After years of hard work and sacrifice, your retirement is approaching, and you hope to enjoy these golden years as a reward. Retirement should not be financially burdensome, nor should it feel like you are past your sell-by date with nothing to look forward to.
There are so many things you could and should be doing to enjoy your senior years to the maximum. Here are five of them:
Get your finances in order
To enjoy retirement without worrying about money, be proactive in your approach to money. Consult a financial advisor about your retirement savings and how to make the most of them. This could involve diversifying your investment portfolio and putting a portion of it towards higher risk higher return investments.
Add to your retirement nest egg by reviewing your living circumstances. This would be an ideal time to downsize your home by selling your house or renting it out while you move to a smaller home. Keep debt to a minimum before your retirement commences and keep it that way.
Stay well
The last thing seniors want to do is spend their retirement years in ill-health. Older bodies are inclined to become susceptible to illnesses. However, they could be avoided by choosing a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and exercise. Many seniors’ centers host exercise programs for retirees. Frequent checkups with your doctor are also necessary for the early identification of medical conditions.
Medical care is expensive, and Medicare does not cover every expense. Russell Noga from Medisupps.com is an expert in Medicare supplementary plans and advises seniors to apply for a Mutual of Omaha Medicare supplement. The premiums are worth the expense given the additional coverage offered. Investigate the different plans to see what copayments and other expenses they cover to find one that suits your needs.
Be purposeful
It might sound great to have entire days to yourself. However, most seniors admit that this concept wears thin quickly, and they soon find themselves looking for things to occupy their time.
Many volunteer organizations need help and welcome assistance from seniors. You could join a club, visit your local seniors’ club, or take up a hobby you did not have time for in the past. These activities fill your time and allow you to meet new people who could become a vital part of your support network.
Tick off your bucket list
Now is the time to do those things you always wanted to but were too busy for. If it is travel you have always hankered after, start looking at tours and trips to your dream destinations. Seniors are entitled to many travel discounts and free passes, making this the ideal time to hit the road.
Whatever you choose to do, savor each moment. However, do not forget that you have a retirement budget, so if that European odyssey is out of your financial reach, you might have to settle for a local trip.
Keep working
If you do not feel ready for retirement, it might be your preference to keep working. That does not mean keeping your old job. There are many ways that retirees can earn some extra money while not working a full day. Think about it as having the best of both worlds.
You could set up a consultancy, offering your skills and expertise to local companies. This is also the time to pen that book you have dreamt about writing. Freelance as a writer or start a small service business. You could also take a hobby and monetize it by selling products or teaching others.