Discover Simple Secrets for a Happy Retirement
Everyone has a different idea of what a happy retirement looks like; waking up every morning in a tropical beach villa, traveling the world to discover new cultures or simply relaxing at home with loved ones. Regardless of your dream retirement, you’re ready to dive into this next chapter of life.
Beyond freedom, a happy retirement comes with financial and legal planning to ensure you’re able to relax and enjoy your days. But the truth is, there are many other things to consider that don’t involve the specifics of money matters or getting your affairs in order. In fact, some of the most important aspects that make up an ideal retirement involve happiness, lifestyle choices and health.
At The Woodlands at Canterfield, we’ve curated a luxury senior living setting in West Dundee, Illinois, so residents can enjoy their retirement with confidence, comfort and convenience. Below, we share simple secrets to ensure this phase of life is full of adventure, purpose and joy!
Money Matters
(Just Not as Much as You Might Think!)
Yes, financial stability is important for retirement, but what really matters is that you have enough money for the lifestyle you want; you don’t need a huge surplus.
Think about it this way. If your yearly salary was $70,000 when you were working, you might think you need to keep up that amount each year to sustain your lifestyle. Not only can this create financial stress, but it’s unnecessary. Experts say that around 80-85% of your pre-retirement income is plenty. When you’re thinking about retirement finances, keep these things in mind:
- Does my lifestyle match my budget?
- How much will I need to cover bills or rent? Is my mortgage paid off?
- How much do I need to keep doing what I love, i.e., going to concerts, dining out or traveling?
- How much will healthcare cost?
Prioritize Your Health
Aging is a unique process that every person experiences differently, and genetics often play into the physical and mental health changes that occur when we reach a certain age.
The most important thing to do to ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy every minute of your retirement? Be proactive about your health!
Find a sport or activity that you enjoy to stay active and get your daily dose of physical exercise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults over the age of 65 need at least 150 minutes of exercise or physical activity every week, which boils down to 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
Retirement is the perfect time to get involved in a workout class, like yoga or tai chi, or to try a new sport like tennis. Not only will you stay active, but you’ll have the opportunity to meet new people.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Perhaps the most important aspect of living is a sense of meaning and purpose, finding what truly drives you to make the most out of every day. In fact, the Japanese have their own word for this: “ikigai,” which can be translated to “reason for living.”
Retirement is the perfect time to try new things and discover what truly makes life worth living. Before your career, you probably had hobbies, passions and activities that you enjoyed but had to set aside once you began your career or started a family.
The best part of retiring is having more time to spend however you want. It’s a common trope that retirees take up golfing or read that 500-page novel that they’ve had sitting on their shelf for years. While these activities are fun, it’s important to reflect on what you truly want to do in life to find your purpose.
Studies have also shown that older adults who have a sense of fulfillment and purpose are more likely to live longer and improve their mental and physical health. Step out of your comfort zone to discover what drives you forward in life; you might even surprise yourself with the things that bring you purpose!
Find Your Social Network
According to Ernie Zelinski, life coach and retirement expert, many of the friends you’ve met in work environments “are not real friends.” Many of these relationships tend to dissolve after leaving the office, and some make it difficult to separate work and personal life.
During retirement, branch out your friendships into your personal interests; join local clubs or classes to meet new people who share your passions!
It’s also incredibly beneficial (and rewarding) to make friends who are younger than you. Not only can this lead to a wonderful mentoring relationship, but it can also broaden your perspectives regarding life and culture and help break down generational stigmas.
Location, Location, Location
Location will make a huge difference in your lifestyle and happiness when visualizing how you want to spend your retirement. While staying in your current home is a comforting option (and perfectly okay!), relocating during this new chapter of life can be an exciting prospect.
But first, there are a few key points to consider. Research the cost of living in different areas to determine how your expenses might change. Fortunately, Illinois was ranked number nine as one of the best states to retire!
Eventually, you might decide you want to downsize and move to a senior living community. Active senior communities are designed with retirees in mind and provide maintenance-free amenities and spacious living accommodations.
Activity groups and social events are also a major perk of moving to a senior living community. This is a wonderful way to discover your passions, spend time on your hobbies and meet individuals you can forge meaningful connections!
At The Woodlands at Canterfield, our West Dundee senior living community provides all the tools you need to ensure your retirement years are spent relaxing, finding your purpose and making the most out of your days. Our luxury community delivers first-class hospitality with exceptional amenities, so that you have every opportunity to make your retirement an adventure!
Visit our website to learn more and explore our West Dundee senior living community.
