RETIREMENT
LEADING UP TO THE CAMPAIGN , GLACIER COMMISSIONED the ‘ Through the Years ’ report to better understand what makes a healthy and fulfilling retirement . In-depth , faceto-face interviews were held with 82 retired South Africans in their 60s , 70s and 80s that painted an upbeat picture of the proverbial golden years . Surfing , travelling , working for charities , studying and teaching – retirees today are all about living their best life .
The chosen sample of respondents had retired with a relatively comfortable monthly income – to showcase just how this can contribute to a full and healthy life after retiring – and how financial planning had contributed to this outcome .
Patrick Sheehy , Head of Product Management at Glacier by Sanlam , says , ‘ We were delighted to learn that retirees today are more likely to be climbing rocks than rocking in a chair . From a 65-year-old real estate agent-cum-jazz musician to a 70-year-old surfer and beyond , the research sample was happy and contented .’
He said the research revealed striking similarities in the retirees ’ ‘ recipe for a happy retirement ’. ‘ The one big theme that came through was planning – planning financially [ and saving for retirement as early as possible ] and planning to ensure good medical treatment . But interestingly , they all recommend planning for the fun side of life too , in other words , having a plan for how you ’ re going to fill your days , weeks and years to get the most of this special time .’
Here is their recipe for a happy retirement .
INGREDIENT 1
FINANCIAL SECURITY
‘ I just want financial freedom , that ’ s all .’ Money is just one part of a happy retirement , but it ’ s an important ingredient . Eighty-two per cent of the report ’ s participants who