4 Ways to Make the Most of Your Retirement

Wednesday, January 16, 2019 |

After decades of working tirelessly and juggling responsibilities, retirement is a significant life change for many people. That said, they call it the “golden years” for a reason. Retirement presents an opportunity to pursue what’s important in life, including hobbies, goals, travel and spending time with people you love. The following are four ways to make the most of your golden years.

Determine Personal Priorities

As individuals, we all have different things that are important to us. We may really appreciate spending time with family and friends, or maybe we have a hobby that brings us a lot of fulfillment. Regardless of what our priorities are, it’s important to know and pursue them, as this is the antidote to feeling bored or directionless during retirement. Make it a goal to do at least one activity each day that is important and personally fulfilling to you, keeping in mind that it’s okay for your interests to evolve over time. If there’s one thing we’re sure of, it’s that retirement is better spent doing the things that matter to you.

Consider Retirement Living Options

Finding the right type of living situation can really improve happiness and the overall enjoyment of retirement. There are many options for retirement living, so finding the one that best fits your lifestyle and needs will be key. Some prefer to stay in the house they lived in before, while others decide to move into a retirement community. Even within senior living communities, there are options between buying houses, or renting apartments. These communities often host daily activities for residents and are great for those who like to socialize and be around people their same age. They can bring a great sense of community involvement, support, purpose, and happiness. Plus, they take away the hassle and responsibility of home ownership and maintenance that can be cumbersome for older adults to manage down the road. Some retirees prefer to live in communities that offer a wider range of services, including dining, healthcare and personal assistance, while others opt to live in communities that provide limited services, but offer enhanced amenities and social opportunities.

Make a Bucket List

Bucket lists are very common among the younger generation, but they are also becoming increasingly popular among retirement-age folks. Because bucket lists allow for trips, activities, and goal-setting, they are a fun and imaginative activity that can help you envision the things you’d like to experience, try, or achieve. Making a personal bucket list can provide things to look forward to in the future, and give ideas for vacations or trips. A bucket list can include very small things that a person has always wanted to do, or a very large activity. A bucket list can be as short or long as the person wishes. Writing bucket lists can help give meaning and accomplishment during retirement, and also give retirees fun things to do.

Find Joy in Each Day

Finding something that brings happiness every day is very important. For some this could be sitting on a back deck watching the sun set, while for others it could include eating a favorite food every day. Making sure there is one thing a day that brings true happiness can help retirees appreciate being retired, and help them look forward to each new day. Happiness is what life is about, so even if it is small, finding joy in each day is critical.

Retirement can be a great time of life. It’s important to find what makes retirement enjoyable, and worthwhile for each person. Whether this includes creating a bucket list or moving into a retirement community, spending your retirement meaningfully can be what makes it the best time of life.

To learn how The Avenues Crofton Park helps seniors in Broomfield, Colorado spend their retirement years meaningfully and comfortably, call Corné Lewis at 720-799-0915 or click here to schedule a visit.