Many people think that just because they have hit retirement age, it’s time to slow down and settle back into old age. Annabel Carle has first hand experience of what it is like to be retired and as she explains, retirement is really the beginning of a whole new life.
Many people think that just because they have hit retirement age, it’s time to slow down and settle back into old age. Annabel Carle has first hand experience of what it is like to be retired and as she explains, retirement is really the beginning of a whole new life.
Retirees often feel lost because of the loss of the sense of community they had found until retirement in their workplace. The retirees who best make the transition are ones who already have developed their sense of community in areas outside of employment prior to retirement. If the workplace allows, going part-time prior to retirement, can ease this transition.
So many retirees concentrate on the ‘big’ trip – be it round Australia or months travelling Europe. But after the big trip what then? Everyday life goes on at home. It is this that needs to be planned for, not the ‘big’ trip!
Life after work can lead to a loss of self-confidence and even identity. It is important to continue personal development. Retirement is not an end it is a beginning to a wonderful new world - a fun world!
There is a huge range of rewarding volunteer work undertaken by retirees and, unfortunately, volunteering is often forgotten when people contemplate retirement. Helping others can be far more rewarding than simply filling in time with pleasant, but mindless, activities such as shopping, galleries, lunches etc. I know I have tried just doing these things and you do get bored of them (and for many they may well be beyond the retirement budget!).
Retirement can be the opportunity to learn something new – a new skill, a new language or something that you have longed to do but, while working, did not have the spare time to pursue. CAE and U3A offer a wide range of courses. It is great for the self-esteem to learn something new or even become an expert in something totally new.
Exercise is one area that often is ignored or forgotten in retirement. I don’t think there is an understanding of just how important it is. The mind may well tell you that you are still 18, but the body can be depressingly intractable.
Aches and pains that limit what you still think you can do, can be very exasperating! Even so, it is particularly important to do some sort of exercise most days of the week. It makes you feel so good and has great health benefits.
A walk with the dog (something most people would enjoy anyway!), joining a Fab 50s program at a gym while making new friends, or even exploring Melbourne bike paths on those new comfort bicycles with the prospect of a cappuccino en route as the reward, are all great ways to get some exercise and enjoy your retirement as well.
And the final tip: Don’t see retirement as an end. Treat life after 50 as a daring adventure!