Top 15 Topics Retired People Worry About – Part 2

Top 15 Topics Retired People Worry About

Part 2

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 document 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.

So here is part 2 numbers 6-10.

I hope that it is helpful.

6. Appreciating what you’ve got

Many people believe that ‘happiness is an inside job’. The trick is to look ahead with hope and have a positive attitude about ageing: be prepared to accept change, become sensitive to the needs of others, develop a purpose in life, find enriching and stimulating activities, keep focused on things that are important, listen to your inner self – all these will enhance your happiness factor.

 What changes can you make to increase your overall life satisfaction?

 What do you think will give you happiness in the future?

 Who do you like to be around the most? Others? Yourself?

7. Looking forward, expecting good things

Having a positive view of the future gives us hope and hope is the power that gives us confidence about tomorrow. It is a self-fulfilling prophecy that if we believe tomorrow will be good, then it probably will be as we will have set the stage for good things to happen. A vision is essential. Creating a list of must haves that include your 3-part self, (body, mind and spirit), will not only motivate and inspire you but will go a long way to ensuring a happy and fulfilling life-style.

 Who is in charge of your tomorrow?

 How will you manage friendships in the future? Will you keep the same friends as you have today?

 Do you think your retirement years will be a continuation of your life right now or will there be changes? If so, what will they be.

8. Finding purpose and fulfilment in retirement

We need life meaning (a sense of worth) in the same way that we need food, water and air. Our health depends on our life meaning. Having a personal dream gives rise to well-being, a sense of direction and fulfilment.

 What would you say is your overall life purpose right now? In the future?

 How aligned are you with your values?

 How will you generate personal meaning in your retirement years?

9.Relaxing and enjoying yourself

In retirement, leisure commands a more central position than previously. However, it needs its place in the hierarchy of our retirement living.

By the same token, if we allow our life become a life of leisure ONLY, following the same leisurely pursuits day in, day out, week in, week out, it loses its ability to refresh us and creates an unhealthy imbalance in our everyday life.

 What does your leisure life include now?

 What do you do to stimulate your mind?

 What leisure interests have you had in the past that you would like to renew in retirement?

10. Adapting to inevitable change

Developing an attitude that allows us to become more accepting rather than critical, more agreeable rather than argumentative, more forgiving rather than judging and more at peace with ourselves and the world rather than angry, will ensure that our retirement becomes a time, a place and a lifestyle which offers contentment and opportunities.

 How easily can you accept change into your life?

 Do you anticipate more or less change in your life in retirement?

 In what area of your life are you most and least adaptable?

Do come back with any comments.

If you missed it, you can read part 1  here.

Gill