Retirement is a time for new experiences, new opportunities, and new challenges. You’ll have to adjust to living on a fixed income, but there’s no reason that can’t be fun and exciting. Plus, retirement comes with many benefits; more freedom from work schedules, less stress about money issues (especially if you’ve saved well for retirement), and an opportunity to spend more time with family members who might not be as available during their working years. Of course, it’s impossible to predict your exact experience in retirement; everyone’s journey is different! But here are some common changes people notice when they stop working full-time:
Your schedule will change
If you were a busy bee during your working years, retirement might feel like a holiday for the first few weeks but then what? You’ll start thinking about what else you can do with all that free time on your hands. You’ll have more time to explore your hobbies, travel and volunteer in retirement. It can also be tempting to simply whittle away the time sleeping in or watching TV. While simply doing not very much at all is good in small doses, it’s important that you make an effort to plan out how you want to spend this new gift of leisure time before it slips away.
Your habits may change
You may have to make changes to your diet, exercise routine, sleep schedule and social life. It’s important to be aware of how these changes might affect your health and then make adjustments accordingly. For example: If you don’t get enough sleep now that you’re retired, it could lead to weight gain or depression; if you eat high-calorie foods after a long day at work but skip meals during the night because of insomnia, this could lead to serious health problems like diabetes or heart disease; if all those lunches out with friends tempt your taste buds with rich foods and alcohol, maybe those can be traded for healthier snacks instead!
New places to go
As you’re getting ready to retire, maybe you’re thinking about where you’ll move next. Maybe it’s closer to your family, or maybe it’s a place with more opportunities for your hobbies. Or perhaps there’s no place like home and retirement means staying put!
Whatever the case may be, here are some ways that living in retirement could change the way you see your community:
- Explore your community whether it’s walking around a new neighborhood or exploring online, check out what services and resources are available in your area. This can help make sure that when an emergency happens (like an unexpected medical bill), you know where to go for help!
- Try a new activity if the beach isn’t quite cutting it anymore but nature trails aren’t quite right either, try something else! There are so many options; find one that works best for your lifestyle now.
- Travel if traveling was important while working full-time, you’ve now got all the time in the world to get out there and do it! Plus, you may have retired friends with time to join you! Seeing new places is always more fun with friends.
You’ll find new interests
As you age, your life will likely take on new meaning and purpose. You may decide to learn a new skill, travel more or spend more time with friends and family. New hobbies may come into play as well, you might finally start that garden you’ve always wanted or take up surfing at the local beach.
Connect with old friends
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, especially when you’re caring for family. But don’t forget about those who were there for you in your earlier days. Your old friends still care about you, and they may be able to help you with things that your kids just don’t know how to do anymore, or things that would take too much effort on their part. Don’t be shy about reaching out! At St Ives, you’ll be surrounded by a community of like minded people, which means you’ll have plenty of opportunity to make new friends, in addition to reconnecting with your old friends.
Change is good
Life changes a lot in retirement, but many of those changes can be positive! It’s a great time to try new things, reconnect with loved ones and get active. If you want to make the most of this exciting new phase of your life, consider joining the St Ives community. At our villages, you’ll be surrounded by the things that make you happy. Book a village tour today!