Retirement is a phase of life that many people wait for and anticipate with excitement. Getting a few years off to relax and rest after a tedious work life, who wouldn’t want that? However, this special time of your life can become stressful and troublesome if you don’t plan for it. Bill Schantz says that having a happy and content retirement is more than just about money and savings.
Most people think that retirement is all about financial planning and saving a certain amount of money to last you a lifetime. But, this is only one half of the story. Yes, people do need a sufficient amount of money to get by, but that is not all. There are several things that are even more important for people to help them get through these years comfortably.
If you find yourself constantly thinking about saving for your retirement, let’s discuss a few more things to focus on!
How to Have a Happy Retirement? – Tips by Bill Schantz
“Nurture Your Social Connections” – Schantz
Interacting and spending time in our social circles can help people increase their life satisfaction. As people near their age of retirement, they need to make sure that they work on strengthening their social connections. Social interaction also helps people in maintaining their mental and emotional well-being.
Studies have shown that people who lack social connections in their life areprone to depression, anxiety, heart diseases, etc.On the other hand, people who have closer and tighter social circles stay happier and more carefree through their retirement.
Find a Sense of Purpose
Most people think they can always enjoy spending time in recreational activities such as sports, traveling, or reading books. However, there comes a time in life when you need to think about what your purpose would be. No matter how far-fetched it sounds, you need to have a sense of purpose and meaning in your life.
Take some time out of your day and think about what you want to do besides earning money. For instance, some people find it fulfilling and meaningful to volunteer in social service. Helping people in need is a great way to give back to society, says Bill Schantz. It is also a great boost for your self-esteem and helps you feel healthier and motivated.
“Look for New Things to Learn” – Schantz
Did you know that the secret to staying young for a long time is to never stop learning new things? Schantz says that when people keep learning new things they stay mentally sharp and active for a long time. If you think you will get plenty of free time after retirement, you can find some new skills or things that interest you and invest your time in them. Keeping your mind active helps with decreasing cognitive decline and prevents dementia as well.
Concluding Remarks
As people age, they start thinking about what their retirement years would be like. While financial planning is an essential part of planning for your retirement, you also need to go the extra mile to be happy. Bill Schantz says that you can try maintaining healthy social connections and always be open to learning new things. Most importantly, you need to find a sense of purpose and see what adds meaning to your life. If you can start off on these small things, you can stay happy and content through your retirement regardless of your financial standing.
