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Retirement is often seen as a time you can finally relax, pursue passions, and enjoy life at a slower pace. However, not all retirees experience the same level of fulfilment. The happiest retirees follow certain habits and lifestyle secrets that keep them engaged, healthy, and thriving. Set yourself up for a happy retirement and be inspired by these five lifestyle secrets that happy retirees embrace…
One of the most consistent traits of happy retirees is their commitment to physical activity and overall wellness. They understand that good health is key to an enjoyable retirement. Whether it’s walking, swimming, biking, or yoga, regular exercise helps maintain physical strength, flexibility, and mental sharpness.
Many retirees join fitness classes, take up hiking, or simply set aside time for daily walks. These activities not only keep them in shape but also offer opportunities to socialise with others, enhancing both physical and mental well-being.
Secret: Find an activity you genuinely enjoy and can stick with long-term. The goal isn’t to overdo it but to stay consistent.
Happiness in retirement is closely tied to maintaining and cultivating social relationships.
Loneliness can be a significant challenge for retirees, especially for those who are no longer surrounded by co-workers or their children. This is problematic, as being lonely can have significant health consequences. In fact, according to The World Health Organisation, social isolation and loneliness can have a serious impact on older people’s physical and mental health, quality of life and longevity, on par with other risk factors like smoking, obesity and physical inactivity.1
Instead, happy retirees cultivate meaningful relationships by staying connected with family, old friends, and building new friendships.
Secret: Make regular social interaction a priority. It’s important to build a network of supportive and like-minded people in retirement. If you don’t already have a strong circle of friends, now is a great time to find your tribe. Consider joining a book club, signing up to a new class or volunteering for a cause that aligns with your interests, and spend time with people whose company you genuinely enjoy.
Author Wes Moss defines a core pursuit as a ‘hobby on steroids – an activity you’re passionate about that brings you excitement and fulfilment.’ When researching for his books ‘You Can Retires Sooner Than You Think’ and ‘What the Happiest Retirees Know,’ Moss conducted a survey of roughly 1,350 retirees and found the happiest retirees had 3.6 core pursuits on average whereas the unhappiest had 1.9 core pursuits.
Whether it’s gardening, painting, woodworking, writing or volunteering, it’s clear that the benefits of engaging in these kinds of pastimes extend beyond entertainment value. They’re what ‘light you up’ and give life a sense of purpose in your retired years.
Secret: Dedicate time to activities that stimulate your mind and feed your passions. If you don’t already have a ‘core pursuit’ you can try Wes Moss’s ‘core pursuit finder’ here.
Perhaps one of the most powerful secrets of happy retirees is their ability to maintain a positive attitude. Retirement can come with unexpected challenges, from health issues to the loss of loved ones, but those who are happiest are resilient and practise gratitude.
They consciously focus on the positives in their lives, such as time spent with family, freedom from work stress, and the ability to pursue passions. Cultivating gratitude helps retirees stay grounded and content. Many practise mindfulness or meditation, which aids in managing stress and improving emotional well-being.
Secret: Practice gratitude daily, whether through journaling, meditation, or simply reflecting on the good things in life. A positive mindset can transform how you experience retirement.
Financial stability plays a crucial role in retirement satisfaction. The happiest retirees are those who have planned and managed their finances in a way that allows them to enjoy their golden years without constant worry about money. This doesn’t necessarily mean being wealthy—it’s about having enough to support the lifestyle they want and having the confidence to manage their resources wisely.
Retirees who live within their means, invest smartly, and create a budget for travel, leisure, and healthcare costs experience more peace of mind. They avoid unnecessary financial stress, which often leads to greater freedom in how they spend their time.
Secret: Work with a Financial Planner you trust to plan for a successful retirement. Your Financial Planner will help you identify your main goals in retirement and create the roadmap you need to get there. And even after you’ve retired, your Financial Planner will be there to adjust your plan as needed and provide you with the advice and support you need to maintain a happy retirement. Call today on (02) 9739 6555.
Sources:
1 https://www.uts.edu.au/news/health-science/how-retirement-impacts-social-support-and-wellbeing
2 https://www.forbes.com/sites/wesmoss/2024/03/13/five-lifestyle-secrets-of-the-happiest-retirees/
Please note, the above information does not constitute financial advice and does not take into account your current circumstances or goals. Please speak with a Financial Adviser before acting on any information found here or throughout the 5 Financial website.