Top 15 Topics Retired People Worry About – Part 1

Our attitude towards retirement and ageing has changed dramatically over recent years. In many ways, today’s 55 is yesterday’s 35. Improved health, education, increased awareness and technology all play their part. Thankfully, the days when retirement was perceived as a gradual decline from productive life and a passive alienation from the rest of the world are long gone.

Many of us can look forward to a retirement of 25+ years or more – longer than any other stage in our life. Retirement planning is often interpreted as financial planning on the basis that finances are the most critical aspect of retirement. Other essential aspects are often overlooked. Consequently, the transition can be unnecessarily difficult and for some it may be an unwelcome prospect.

This series of blogs explores 15 of the most crucial aspects of retirement and raises some questions you may want to consider to navigate your own road to a successful retirement, whatever that may mean for you.

 

I have divided this information into 3 parts so today you are receiving part 1 which is topics 1-5..

I hope that it is useful for you.

1. Getting a clear perspective of WHO you are, not WHAT you are

For most of us our job/career will have defined not only what we do but who we are.

It is helpful to change from asking ‘What am I?’ to ‘Who am I?’ – developing a deeper understanding of ourselves beyond our relationship with work.

 How would you define your own personal worth?

 Who do you wish to be after you have finished work?

2. Reframing your attitude towards retirement

Is retirement about ‘having one foot in the grave’ or is it about ‘having new experiences’?

 What are the ingredients for a successful retirement for you?

 What changes, if any, do you need to make to your current perspective?

 What are the life positives that you see in retirement?

3. Taking responsibility for the retirement you want

We need to have our own sense of purpose to make plans and decisions in retirement rather than relying on others to supply direction. Even if we are self-motivated self-starters, we need to adopt a flexible attitude in order to manage and adapt to change.

 Who is the boss in your work, home and social life?

 Who controls your sense of self?

 How decisive are you generally?

4. Having a positive attitude to personal ‘wellness’

When we think of ‘retiring from’ rather than ‘retiring to’ we set ourselves up for poor health. Our emotional well-being will certainly add to, or detract from, our physical well-being. We can all actively choose to make our lifestyle healthier.

 What will you do to ensure you live your life to the full?

 How will you improve your health? Diet? Alcohol? Tobacco? Exercise? Rest?

 How can a healthier lifestyle become a way of life for you?

5. Securing your financial resources

Retirement doesn’t have to mean an end to working altogether – a different approach to work can play a vital role in our new retirement and overcome financial concerns. A balance is needed between the ever-pressing nature of finances and the absolute need to engage in life-enriching activities that feed all 3 aspects of us – body, mind and spirit.

Consider talking to an independent financial adviser to check that your retirement income can support your vision of how you intend to live your retirement.

 How do you define ‘financial security’?

 What’s enough realistically? -Details