The average life expectancy in Australia is currently around 83 years old, while the starting age for the age pension is 67. This means there is a good chance, statistically speaking at least, that we could have at least 16 years in retirement.
Such a timeframe equates to roughly 20% of your life span. It is also a period where you don’t have the responsibilities of your job or raising children. For this reason, retirement is something to be embraced. Not least because you have plenty of living left to do.
However, the thought of no longer working can mean different things to different seniors. For some, it’s the time they can finally enjoy the fruits of their hard-earned labour over the course of their working life. Yet for others, it’s a period of uncertainty, defined by a lack of structure and direction.
Ultimately, the key to enjoying a successful retirement is to focus on making the most of the latter stages of your life. Here are five ways you can do that.
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Consider intergenerational living
Just because you are getting older, doesn’t mean you have to act like it. While many seniors consider living independently or moving into an aged facility to be among like-minded people, there are some that are embracing the concept of intergenerational living.
Championed by organisations like Vertika, these type of communities house people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds in an inclusive, safe and shared living space environment.
For older members, this enables them to maintain a sense of youthfulness and helps them create a positive mindset that promotes the benefits of independent retirement living.
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Travel
One of the best ways to embrace your retirement is to travel, and in this respect, the world is your oyster.
For the first time in a long time, you won’t be restricted by office hours or parental duties, so why not take the opportunity to visit places you’ve always wanted to go to.
Whether that is caravaning around the Great Southern Land, backpacking through Europe or cruising around the Caribbean is up to you.
But with all this time available and a massive bucket list you could fulfil, the subsequent years after your retirement are as good a time as any to venture to tap into your wanderlust.
Just make sure your passport is valid, and your immunisations are up-to-date if you plan on going abroad.
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Reinvent yourself
With retirement comes time and the opportunity to use it how you wish. So, why not make the most of it by reinventing yourself?
This could involve anything from learning a new skill or taking up a new hobby to focusing on getting fitter and healthier or even undertaking that university degree you have always wanted to do.
Like with travel, there are so many options available to you. So, don’t be afraid to try something new, such as photography, home brewing, pottery or even soap carving.
Basically, anything that offers you the chance to grow as an individual and broaden your skills and knowledge base, should be welcomed with open arms.
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Volunteer
One of the most meaningful things you can do during your retirement is to volunteer in the community.
There are many people and organisations in need of help that you can provide assistance too, which can make a real difference to their quality of life.
Some of the things you can do include cleaning up parks and beaches, farming, animal rescue and care, helping with major sporting and social events and teaching.
Your local council should have a list of opportunities that might be of interest to you. However, you might also want to check out Volunteering Australia.
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Make Memories
Last but not least, you can choose to spend your retirement years making memories.
If, like many Australians, you didn’t get to see your partner, children or siblings as often as you would have liked to due to your work commitments, now is the time to rectify that.
With a lot more time on your hands, you should take the opportunity to enjoy quality time with your nearest and dearest.
So, why not arrange dinner dates with your partner, make an effort to catch up with your adult children, teach their teen to drive and generally spoil the grandkids rotten with plenty of love and affection?
There is no reason whatsoever that retirement can’t be the happiest period of your life. After all, you are the one who is in complete control of it.
