laps of the local pool.

Time to have a small vege garden so you can eat fresh and healthy meals and share surplus with friends.

Having a furry or feathered friend.

Once you retire you will have the opportunity to finally get a pet if you so wish. A small dog is on my retirement list as I will finally have the time to walk and train a new puppy and at the same time get some exercise myself.

If you are a retiree on your own pets make wonderful companions whether furry or feathered.

Hit the books . . . or movies

I am looking forward to the day I can spend hours in a nice sunny corner with my nose in a good book and not feel guilty. I try it now, but I look at the washing pile, dishes in the sink and my unmade bed and get a case of the guilts.

Then there are the senior rates at the movies . . . wahoo! I will be up for that.

Having a purpose

I am not retired yet so have very little spare time, but every Christmas I help with the Community Christmas lunch which I really enjoy. I think if you have a little spare time, a few hours a week doing some volunteering is a really good way to stay connected to your community.

Whether it is helping at your local school, op shop, library, drop-in centre or even helping someone who needs assistance learning a few more computer skills, it is a really fulfilling way to spend a few hours.

Social connections

Now you have some time on your hands, catch up with some of your friends you may have lost touch with. It is important to keep up with social connections otherwise days can be long and lonely.

It doesn’t mean you have to be doing it every day, but go for a coffee one morning a week with friends or get together with a group for an early morning walk or maybe a combined meal once a week

Learning and interests

Here is your chance to take up painting, join the local writing group or try your hand at pottery. All the things that you have wanted to try but lack of time prohibited. Try something new, a great way to keep your mind active.

And finally, attitude

Enjoyment of your retirement boils down to attitude. You can either stay at home doing those mundane chores every day or you can venture out, catch up with friends, try out that new café, join the library and enjoy your new sense of freedom!