The prospect of retirement can feel equally exciting and daunting. Coming from a set routine, steady income and daily interactions with workmates, it’s understandable to be worried about how you’ll fill your days for the next 20 or 30-plus years.
But trust us, retirement brings endless opportunities and incredible freedom of choice. Your time is your own and your biggest dilemma will be deciding what to do first. Here’s just some of what you can look forward to in the years ahead.
1. Seeing the world
One of the biggest perks of retirement is finally having the time to travel at your own pace. With no work waiting for you on your return, you can go as far as you like, for as long as you like.
Take your time travelling around Australia in a motor home, give cruising a go, fly to Europe and spend a week in every town. You could even give yourself a challenge of playing every golf course or stopping at every winery cellar door within a defined area.
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Having the time to travel is one of the biggest perks of retirement.
(Image: Getty)2. Prioritising your health
Time constraints, stressful jobs and multiple demands may have seen your health take a dive, so now’s the time to set things right.
Retirement gives you the flexibility to see your GP for check-ups, find a form of exercise that you enjoy and prepare nutritious meals rather than resorting to takeaway every night. You’ll gain strength and stamina to enjoy everything that retirement has to offer.
3. Reviving your relationship
Having spent a large chunk of your time and energy raising children and fulfilling work responsibilities, your relationship with your partner may have fallen by the wayside.
Now’s the time to reconnect and rediscover all the things you love about each other. Start small by going for walks, cooking together or enjoying uninterrupted conversation.
Plan date nights and romantic getaways and show affection and appreciation as you enter this new life chapter together.
Now’s the time to reconnect with your partner.
(Image: Getty)4. Relishing family time
There may have been occasions when work demands saw you miss out on family events and milestones, but now you can make up for lost time.
Arrange one-on-one catch-ups with your adult children or enjoy your new role as a grandparent by minding the grandkids and cheering them on at sport games or dance performances.
5. Nurturing your creative side
You’re never too old to learn something new. Whether you enjoy music, photography, gardening or sport, you finally have the chance to start a new hobby or pick up an old one.
And it has brain health benefits, too. According to Queensland Health, doing regular mental challenges trains these mental pathways, improving their effectiveness and refreshing old or unhelpful thought patterns.
Perhaps you’d like to learn a language, improve your computer skills or join a book club. Local community groups and colleges have a plethora of classes and courses to explore, and you can sign up individually or with your partner or a friend. It’s a win-win for social connection and brain health.
Not just for fun: Picking up a creative hobby has been proven to have brain health benefits too.
(Image: Getty)6. Giving back
If you’ve always wanted to be more hands-on in your community, retirement provides you the opportunity to do so.
As well as the self-satisfaction that ‘giving back’ gives, volunteering helps you develop stronger social networks and friendships, according to Head to Health, a Department of Health initiative.
“It can help you become more active, mentally and physically. It can even contribute to getting better sleep. Some people find that volunteering helps them experience less stress and anxiety.”
The options for volunteering are endless: sports clubs, community gardens, libraries, animal shelters, hospitals, homeless services and more. You may also like to mentor a young professional in your previous field. Sign up now!
Brought to you by Boomer Home Loans
Boomer Home Loans offers a range of specialist home loan products for over 55s, helping you to live the life you deserve by unlocking the potential in your hard-earned wealth. Get in touch to learn about the full range of products on offer and their terms and conditions. Boomer Home Loans Pty Ltd Australian Credit Licence Number 532798
