Retiring from the workforce can be a very emotional time. You may find yourself missing work or feeling anxious about your financial security.
Luckily, there are several things you can do to ensure a happy retirement. Read on to learn about some of the most important factors that contribute to retirement happiness.
1. Have a sense of purpose
Having a sense of purpose can boost your mental and physical health. Studies show that older adults who feel more purposeful live longer, and have better overall well-being.
One way to find your purpose is to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. That might mean going to a cooking class or reading about a subject that interests you.
People who feel a sense of purpose also tend to be more active and take better care of themselves. They’re more likely to stay healthy and go for checkups, Hill says.
2. Have a lot of interests
One of the best ways to make the most out of retirement is by resurrecting old hobbies and nurturing new ones. Whether you are into traveling, golfing, hiking or the arts, you can add interest to your retirement years by getting involved.
which ones you choose to pursue.” The happiest retirees are curious about the world around them, and this curiosity translates into better decision-making and improved moods. The secret to this is a bit of planning and communication.
3. Be social
Being social is a key component of happiness during retirement. Research shows that staying active and social can reduce your risk for Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular issues, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, depression and cancer.
Whether you’re chatting it up with your pizza delivery guy or just getting to know your co-workers, building relationships is a vital aspect of being happy in retirement.
Mason and Shan propose a new definition of sociality that avoids drawing distinctions between human and non-human perspectives, which can make it difficult to distinguish between a morally superior act (giving money to a teenager with an addiction problem) and a morally inferior one (cutting them off).
4. Be active
Many happy retirees find that having a lot of hobbies and interests makes them happy. It’s a great way to build new relationships and pursue things that are meaningful, too.
It’s important to maintain a sense of purpose and be active after retirement, because it can help you to stay healthy. Research has shown that volunteering can be a great way to do both.
When you’re retired, it can be difficult to make new social connections. Joining a walking group or taking up a new hobby can be a great way to fill this gap.
5. Stay healthy
Keeping your health in good condition is a key factor for a happy retirement. Maintaining a healthy diet and doing regular exercise can help reduce your risk for certain health conditions, boost your immune system, and improve your mood.
Having a lot of friends is also an important part of a happy retirement. People with lots of close friends live longer and are happier, says sociologist John Zelinski.
It’s common for people to feel lonely in retirement, so it’s important to keep your relationships intact and find new ways to fill the gaps. Joining groups that involve hobbies, volunteering or exercise can help make your life more fulfilling.
6. Stay motivated
Motivation is one of the most important aspects of a successful life. It’s essential to achieving goals and reaching your full potential.
But it can be difficult to maintain motivation when things are tough or if you don’t feel like doing something you love.
A good way to stay motivated is to set goals that are meaningful and challenging. These can be personal or professional.
