For the majority of people, retirement is time they look forward to so they can relax, go on vacations and pursue their hobbies. Retirees experience many life benefits because they no longer have to work for a living, are not tied down with children and typically have a large enough nest egg to live comfortably. Indeed, studies show that while working adults find themselves faced with much stress, happiness begins to increase at the age of 65 and continues through much of the rest of life. To experience the most happiness possible in retirement, seniors should follow these five simple tips.
Staying Active
Retirees who keep their bodies active often experience a much higher quality of life than do those who do not exercise regularly. Seniors should choose activities that appeal to them and that their doctors approve, such as walking, swimming, water aerobics, tennis or yoga. Many adult communities offer these activities as part of the experience.
Worry-Free Living
While taking care of a home may be fine during the younger adult and middle-age years, it may not always be feasible during retirement. Keeping a house clean, maintaining the outdoors and even doing the yard work may require more time and energy than a retiree has and can sap the joy and freedom from living. Instead, a retirement or senior community may be the answer. Many of these facilities or housing developments, such as the BRIO St. George Retirement community and 55+ community in Utah, offer programs and amenities tailored to retirees’ needs and activity levels.
Saving Wisely
A comfortable nest egg is vital for a happy retirement. While money alone does not predict the amount of joy experienced in life, it is necessary for comfortable living, which is a major part of happiness. The ideal amount for the most happiness is a nest egg of $550,000, according to financial planner Wes Moss. Another part of this puzzle is predictability. Seniors who have a regular income from a pension are happier than those who have an unpredictable income from IRAs.
Enjoyable Working
While no one wants to feel that he or she has to work after reaching retirement, working simply because one wants to can add joy to life. This type of work can help with comfortable living but can also improve a person’s mental and physical health, keeping the mind and body working as they should. According to the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, holding a part-time job in retirement can decrease heart disease and blood pressure. Of course, hobbies can also be a part of this. According to Time Money, the happiest retirees pursue three to four hobbies and stay actively busy.
Creating Stable Relationships
Life holds very little joy without strong relationships between loved ones. Retirees who live close to family can enjoy those special life moments together, such as holidays and birthdays, and can also enjoy easy rides to doctor’s appointments, stores and more. Another relationship to focus on in retirement is one’s marriage because those in happy marriages are exponentially happier than those who are unmarried or those who are unhappily married.
No matter how big one’s nest egg may be, retirement can be a happy time to enjoy family, friends and fun together. Joy does not necessarily depend on the amount of money in the bank but instead depends on one’s perceived quality of life and on the strength and positivity found in one’s closest relationships. Rather than looking at retirement as the end of one’s life, one can look forward to these years with much enthusiasm as a celebration of a life well lived.
