So you’ve done all the hard yakka when it comes to planning your retirement. You have followed the steps in our free Retirement Planning Guide, you’ve consolidated your superannuation, you’ve put a plan in place to secure your financial future, you’ve made prepaid funeral arrangements and you’ve even updated your will. With retirement lingering on the horizon it’s time you started considering the fun things, your retirement is a period of your life when you have the time to do the things you always wanted. That being said, it can sometimes be tricky to figure out activities for your retirement with all that extra time on your hands.
While creating a life for yourself, working, raising children, earning money to support yourself and your family you may have missed out on some of the finer things in life. Think holidays, pursuing hobbies, volunteer work, giving back to the community, making time for your friends and more importantly, yourself. A good retirement involves activities that are a reward for your many years of hard work. Now is the time to treat yourself! Lady Anne Funerals has a few ideas about what you might want to do after you’ve sorted out all the must do technical stuff. Here are some suggestions for fun activities to become immersed in during your retirement.
Spend time on your hobby
Everybody has something they love to spend time on, but haven’t had the time to enjoy it.. Think about all those DIY projects you’ve started, and finally get them finished and start new ones. Spend time tinkering or creating, start writing in a journal, scrapbooking, taking photos, pick up an old instrument or try hiking new terrain. Now is the time that you can dedicate yourself to the things you love. Immerse yourself in a hobby and follow your passion.
Travel the world
The world is full of sights, sounds, rich culture and endless opportunity. Now that you’ve got the opportunity it’s time to cross some of your most desired destinations off your bucket list. Did you know, most airlines and hotels offer discounts for seniors? With all your new found free time you and can plan in advance and take advantage travelling at off peak times. If travelling is outside of your retirement budget, don’t forget we have an abundance of beautiful places that need to be seen in our very own backyard.
Get Active
Remember how hard it was getting to the gym after a long day at work? Or how hard it was keeping up with playing sport when you had to be the taxi driver for your kids? Now you have the time to get back into tennis, do the scenic walks you’ve always wanted to do and take up yoga or meditation. You can finally spend time improving your fitness. Plenty of gyms offer discounts for seniors and offer exercise classes with other retirees in a social setting. Why not make exercise a bit of fun?.
Volunteer and give back
“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up”- John Holmes
Becoming a volunteer is a great way to give yourself purpose. Helping those people in need or giving back to your community is a guaranteed way to increase your happiness. Whether it be in your own suburb, your own city or somewhere overseas, donating your time to a good cause is a great idea. Legacy Australia is always seeking volunteers and their support to our returned servicemen and their families is truly commendable. There are a number of other organisations requiring volunteers in Sydney, all you need to do is choose one.
Join a book club
For the book lovers amongst us, full time work and family commitments can act as a barrier to finishing all the books on your list of “must-reads”. Retirement offers an opportunity to dig in to the sofa with a hot cuppa and a great read and finally begin to cross some of those books off your list. Joining a book club is a great way to meet like minded people, hold discussions and ask questions. Studies show that a mind that stays active is a healthier mind. You can find a book club in your area or join an online book club.
A majority of us look forward to our retirement but it’s important to remember that a big transition like this can be difficult to adjust to. Studies show that those who maintain their fitness, involve themselves in activities they enjoy, travel and spend time socialising experience greater health and improved overall well being than those who spend their retirement more sedentary. Make the most of your retirement, you’ve earnt it.
If you’re all geared up for the fun side of retirement but aren’t yet across some of the necessary tasks before retirement, why not get in touch with one of our experienced directors at Lady Anne to discuss prepaid funeral arrangements. Putting a plan in place will put your mind at ease and alleviate any possible pressure from your loved ones. Contact us today to discuss your options.
Haven’t downloaded our Retirement Planning Guide yet? It’s still available and it’s free.