Tips to enjoy a happy retirement

 Tips to enjoy a happy retirement

1. Make a plan

2. Sort out your finances

3. Get a health check

4. Stay active

5. Keep connected

6. Eat good food

7. Treat yourself

Free of the responsibilities of work life, your retirement should be all about happiness and enjoyment. But if you don’t look after your health and think about your needs, finding happiness after retirement could be a struggle. Fortunately, it is never too late to learn how to be happy in retirement. Our tips for a happy life should have everything you need to have a happy retirement, and cope with any retirement blues.

Make a plan

 Ask yourself, what do you want to get out of your retirement? Once you know the answer to this, you can think about how to plan for retirement. Preparation will ensure you waste no time in finding a sense of purpose beyond work life. Whether it is exercise, reading or even going back to work, plan your time so that your free time is always occupied.

Write a list of everything you want to do and achieve in your retirement years. Unlike your employment life, you can afford to give yourself plenty of time to relax in between activities. If you are retiring with a partner, be sure to get their input also – you may find that there is a lot you want to do together.

Sort out your finances

Sorting out how much money you have may not be very fun in the short-term, but it is vital to your happiness in the long-term. You need to ensure that you have saved up enough money in your pension to get the retirement you want, whether it is something simple or more luxurious.

Start by paying off any lingering debts that could possibly pose a problem for your pension application. Then, consult a few specialists and pension providers to claim the pension best suited to your situation – are you happy with a state pension or do you want to take private control? Securing your retirement income nice and early will save you worrying about your money situation later on in life.

Get a health check

Put simply, health is wealth. True happiness is impossible without good health, whether physical or mental. Healthy living results in a higher energy level and a sunnier approach to life. As we get older though, we become more vulnerable to illness and health issues, so we advise getting regular health checks to prevent any unwelcome surprises.

With an NHS health check, you can anticipate any age-related illnesses before they become serious problems. If you already have a pre-existing condition, make sure that you know a local hospital that knows how to deal with it. For example, our retirement homes in Manchester are handily located near a selection of medical practices.

Stay active

Keeping active in retirement is both beneficial to your health, and a great way to stay upbeat. You should aim to try and exercise at least 3 times a week, whether you are going for a walk, exploring nature, or discovering a new sport that you like. Getting active isn’t just limited to physical activity – reading or learning something new will keep your mind ticking long into your retirement.

Keep connected

We as humans thrive on social interaction, so surrounding yourself with other people will work wonders for your happiness. Adults who have more social interactions are proven to be less likely to fall victim to issues like depression and high blood pressure, which often come from isolation.

Retirement is a great time to share with family and grandchildren, and also to keep in close contact with friends from work. But you should also make an effort to meet new friends at a similar stage of life, whether you join a walking group or a social club.

Eat good food

Now that you have a lot of extra time, why not try your hand at cooking and eating healthier food. Healthy food like fruit and vegetables are scientifically proven to boost your happiness, as well as your physical and mental health. It can also be a fun activity, forcing you to get creative and use your mind to make delicious foods.

Treat yourself

Retirement is the perfect time to do everything you have never had a chance to do. Provided you have a decent pension, the world is your oyster. You can go on a vacation, have a relaxing spa day, or buy yourself a pet to keep you company. If you fancy some retirement travel, it might be a good idea to have the most adventurous trips early into your retirement, as you need to think about your health. Work may have got in the way of certain luxuries before, but there is nothing stopping you now.

If you want to ensure a happy retirement, our retirement apartments are the perfect place to start. Transitioning into retirement can be daunting, but we aim to ease you into your new life and show you how you can enjoy your retirement.