Retirement simply means removal or withdrawal from service, office, or business; withdrawal into privacy or seclusion. The word "retirement" needs to be demystifyed. In fact, many believe the word "retirement" itself needs to be retired. Hence, how can you plan for a successful, happy transition into the second half of your life? I would like to offer six secrets:
Secret 1: Have Strong Social Support
A study done in New Haven, Connecticut found that men and women who were socially active lived an average of two and a half years longer than those who were not. Other studies have found that social interactions have a significant effect in maintaining mental health, regardless of whether retirees live alone, live with someone other than their spouse, or are childless. Satisfaction in retirement is strongly correlated to the strength and number of your personal connections. It would seem that investing in building and maintaining friendships can reap far greater rewards than investing in stocks and bonds!
Secret 2: Have Something to Wake Up For
Intellectual stimulation, structure, a sense of purpose, feelings of pride and accomplishment - these are key ingredients to a happy retirement. Sure, golf, fishing, tennis, and beachcombing are great, but can you really do them 168 hours a week? Although the answer is "yes" for some, for most of us, there needs to be more.
If your present career doesn't provide you with the emotional and psychological plusses you need, or if you find yourself unable to work, or you're bored with your retirement lifestyle, here are some other options to consider so you'll be leaping out of bed every morning eager to start the day. In addition to volunteering, a volunteer or service vacation is a way to help others while enjoying yourself. Strengthen your spiritual life. For many people, this time of transition provides an opportunity to delve further into religion and/or reconnect with the things that are truly important.
Secret 3: Have a High Level of Activity (Physical and Mental)
This really isn't much of a secret at all. The physical act of exercise actually brings about a shift in mood. Even after something as simple as a 15-minute walk, people experience a more positive affect (feelings or emotions), and feel calmer and more relaxed. As researcher Paddy Ekkekakis noted in a study on exercise and mood, "Walking is inexpensive, familiar, and safe. That's why many have argued that the most effective piece of exercise equipment is a dog." If you're not a natural exercise-lover, increase your chances of consistently exercising by doing activities you enjoy, doing them on a regular basis (first thing in the morning prevents excuses later in the day), and doing them with another person (the guilt factor of letting an exercise buddy down can be a powerful motivator). The three pillars of physical fitness are flexibility, strength-training, and cardiovascular work. These activities can rev up neglected nerve pathways.
"Use it or lose it" applies to both body and mind!
Secret 4: Have a Willingness to Renegotiate Roles
The first two years of retirement are difficult for many, as major changes in roles and togetherness result. If you have a spouse or a significant other, discussing - in advance - your goals, plans, and dreams in retirement may save some angst down the road. For example, do you plan to age in place or relocate? Talking about issues and attempting to resolve or work out differences now may ease the transition. Recognizing that it is good and healthy to have separate as well as shared interests is important as well. If one member of a couple has been the traditional homemaker, that person may want to retire, too, and share (i.e.get rid of!) some of the routine chores. Research shows that most couples are happy in retirement, but talk, talk, talk to help ensure you fall into this category!
Secret 5: Have a Strong Financial Plan
Yes, you knew money was going to have to enter into the retirement discussion at some point! However, some of the studies about money may surprise you - there is both good and bad news. Let's dispense with the bad news first: only about one-third of adults have saved for retirement, and half of retirees rely on Social Security as their primary source of income. The good news? Research points out that it's not the total net worth of a person that helps determine financial satisfaction in retirement, but the knowledge that their savings have occurred in a regular, disciplined way over a period of time.
Realize that for most of us there is no retirement number that is ever going to be "enough," but participating in a forced savings plan during your working years is very critical,investing some money to put you on the path to financial freedom in retirement is a wise move.
Secret 6: Have a Good Attitude
Although there are unpleasant things that happen to us that are beyond our control, we can control the way we respond to them. Practice stopping distorted ways of thinking by replacing negative thoughts with more positive, realistic ones. A little story illustrates the point: Two shoe salesmen were sent to a faraway island to sell shoes. After the first day, both men sent back telegrams. One read: "This place is a disaster. No one wears shoes." The other telegram said: "This place is a gold mine. No one wears shoes."
If you're looking for a happy, successful retirement, put these six not-so-secret secrets into practice, and you'll be well on your way!
Jan Cullinane, co-author, The New Retirement: The Ultimate Guide to the Rest of Your Life (Rodale, 2007). Jan also gives seminars on the non-financial aspect of retirements.
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