WELLINGTON COUNTY – Retirement is a rite of passage; it signals the end of the working life and the beginning of a new adventure. For some, retirement is fun and easy, for others it can be a stressful and scary experience. The following tips can help you prepare for and adjust to retirement.
1. Get your finances in order – It’s important when preparing for retirement that you plan out your finances ahead of time. People heading towards retirement should look into paying off any outstanding debts, and organizing their money, so they know what to expect come retirement and how much they will be living on.
2. Take it slow – Going from working full time to not working at all can be a harsh adjustment for some, slowly working into retirement is a great way to smooth out the transition. Those heading towards retirement should consider easing off of their workload over the course of several years or months.
3. Be active – Physical activity is extremely important as we age, anything from taking a morning walk to joining in on a low to medium intensity fitness class, greatly reduces a senior’s risk of a fall. And in the event of a fall, reduces the risk of severe injury. Remaining active is a good way to maintain mobility and can help those live independently for longer.
4. Get out – It’s important to remain mentally active as well, volunteering, clubs, committees, and community events, are all great ways to stay connected in the community. Staying connected to your community can ease feelings of loneliness and activities such as volunteering can help fill some of the time they used to spend at work.
5. Get a pet – If it is within your means, it may be beneficial to rescue, adopt, or foster a new pet. This can also ease feelings of loneliness.
6. Get help when you need it – Reaching out for help when it’s needed is crucial. Retirement isn’t always an easy process, and it can bring its own list of challenges to everyday life.Reaching out to your local supports or even to friends is a must when battling tough emotions.
7. Push your boundaries – Retirement can also be a time of exploration and personal challenges. Try a new recipe or learn a new skill. There’s no age limit when it comes to learning and trying new things.
8. Have fun – you’ve earned it!
