All the retirees interviewed agreed
that meaningful connections are crucial
to a happy retirement. Many were active
in the community as ward councillors,
teachers, tutors, consultants, members
of policing forums and volunteers. There
are multiple ways to keep connected
post retirement.
Five ways to stay connected:
1. Teach, tutor or consult – try to actively
share your skills
2. Get involved in the community
through volunteering or in more of an
administrative role – such as a ward
councillor
3. Join institutions like the University of the
Third Age to meet and mingle with like-
minded people
4. Become part of sports clubs or societies
according to your interests
5. Spend regular quality time with others, be
it your partner, children and grandchildren
or friends.
INGREDIENT
4
LOOKING FORWARD WITH POSITIVITY
‘I’m not a stay-at-home granny who
knits.’
To move forward and make the most of
retirement, retirees said they needed
to come to terms with and accept the
past, and look forward with positivity. All
recommended having a clear plan for filling
the days, with some suggesting drawing up
a daily schedule.
And while they take great pleasure in
seeing their families, time with loved ones
is only one part of the day-to-day lives
of today’s retirees – contrary to popular
perception that retirees are sitting around
waiting for a visit from the time-strapped
younger generations.
Here are some of the other activities the
respondents prioritised:
1. A daily surf (female, age 70)
2. Founding a jazz band and music society
(male, age 65)
3. Finishing a master’s degree in
astrophysics (male, age 61)
4. Travelling to Mauritius and Morocco
(60- to 80-year-olds)
5. Swimming in the World Masters Games
(female, age 70).
The secret to any recipe is making it
your own. All the ingredients for a good
retirement may be there, but you need to
bring them together.
For more information on how your clients
can ensure a happy retirement visit our
website.