Tips for an active and happy retirement
Taking control and living it up in your later years.
As with any change, the trick with retirement is to look for new opportunities rather than focus on what used to be. Treat this time as an adventure. Take control, seek out new challenges and indulge in the things that you want to do, whatever they may be. It’s a sure way to enjoy the retirement you want.
Budget to enjoy yourself
There’s no doubt that knowing you have enough money to enjoy yourself in retirement can have a big influence on your quality of life. That’s why it’s just as important to budget during retirement as it is at any other time of your life. That way you can relax and get on with doing the things you want.
Take advantage of the freebies
You’ll be surprised at all the fun you can have for less money when you retire. Once you turn 65 you can get a SuperGold card which gives you free train, bus and ferry rides in off-peak times in many regions of New Zealand. For more information visit supergold.govt.nz or phone 0800 25 45 65.
You can go to the movies more often as most cinemas offer discounts for seniors. As for exhibitions, concerts, museums and tourist attractions – fill your boots! Most of them offer discounts. It’s a chance to become a tourist in your own town and enjoy where you live from a whole new angle.
Plan to retire to something
Be active and not idle. Take up a new hobby or try a new sport - maybe golf or pétanque? You could use your skills from years in the workforce to take on a little consulting or charity work. If you like a routine, get a diary and book yourself in for something on every day of the week ahead, even if it’s only a short activity.
Practise being retired
Join that club now instead of waiting for retirement. That way you’ll make some friends outside of your normal social circle who are already retired. Give your retirement budget a trial run for a few weeks. Take a couple of days off work and enjoy the freedom of being ‘retired’. Start a little more exercise now, so you’ll be able to make the most of retirement from day one. Easing into retirement makes more sense than a sudden lurch.
