10 BEHAVIOURS TO ENJOY YOUR RETIREMENT YEARS

10 Behaviours to enjoy your retirement years

May 22, 2024
, , , , , , Residence & Lifestyle, Shire

Eliza Hartley wrote on the 14th of May 2024: “People who genuinely enjoy their retirement years usually adopt these 10 behaviors.”

“Retirement can be either a joy or a burden. It all comes down to one simple thing – habits. Those who revel in their retirement years usually have certain behaviors that set them apart. These folks have learned the art of living their golden years to the fullest, by adopting some key habits. And let me tell you, these behaviors are worth emulating.

In this article, we’ll explore the 10 behaviors most common among people who truly love and enjoy their retirement years. Let’s dive in and see what these retirement gurus are doing differently!

1) Embrace lifelong learning

You’ve likely heard the phrase, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Well, I beg to differ. People who enjoy their retirement years often have adopted a mindset of lifelong learning. Being retired doesn’t mean you stop growing. It opens up a whole new universe of possibilities to explore and learn.

Whether learning a new language, picking up a musical instrument, or even studying astronomy, these knowledge seekers know that learning keeps their minds sharp and their lives interesting.

2) Maintain a healthy lifestyle

I’ve noticed that those who truly relish their retirement years often have one thing in common – they prioritise their health. A few years back when I first retired, I found myself falling into a pattern of inactivity and unhealthy eating habits. It was quite the wake-up call when I started feeling sluggish, unmotivated, and not at my best. So, I decided to make a change. I started taking walks every morning, just small ones at first, then gradually increasing my distance. I also made some changes to my diet, cutting out processed foods and upping my intake of fruits and vegetables. The result? I’ve never felt better! I have more energy, sleep better, and even my mood has improved.

I’ve found that by keeping myself physically active and nourishing my body with healthy foods, I’m able to enjoy my retirement years to the fullest. It’s not always easy, but the rewards are definitely worth the effort.

3) Stay socially connected

Maintaining social connections is a crucial part of a fulfilling retirement. And here’s something worth noting: according to the Harvard Study of Adult Development, our relationships and how happy we are in our relationships have a powerful influence on our health. Retirees who stay connected with friends and family tend to have a happier, healthier retirement.

Whether it’s weekly get-togethers with friends, daily phone calls with loved ones, or simply maintaining an active role in their communities, these individuals understand the value of staying socially engaged.

4) Cultivate a positive mindset

You’ve probably heard the saying “Attitude is everything,” and it couldn’t be more true when it comes to enjoying retirement. People who genuinely enjoy their retirement often have a positive outlook on life. They choose to focus on the good, find joy in the little things, and maintain an attitude of gratitude. They see retirement not as an end but as a new beginning, a chance to do things they’ve always wanted to do and live life on their own terms.

Cultivating a positive mindset isn’t always easy, especially when faced with challenges. But those who manage to do so often find that their retirements are much more enjoyable and fulfilling.

5) Pursue passions and hobbies

Retirement is the perfect time to pursue those passions and hobbies that you may not have had time for during your working years. Those who really love their retirement years often fill their time with activities they enjoy. It could be anything from gardening, painting, fishing, traveling, or even starting a small business around a hobby.

By investing time in things they love, these individuals ensure their retirement is filled with joy and satisfaction. It gives them a sense of purpose and keeps them engaged and excited about life.

6) Cherish family time

In retirement, it’s those everyday moments that really shine. Whether you’re hanging out with grandkids, enjoying dinner, or just cosying up with your partner, these moments are pure gold. Think about it – they’re where you find that deep connection, warmth, and happiness that nothing else quite matches.

But you know how it goes – life gets busy, and we sometimes forget to slow down and soak it all in. That’s where retirement comes in, giving us the chance to savor these special moments.

7) Practice mindfulness

In the hustle and bustle of life, we often forget to pause and be present in the moment. I myself have been guilty of this, letting life rush by in a whirlwind. When I retired, I found myself finally slowing down. This allowed me to discover the power of mindfulness – being fully engaged in the here and now.

Practicing mindfulness has truly transformed my retirement. From enjoying a quiet morning cup of coffee, to noticing the beauty of nature on my daily walks, to truly listening when my loved ones speak – every moment feels richer, more alive.

8) Embrace routine

Now, you might be thinking, “But isn’t retirement all about breaking free from the routine?” Well, yes and no. While retirement does free you from the 9-to-5 grind, having a certain level of structure in your daily life can actually enhance your enjoyment of these years. People who genuinely enjoy their retirement often have a daily or weekly routine they follow. This could include exercise, hobbies, social activities or even quiet time for reflection.

Having a routine provides a sense of purpose and organisation. It keeps you active and engaged, and it helps to ward off feelings of aimlessness that can sometimes creep in during retirement.

9) Keep financial stress in check

Financial worries can cast a shadow over your retirement years. Those who get to enjoy their retirement are often those who have planned well. Guess what? This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re wealthy. Instead, they understand their income and expenses, have a budget, and stick to it. They make sure their financial situation is such that it allows them to live comfortably without constant worry.

It might involve cutting back on some expenses or finding creative ways to supplement income, but the peace of mind it brings is priceless.

10) Remember to live in the moment

Retirement is a special time in life, a time to slow down and truly enjoy the fruits of your labour. Those who genuinely enjoy their retirement years understand the importance of living in the moment. They savor each day, each experience, each moment. They don’t spend their time worrying about what’s next or dwelling on the past. Instead, they are fully present, making the most of each day.

It’s a simple concept, but one that holds the key to truly enjoying your retirement years. So remember, live in the moment. It’s where the magic happens.

Retirement bliss: Living the dream, every day!

The beauty of retirement lies in the power of choices. The choices we make during this phase of life can significantly impact our overall happiness. Whether it’s choosing to learn, stay healthy, connect socially, maintain a positive mindset, pursue passions, cherish family time, practice mindfulness, follow a routine, manage finances wisely, or live in the moment – every choice counts.

As you navigate this unique journey called retirement, remember that the power lies within you. The choices you make can shape your retirement into the most fulfilling years of your life.”

To read the full article, please click here.

 

Founded in 2010 by Rob Jones  in response to a clear need in the South African retirement industry for specialist independent consultants, Shire Retirement Properties is focused exclusively on the retirement industry.  Shire provides a unique service to the industry through hands-on and dedicated advice and support, sometimes over several years as villages develop and become fully operational.

To contact us, click here.

 

How to structure your day in retirement

March 24, 2023
, , , Residence & Lifestyle, Shire

Will Craig, Founder and CEO of ELDR, wrote the following article, published on 19 March 2023, on the Travel Awaits website:

10 Tips For Structuring Your Day In Retirement

“The idea of kicking back with “nothin’ to do” in retirement sounds fabulous in young adulthood or middle age when life can feel overloaded, so it comes as something of a surprise that a major complaint about retirement is having “nothin’ to do.” To be fair, the contradictory complaint of “too many options” remains a common grumble among retirees as well, leaving us with the classic insight every kindergarten teacher, clergy member, and cruise director will offer: People need structure.

Freedom from choices or prioritization is appealing, but all it takes is one frustrated late afternoon wondering where the day went for most of us to recognize we needed a little more design. The blessing and the curse of our jobs have been they told us who we were, where to go, and what to do most of any given week. Exiting that phase of life is mostly a boon; each of us just has to make it so with some forethought. The need to have a plan is no less true at home than when we travel.

What follows are 10 recommendations for structuring your day in retirement to create the right balance of freedom and goal orientation. You’ll notice that some inter-relate, such as adding novelty through your nourishment. If 10 is too many for you or some of them aren’t your cup of tea, pick the top three that resonate for you and put them to use!

  1. Start With A Plan

Your first hour is when you craft the narrative for what the day will be like. Whether you wake up grumbling or radiating light, carve out a moment for yourself to decide the theme of the day. What do you want it to feel like? Any specific outcomes in mind? You can accomplish this in many ways, such as jotting a phrase on the kitchen eraser board or journaling for half an hour, but prescribe what winning means for this particular day.

Pro Tip: “I’m ‘Off Duty’ and deeply relaxed” is a perfectly good option.

Bonus: Pick a theme song for the day.

  1. Create Daily Rituals

The root of the word “ritual” is rite, a sacred act. Rituals are moments in our lives we consciously devote to expressing our values or our gratitude and feeling tuned in to something greater than ourselves. Some people conduct rituals through contact with the natural world, others through religious customs. Identify where this already exists in your day and can be enhanced, or if it needs to be introduced.

Pro Tip: The difference between a ritual and a routine is the consciousness we devote to it. This is about presence of mind.

Bonus: Ask someone you respect what their rituals are.

  1. Establish Routines, Then Repeat

Routines are no less important than rituals. Functional habits are an asset to our longevity because of what they accomplish for us on a streamlined, unconscious basis. Are the nightly “sweet dreams” texts to your sibling or the daily clearing of your emails sacred acts? Maybe not, but it’s the very predictability and effectiveness of our routines that provide the canvas onto which we can add a splash of color to our lives.

Pro Tip: Drop a routine you should have stopped ages ago (Still paying for a newspaper?) and add a new one that’s overdue (How about a ripe piece of fruit before lunch?).

Bonus: Copy someone else’s routine that seems to work for them.

  1. Experience Something New

You heard it here first! Okay, maybe not, but you should still add a little novelty to your day. Even driving different routes gets our brains firing, and following our curiosity either spontaneously or with more sophisticated planning not only makes life more interesting; it makes us more interesting. Researching your next travel plans counts — the learning and the anticipation are just as essential to the fun as the travel itself.

Pro Tip: Museums change their exhibitions periodically — same site, new museum. Get back in there!

Bonus: Try a new healthy food every week. The worst-case scenario is you get to complain about how bad it was.

  1. Keep Moving

Every single day. Every day. Get out for a walk at the least, and running errands on foot counts. If you’re more interested in sports and achieving personal bests, build that into your day, or do your screen time on a treadmill or stationary bike. Fitness and movement practices now are the defining behavior of the quality and ease of your longevity later. Bring your water thermos and drink up!

Pro Tip: The enemy is sarcopenia (loss of muscle as we age). A little exertion goes a long way.

Bonus: If you’re a solo exerciser, more power to you, but get a buddy and combine your routines to add a little novelty and a lot of support in follow-through.

  1. Make Social Connections

No, not social media. Do that to whatever extent it interests you, but be sure to build into each day some meaningful voice-to-voice social contact. That could mean lunch with a friend, a regular phone call or video meet-up, or routinely convening with acquaintances to play a game and shoot the breeze.

Pro Tip: Every other human being needs social contact, too. Plan to make some invitations, and also be ready to discuss changes if a stale social routine needs re-design work.

Bonus: People like to help. An easy way to convert acquaintances into friends is by asking them to pitch in on a volunteer action with you.

  1. Enjoy Quiet Time

Even the most extroverted of us need some balance of “blessed solitude” to turn within for reflection or to have the feeling of “nothing going on” that we need. This is especially critical in the transition into retirement when we might discover a commute to and from work was giving us digestive time that we can no longer rely upon, or we suddenly have triple the time with a spouse or community members. Sometimes less is more.

Pro Tip: This is a proverbial Band-Aid removal conversation. It might be awkward to say “I need more time to myself,” but people get it and things will work so much better having had the dialogue.

Bonus: Caregivers absolutely must design the recharge of their own batteries, whether they gravitate to the role by personality or are thrust into it by circumstance.”

To read the rest of the article covering: Discover Your Purpose, Establish Good Eating Habits, and Reassess At The End Of The Day, click here.

Shire Retirement Properties (Pty) Ltd (Shire) is based in the Western Cape Province of South Africa and specialises in the provision of a range of services focused exclusively on the retirement industry. To contact us, click here.