It’s easy to feel a bit uncertain when thinking about retirement. You’re entering a new stage in life and experiencing a change in your routine and lifestyle, and perhaps a change in your living situation as well. While these changes can feel unsettling, it doesn’t have to be that way! In fact, with the right perspective, it’s easy to look forward to your retirement and the freedom that comes with it!
Below, we cover five tips for retirement, so you can effectively manage the life changes that independent senior living can bring.
Create a retirement routine
Before retiring, you likely have a set routine. Get ready, eat breakfast, and answer some emails, before finally heading out to your day. Once you retire, a structured day is less likely, and you can easily feel lost when you don’t have a routine.
If you thrive on a schedule, it’s good to create a new retirement routine that will help you plan out your days. You don’t have to be rigid with following your schedule but setting expectations for each day can help you feel better adjusted to your newfound freedom.
Set goals
Pre-retirement life is full of milestones – promoted at 25, married at 30, first baby at 35, and so on. We’re here to tell you that retirement is not the end of the line! You can still achieve milestones by setting goals. Achieving goals that you set for yourself, even if they are small, can give you a sense of purpose and help you redefine your identity. Maybe you want to start travelling to Asia, speak and learn a new language, start a fitness journey, or finally move into your dream 1 bedroom retirement flat. It’s important to set personal goals that make you feel like you can still conquer the world, no matter what age.
Build relationships outside the office
Once you retire, you’ll quickly learn that you’re more than just your 9-5. That’s why, as you approach the end of your career, it’s important to think about engaging yourself in activities outside the office. Volunteering is a great way to build relationships outside the workplace. Pursuing educational courses and other communal activities can also help enrich your life, helping build new relationships and grow your circle.
Embrace change
The more we accept that change is an inevitable part of life, the more we can come to terms with it and be resilient to the challenges that come our way. Kids grow up, you lose friends, physical challenges arise, and you can change homes. The best thing you can do is to adjust your perspective and change how you respond to the ebbs and flows of life.
Seek social support
There are many organisations for older adults that can help you transition smoothly into retirement. Being part of a community of people that are dealing with the same changes can help you feel less alone in your transition to retirement.
Join the Settlers community!
Embrace this new chapter of your life! Feel at ease as you move into your new home at Settlers Lifestyle Village! Enjoy lush surroundings while being part of a vibrant community. Located in leafy Albany, Auckland, Settlers offer one, two or three-bedroom apartments for seniors that provide the ultimate in carefree living. Ready to live your best retirement life? View our properties and contact us today!
