Transitioning well to retirement
You’re not alone if planning how you’ll spend your time in retirement is harder than you thought. In Australia there are 3.6 million retirees and a third have found transitioning to retirement challenging1. Finding the ideal way to fill your days and stay mentally healthy be tricky. Planning for your financial, social, and emotional needs as you transition to retirement can really pay off. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Seek financial advice
Plan for the lifestyle you want. Whether you have $1 million in super or $200k, it’s quality of life that’s important.
Start by having an honest conversation with yourself (and your partner), and set some expectations about what you want to do in retirement – whether that be to travel, learn new skills, or exercise more.
Then, make your plans known to someone, like a CareSuper Financial Planner, who can help you reach them.
Our financial planners are here to help put you in the best possible position for life after work. To talk through your advice options, book an advice call-back.
Create a new routine
It’s thought that between 10 -15% of older people experience depression and about 10% experience anxiety.2
While the absence of a routine may impact some people in retirement, it doesn’t need to be this way. Through trial and error, you can create a new schedule which positively impacts your wellbeing and sense of purpose. To reinstate normalcy into your day why not think about:
- Getting active – visit seniors online for some useful tips
- Connecting with others – get out there and continue to meet new people
- Setting achievable goals (daily/weekly) – go on a hike, read a book, join a club.
- Practicing self-care – indulge in activities that bring you joy
- Keeping your brain active – solve problems and learn new skills. Visit The Care Side for some activities.
- Being mindful – relax, tune out and do what calms you. Learn more at Happier Human.
Incorporating some, or all these, into your retirement lifestyle could help provide structure to your day – and your mental health will thank you for it. Visit Beyond Blue for more tips.
Consider an ‘Encore job’
You may have reached your retirement age, but your working life doesn’t have to end. For some, acquiring new skills and knowledge is what life is all about.
But if you love the satisfaction a job brings consider another less-stressful, part-time career. It could be as simple as signing up to become an Uber driver, or using the experience you gained in your pre-retirement job. Not only will it help you transition into retirement, but it can also help boost your nest egg and cover some everyday living expenses.
Have a look at job sites like seeking seniors and older works.
Volunteer
If you don’t want paid work but still want to feel job satisfaction, volunteering is a great option. It can keep you active and help maintain a sense of connection. Become a dog walker, a gardener or volunteer at a health service—the possibilities are endless.
Visit National Seniors to learn more.
Prepare for the ups and downs
Retirement’s a journey and like all stages of life, it’s normal to feel lonely and lost at times. If your health takes a hit, work your way through it and get back on track when you’re ready. Think positively and share your concerns with those around you.
Information correct as at 14 November 2023.