Retirement can definitely take some getting used-to.
Leaving your working days behind you and embarking on the novel journey of finding meaning without a career is exciting, refreshing, and what many people look forward to every day of their working life – but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few hurdles to jump before you get to your true golden years.
If you’re having trouble adjusting to retirement, you’re not alone.
Many retirees struggle to make the switch seamlessly, so you shouldn’t feel bad if you find yourself struggling to fully acclimate to your new situation.
The good news, though, is that there are some tips that you can use to make the switch that much smoother.
1. Keep an Eye on Your Funding
Retirement funding can be a major hassle for some retirees.
While, ideally, you’d have saved up a million dollars or two that you can use to live out the rest of your days in comfort, the fact of the matter is that most retirees haven’t attained this goal.
Don’t worry; it’s not the end of the world. There are plenty of other options for funding.
For instance, if you own a home, you might be able to qualify for a reverse mortgage.
What is a reverse mortgage? Basically, it’s like selling your home to a lending agency but you get to keep living there. You get monthly cash payments or a line of credit, and when you pass away, the agency gets your house.
Once you’ve got funding squared away, however, there are plenty of other areas to consider.
2. Looks for Ways to Stay Productive
Keeping productive is especially important for retirees. After all, most retirees are no longer working – that is, unless they are still working.
What does that mean?
Basically, many retirees choose to continue working in some capacity – like working freelance or working part-time – in order to stay productive and keep an active life in retirement.
Think about it – it might be worth it!
3. Find Something to Give Your Life Meaning
People are really only happy if they feel their lives have meaning.
In retirement, it’s a good idea to focus on finding meaning in life.
That could be something like doing yoga weekly, attending a church group or bible study, or even going back to work as we mentioned above.
Finding a new source of meaning once you’re done working is highly important for retirees.
4. Spend Time with the People You Love
What’s retirement even for if not spending time with loved ones?
Not only will this help you adjust better to your retirement, it’ll also offer you a source of meaning.
Seeing your grandkids grow up, helping them with homework, teaching them to ride a bike: what better meaning could there be than that?
5. Never Stop Learning
Another way to adjust to your retirement is to focus on learning new things.
Ever wanted to learn another language? Now you have plenty of time.
Or maybe you’ll take up a new hobby, like fishing, running, or even video games!
Learning something new is a great way to make retirement more meaningful, and keep you feeling alive even after the rush of a high-intensity career is behind you.
6. Consider How You Can Give Back
Something else that helps retirees feel happy and adjusted to their living situation is giving back to their communities.
You might volunteer with a homeowners’ association to help keep your neighborhood clean, for instance.
Or maybe you’ll break out your artistic abilities and volunteer to paint a mural for the local elementary school.
The key is just to ask around. Chances are, if you’re attentive, you’ll find someone who needs something done for free!
7. Remember to be Grateful
Gratitude is one of the best indicators of happiness. It’s just a scientific fact: people who are grateful are more satisfied with their lives.
So, as you settle into a long and happy retirement, one way to keep it that way is to stay grateful.
Not sure where to start?
There are awesome guided meditation apps out there that can help you feel more appreciative of the things in your life.
Give them a try, and start feeling happy and fulfilled in retirement!