6 Tips to Live Your Best (Retired) Life

Everyone, it seems, worries about the economics of retirement. Will you have enough to retire? Will you outlive your money? Will you be able to afford healthcare as you age? And what about housing costs, emergencies, and especially trips to see the grandkids? 

Often, though, it’s the anxiety around mental and emotional issues – not financial ones – that can take the greatest toll during our “golden years.” Those who used to fill their days working 40+ hours a week now find themselves with the “freedom” to do nothing.

For many, that’s a tough adjustment. It’s also one reason retirees are 40% more likely to suffer from clinical depression.¹

Fortunately, there are things you can do to avoid the potential boredom and isolation that can come with retirement.

1. Save now for the goals that matter most

The process of retiring actually starts in your working years. That’s when you’re saving to buy yourself options when the workdays and weekly paychecks may end. If your nest egg doesn’t match your goals, you’ll likely be disappointed, regretful and unhappy. So, start making a list now of the things you really want to do when you retire and work with your financial professional to create a realistic strategy to afford them.

2. Work part-time

“What (you’re probably asking), I’ll work my whole life so I don’t have to work!” Fair enough.

But working part-time in a low-stress environment can have some positive benefits. Beyond earning a little money to add to the retirement kitty, part-time work is also a great social outlet.

3. Start a business

Have you spent your career doing something you’re passionate about? If so, you’re lucky. If not, retirement could be your second chance. Love to cook? Open a food truck. Spend your free time fishing? Start a tackle business. If it’s successful, other family members might want to join you.

4. Volunteer

What you’ve learned in your career and in life could be invaluable to others. Volunteer for a local charity you care about. If there isn’t an organization for a cause you care about, start one! Volunteering not only keeps you busy, active and socially engaged, it also makes you feel good in a way playing golf or other traditional retirement pastimes may not.

5. Keep learning

Just because you stop working doesn’t mean you have to stop growing. Taking classes, say at a community college or community program, stimulates the mind. It helps broaden your social circle.

6. Wait for company

At first, retiring before others in your social circle may seem like a proud accomplishment (and it is!). But before you call it quits with working, consider who you’ll play golf with, go to lunch with, and spend time with when the rest of your friends are still at work. Hopefully, you’ll have a very long retirement, so you don’t want to feel bored and isolated from the get-go.

1. https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/personal-banking/planning/retirement-university/retirement-risk-of-depression.html

Pub11809  2022-144267 Exp. 10/24