Retirement is something that most of us will face at some time in the future. Preparing in advance will help us through the transition years. Now is the time to start thinking about what we would like our retirement years to look like and exploring the options available to us. There are so many possibilities and aspects to consider and there is no time like the present to get started.
Begin today to deal with your retirement by gathering information. Create a designated notebook, or desktop file to help you track information you discover online. Keep notes, not only about the facts of each option but how you feel about it. Remember, this is your future and your plan. Consider what would improve your quality of life when you stop working.
Make Sure You Have a Savings Plan
One of the most important steps to take right now, if you haven’t done so already, is to create a savings plan. Financial security in the future is an important step in limiting the stress of unforeseen circumstances. Sufficient funds will make it possible to do the things you want to do and to get any additional help you might need. It’s not always easy to think of what you might need before you need it. Retirement calculators are a great tool to use as you begin thinking about your retirement and planning for it.
Take Care of Yourself
Taking care of yourself is one of the most important elements to consider now when it comes to improving your retirement experience. What you do to care for yourself physically, mentally and emotionally now, will have an impact on the quality of your retirement years. Exercising today will keep you more limber and active tomorrow. The diet you consume pre-retirement will impact your overall health in later years.
Just as important as diet and exercise is your state of mind and the level of stress you allow in your life. Ongoing stress can take a terrible toll on our physical health long term. We think we’re coping, and we may be now, but down the road too much stress will result in physical ailments. Find ways now to reduce the stress in your life. Learn to say “no”. Set aside an hour a day just to sit quietly and be with yourself. Journal, meditate, read something uplifting. We need this kind of time to process all that life hands us.
Find a Hobby
A hobby to work on is an excellent way to improve our enjoyment of life in a small, easy to do way. It keeps our minds limber and keeps us involved in life. Hobbies are an excellent way to make friends during retirement years and to keep busy and active. A hobby can give us purpose and meaning, and a way to give back. As we negotiate our retirement years, a hobby that we start now can offer us comfort and stability during periods of change and transition.
Planning for our retirement years takes time and attention. The sooner we start thinking about it, the better prepared we will be when the time comes.
Think About Your Living Situation
Retirement is the perfect time to start thinking about where we will live out our remaining years. Thinking ahead and making a plan is a smart thing to do. Then, when and if the time comes where we need to make a change, we will be more prepared for it. It’s about taking control of our choices when we are most fit to do so. To this end, ask yourself this important question. If and when additional support is needed, how, what, where and what will best meet this need?
For example, if mobility and accessibility becomes a concern, focus on a) to stay in your home and made modifications, or b) move somewhere more suitable.
Research your options for both. Home modifications might include replacing outdoor steps with a ramp, installing railings and hand holds. Who will you hire to undertake these home improvements.
Alternatively, moving into assisted living apartments may be your preference. This may be the option that will help you maintain your independence while still having access to the support you need. It also offers a way out of isolation and a path to being a part of a thriving retirement community!
Making big life decisions are never easy, but with research and thought, preferably at a time when we’re relatively healthy and happy can pave the way to a safer, healthier and happier future.
