Take up a new projectFinally you have time to get stuck into all those things you’ve been meaning to do but never got round to. Mapping your family tree, building a shed, planting a veg patch… the list goes on, but now you can actually do what you’ve always wanted to.
Push your boundariesIt’s easy to get stuck in a rut, both health-wise and in general, and doing something different can be a refreshing change. Some people have found that simple changes, such as trying a tasty new recipe, finding a different hairdresser or joining an exercise class they haven’t done before gives them a new zest for life.
Get a new pet Could you house a rescue cat or dog in need of a new home? Research has shown that our furry friends have a positive effect on our health and wellbeing.According to pet researcher Allen R. McConnell, a professor of psychology at Miami University, people with pets are generally happier, more trusting, and less lonely than those who don't have pets. They also visit the doctor less often for minor problems.One reason for that may be that your pet gives you a sense of belonging and meaning, Prof McConnell says. You feel like you have greater control of your life.
Travel moreAlways dreamt of going on an around-the-world cruise, a wine-tasting trip through Italy, or a simple camping expedition in the Welsh valleys? Now you can finally make those long-held plans a reality, depending on your health and budget limitations.If longer trips aren’t practical, mini breaks may be a good alternative – or even days out to places you’ve never visited before.
Be one with natureFresh air and exercise is an instant mood booster and instrumental in maintaining your wellbeing. Why not incorporate a walk in the woods or a nearby park into your daily routine? This is an ideal way of achieving the recommended minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
Give back to the communityEver thought of volunteering ? Perhaps you’d enjoy getting involved with your local youth club, animal rescue centre, environmental organisation or elderly support group.There are plenty of charities that would welcome a helping hand, not least the BHF, of course! We offer the opportunity to help out in our shops, in a furniture or electrical store, with fundraising and at lots of different types of events.
Practise mindfulnessPractising mindfulness has become more popular than ever in the last decade as a strategy to relieve stress, anxiety and depression.
Fresh air and exercise is an instant mood booster and instrumental in maintaining your wellbeing
Research, such as a 2009 study from Goethe University in Germany, has shown that meditation strengthens the hippocampus, the area of the brain that is important for memory, and slows the decline of brain areas responsible for sustaining attention.There are no set guidelines for how often you should meditate for optimal result, but a handful of...
Pamper yourselfAfter decades of hard work, you are due some ‘me time’. Whether your idea of indulgence is a city break, a day trip to a spa or a small pleasure like dining out or going to the cinema, schedule some time for a well-deserved treat.
Keep in touch with your friends from workJust because you are retiring doesn’t mean you have to lose touch with the group of friends you made in your workplace. Why not make arrangements for regular catch-ups? Or, you might want to use some of your new leisure time to catch up with old friends that you haven’t seen for a while.If you enjoy party planning, find an excuse to get everyone together and have fun arranging the perfect garden or dinner party, anniversary celebration or other special occasion. You could even raise funds for our life saving work at the same time through our “Give in...
Go for a health checkPrevention is better than cure, and now is the perfect time to get your free midlife MOT. The NHS Health Check programme aims to help prevent heart disease, stroke , diabetes , kidney disease and certain types of dementia. Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74, who has not already been diagnosed with one of these conditions or have certain risk factors , will be invited once every five years to have a check to assess their risk of these age-related illnesses and will be given support and advice to help them reduce or manage that risk.If you’re in this category but...
Make peace and move onDon’t spend your retirement dwelling on your working days. Accept that you’ve done all you can in that job and focus on your next challenge. You’ve still got lots to achieve.
Seek social supportFor many people, work can form a big part of their social life and it’s common to feel at a bit of a loose end once you retire. Fill the gaps by joining clubs and groups.
Make a listWriting down your aims may help you focus on what you really want to achieve – like a ‘to do’ list. Work out what you can afford to do and schedule time to make it happen, so you experience a sense of accomplishment, as you would have done at work.
Keep physically active
We should all aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, so build up to this if you haven’t made exercise a normal part of your life previously. Why not sign up for a charity event to give you a goal to work towards?
Exercise your mindGovernment studies have shown that learning in later years can help people stay independent, so use your free time to continue to challenge yourself mentally, whether it’s learning an instrument or a language or getting a qualification.
Develop a routineYou may find it feels more normal to continue getting up, eating and going to bed at roughly the same time every day. Plan in regular activities such as voluntary work , exercise and hobbies. This will keep things interesting and give you a purpose.
Eat wellMake sure you eat regular meals, especially if your previous pattern, while at work, was to snack. Take advantage of the extra time on your hands and explore healthy cooking options.
Prepare for ups and downsThere may be times when you feel lonely or a bit lost, which is normal. If ill health or changes in your relationships temporarily scupper your plans, accept that this has happened and get your back-up plan in action. Think positively and share any concerns with others.
Wind down gentlyEnsure a smoother transition by retiring in stages. By easing off your workload over several years, you’ll be able to get used to the idea of not working and fill your time in other ways. Ask your employer if you can cut back your working hours.
Get your finances in orderOrganise your money so you can work out what you’ll have to live on. Gradually reducing your spending in the lead up to retirement will make it easier to adjust. Track down any old pensions, claim your state pension and check what other benefits you can claim.
The amount you need to save for a pension depends on your personal circumstances, including your income, lifestyle, and when you start saving. There are several rules of thumb to help you estimate how much you should save.
The 4% rule
A popular rule of thumb for pensioners is to withdraw 4% of their fund in the first year of retirement, and the same amount each year after, adjusted for inflation.
The 50-70 rule
This rule suggests that you should aim for an annual income in retirement that is between 50% and 70% of your working income.
The earlier you start, the better
The earlier...
short-term,
intermediate-term, and
long-term buckets with the aim of having money to cover living expenses in retirement without depleting a portfolio too quickly.
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