You may have already picked your retirement date and have your finances in order. But is that all there is to planning your ideal retirement or are there retirement planning mistakes to avoid?
Retirement planning is about so much more than just money. Preparing for retirement requires a sound financial plan, but all the money in the world won’t make for a happy retirement if you don’t know what you want to do with it.
Be sure to avoid these common mistakes when designing a plan for your life in your golden years:
1. Not having a purpose in retirement.
I’ve talked about this before—not having a purpose in retirement can manifest itself into physical problems, whereas having a strong sense of purpose can significantly enhance your overall quality of life and help you live longer. Retirees often feel a loss of purpose when they leave work. Your new purpose must be an authentic reflection of you and the things that matter most to you. However you choose to express your purpose, it should add meaning and joy to your life. Living a purposeful life also offers a sense of still being useful and relevant in today’s world.
Having a passion—whether it’s making or collecting something or volunteering or traveling—can enhance a retiree’s mental and physical health.
2. Not being connected socially.
Stay connected and engaged with your network. Many people form great friendships at work and feel disconnected once they retire. Even if they stay connected with those friends, they may find that they have less and less in common with them as time goes on. Since you’re now retired, you likely have different priorities and interests than you did while you were working. This is a great time to expand your network of friends.
We are social creatures, and most will agree that our happiest moments are when we are in the company of family and friends. Unless we invest time and energy in our important relationships, we run the risk of having a lonely and isolated retirement.
Loneliness can often trigger a cascade of adverse health effects, including higher stress, reduced immune function, and increased inflammation, all of which contribute to an increased risk of chronic diseases. Addressing loneliness by fostering meaningful social connections and supportive relationships can, therefore, play a crucial role in enhancing both mental and physical health, ultimately extending one’s lifespan.
3. Not having hobbies/other interests.
While some may enjoy retirement and use the extra time to pursue their own interests and hobbies, others whose identities were closely tied to their work may lose their sense of identity and meaning.
After you retire, you likely will have different priorities and interests than you did while you were working. This is a great time to expand your activities and hobbies.
Finding a hobby, social group, or community effort to support may be a challenge for some retirees, especially those who were so focused on their work that they didn’t develop outside interests.
Finding new interests and hobbies can be an excellent way to expand your horizons and discover hidden passions. Now’s the time to explore activities you’ve always been curious about, such as painting, gardening, music, or learning a new language. Participating in community classes, workshops, or joining local clubs can also help you connect with like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
Be sure to develop an enjoyable hobby long before ending your career, so you don’t feel bored or “lost” in retirement.
The transition to retirement is one of the biggest changes you will experience in your lifetime. People’s jobs can give them great satisfaction and purpose on a day-to-day basis.
When that retirement date arrives, many develop health issues because their routine and mental engagement is abruptly lost. Be sure to have a plan to create purpose-driven activities and start them before stepping foot into retirement.
If you’re ready to get serious about planning for your retirement from federal service, register to attend a workshop today!
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