People regard retirement in different ways. Those who have saved or invested enough to be able to make the most of their retirement in style usually look forward to giving up the daily grind, whereas those who have not saved are usually not looking forward to it. However, there is another group of people who span both of these groups who do not want to retire either.
It is not because they do not have enough money, it is because they are frightened that they will not have enough to do. This is a real pity, but it is normally evidence of an over-concentration on one’s career and not enough other interests outside work.
Here are a few pointers to help you prepare yourself to enjoy your retirement.
Do not regard retirement as the end of your useful life. Yes, it probably was for your father or grandfather, but it does not have to be for you because individuals live longer nowadays. Your grandfather almost certainly only had six or seven years after retirement, but you could have twenty or more. If you still want to work, you can, either for someone else or for yourself.
Broaden your circle of friends and interests or hobbies. Five to ten years before you retire, start an interest that has absolutely nothing to do with your job – archery, ballooning, deep sea fishing, marathon running, bridge or embroidery, anything, but be willing to fill the gap that losing the nine to five will create.
Many retirees become far less active than they were when working. This not good, so plan to take up a replacement activity like gardening, rambling, swimming, sailing or golf. In fact, anything to keep those pounds from piling on just at the time of your life when they can do the most damage. If you do not like the idea of taking up an active hobby, modify your diet and walk for thirty minutes every morning and every evening.
If you do not want to begin a new job or a new business, consider donating some of your free time to a decent cause. You could visit the elderly or the lonely in hospital. You could visit lonely individuals in the community or you could teach computers or gardening to those who want to learn. Join the Women’s Institute, Victim Support, visit prisoners or help out at one of the local institutions.
Learn something new. Have you always wished to be able to play the guitar, speak Spanish or use the Net? Well, now is your opportunity. There are usually day and night classes in these and other topics.
Travel more. All right, you might not have a lot of money, but you do have a bus pass (in many countries, anyway). You could set up a fortnight’s holiday using your bus pass for daily travel from guest house to guest house. You could write a book or simply read all those books that you have not had time to read over the last fifty years.
Owen Jones, the author of this piece writes on many subjects but is currently involved with Ways To Enjoy Retirement. If you want to read more, please go over to our website entitled Retirement.