how to get more joy from retirement

After a lifetime of working, retirement is the time to enjoy yourself. How will you spend it?

Get in the best shape of your life

Improving your fitness can make retirement better in many ways. As well as reducing health risks like heart disease and diabetes, being physically fit may help you live independently for longer. It can also improve your mental health and boost your cognitive function. So what are you waiting for? Think about signing up for a local yoga or pilates class, joining a walking group, or trying aqua aerobics to help protect your health and wellbeing into retirement.

Keep up with technology

You weren't born with a smart phone in your hand, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep up with advances in technology. By actively choosing to improve your use of computers and smart devices, you could gain a world of freedom. Whether that’s ditching printed maps or shopping online, you’ll have an increased ability to adapt in a rapidly changing world. Check with your local council to see if they offer computer literacy classes, or ask someone young in your life to give you a crash course if you need it.

Clear the clutter

Do you have kitchen drawers full of utensils you don’t use? A pastel polyester pant suit in your wardrobe you last wore in 1973? Why not do a retirement clean and organise, simplify and declutter your house? Start small with a drawer or a shelf to build momentum and motivation. You could decide to tackle one room at a time, or set a timer and commit to spending 30 minutes each day decluttering. However you prefer to work, the secret is to get started! 

Make friends of all ages

Make a commitment to connect to people from a range of age groups. Spend time with your children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces. Chat to your neighbours. Talk to people in your exercise class. Offer to volunteer. Join a community group. In the process of exploring something different, you’ll stay mentally engaged and open yourself up to new perspectives.

Start an encore career

Retiring is often a great opportunity to follow your passions and start a new, totally unrelated career. The number of people aged 65 and over in the workforce continues to grow each year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

If you spent your working life doing shift work at a hospital, looking after other people’s children, or sitting at a desk, maybe now is an opportunity to mix it up. What’s something you’ve always wanted to do? Maybe you could assist at a florist, drive a school bus, or start a pet-sitting business.

Job website seek.com.au has a retiree specific search function. You could also use your expertise or passion to take on pro-bono work. You could even make a difference in a not-for profit organisation.