9 tips to help plan your perfect retirement

Ideas to help you enjoy the next stage of your life

Of course, a happy retirement means many things to many different people. Yet there are a few to tips we’ve learned from our years of speaking with Renaissance residents.

From looking after your health, to ensuring you have healthy relationships, to making sure your money lasts as long as you do, there are some clever tips you can make use of when you’re planning your ideal lifestyle once you’ve quit full time work.

Here are 9 ways to plan for your perfect retirement.

1) Make sure your financials are in good shape

Of course it’s much easier to spend money than to save it, but the satisfaction you’ll enjoy in retirement by having enough of it is a strong argument to save plenty through your working years.

The key is starting to save as early as possible, with a goal of having at least $500,000 saved at the time of retirement. It’s also a good idea to have your mortgage paid off (or almost paid off) by the time you finish working.

2) Spend time on a wide variety of interests

Sitting on the couch watching the idiot box most likely won’t give you the happy retirement you dreamt of! This is your opportunity to travel, play and explore on a regular basis.

Remember that it doesn’t really matter what your interests are. Whether you’re into golf, hiking or biking, photography or volunteering, the only thing that matters is that you pursue something you’re passionate about.

3) Build a new retirement identity away from your career

For many people, their working career is their identity – or at least a huge part of it. And that can mean that once you retire, that identity is gone. So put some time into finding your new purpose in life.

4) Establish a daily routine that truly satisfies you

It might sound strange, but figuring out a routine that brings you pleasure can take time. You may find you have to experiment quite a bit to figure out which routines work and which don’t.

Remember that your retirement is a major transition that changes your roles, your routines, your relationships and ultimately yourself. Be patient as you find your way in this exciting new world.

5) Stay connected with your friends

It’s so important to have lots of friends once you’ve retired. In fact, studies show that people with lots of good friends tend to not only be happier but live longer.

If you can, make friends around your personal interests beyond work – and even with younger people, too. Men tend to have a tougher time forming these friendships than women do, but it’s still very important to try.

6) Stay close to your kids — but not too close!

Living near one or two of your adult children can help your happiness in retirement take off. But don’t let the kids become dependent on you. Make sure they’re out building and enjoying their own lives, and not living vicariously off your retirement.

7) Use your retirement to try new things

Always staying within your comfort zone can lead to a lack of initiative and lethargy in retirement. So take this chance to try new things and also reach out to meet new people!

8) Look after your health once you’ve retired

Even though you’ve retired from work, it’s not the time to give up all physical activity. So pay attention to what you eat, and find time for some modest exercise such as walking, biking or swimming every day.

9) Don’t pinch your pennies!

We’re not suggesting that you spend extravagantly in your retirement… and yet this time of your life shouldn’t be a time of serious penny-pinching. You might not want to dine regularly at pricey restaurants once you’ve retired, yet you also don’t want to deny yourself simple pleasures like a takeaway coffee every now and then.

Retirement living at its best is waiting for you

If you’ve decided that an independent, resort-style retirement community is what you’re looking for, come and have a chat with us at Renaissance Retirement Living at beautiful Victoria Point.

We invite you to join one of our regular small group information sessions where we answer all your questions about retirement living. You can even chat with our lovely residents and ask them all about life at Renaissance. We’ll take you on a tour of our stunning facilities and show you some of our attractive villas.

Call Renaissance today on (07) 3820 7700 or contact us to book a spot at our next information session. We look forward to meeting you!