You have worked hard your entire career and this time is about you! Retirement is a time to live and enjoy your home and prioritise the things which make you happy.
Everyone’s path to happiness is different, but studies tell us that there are certain ways to make your life more happy and fulfilling. Whether that be learning something new, taking care of your body, doing kind things for others or spending more time with those you love. This is your time.
- Healthy Living
Now is your time to prioritize your wellbeing. Consider taking up a new sport or seeing a personal trainer once a week who can tailor a programme to suit your fitness levels and help you set some achievable goals. Even taking a daily walk can improve your health and quality of life. Review your diet and look to cook more meals at home from scratch. Home cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients is the best for your health and can be a very enjoyable activity too. If you enjoy cooking, take a cookery course or sign up for a weekly fruit and veg box to inspire your creativity. Perfect your favourite cuisines and invite family and friends over to enjoy your newfound talents.
- Enhance your independence at home
Think about your home and how you can future-proof your environment to help you maintain your independence for longer. It is often harder to make these changes as we get older, so think about things ahead of time. Consider any steps and how you can move freely throughout your home. A home lift can be a great addition to your home to increase comfort and convenience. Imagine never having to haul laundry up the stairs ever again? Pop into a home elevator, press a button and glide seamlessly to another floor. No risk of slips or falls which can have such a hugely detrimental impact on independence.
- Volunteering
As we get older, and our roles have changed, it is important to stay active and social to give us a sense of purpose in our lives which is key to good mental health and happiness.
Volunteering is one way of giving something back to your community and those in need. Kindness relates directly to our health and wellbeing and is linked to happiness. By volunteering, you not only make a difference to someone else’s life, but you make new friends, feel part of your community and you may even receive high quality training and develop new skills.
- Enjoy the finer things
Your retirement is a time to enjoy the finer things in life, take a wine tasting class or learn to make cocktails. Go out for delicious meals or enjoy slow eating in the sunshine. Take your time as there is no rush. Overhaul your wardrobe and treat yourself to some nice clothes. You will look and feel better. Retirement is the perfect time to treat yourself and enjoy the finer things in life.
- Socialize
Socializing not only staves off feelings of loneliness, but also it helps sharpen memory and cognitive skills. Being around existing friends and making new friends increase feelings of happiness and wellbeing, and may even help you live longer.
In-person is best, but connecting via technology also works. There are many groups you can join, some for free or a small contribution. Look out for coffee mornings, ladies’ groups, or join a baking club or a sewing club or even try an online weekly quiz direct from the comfort of your couch.