On average, you will spend a third of your life at work. That adds up to 90,000 hours and leaves most of us dreaming about the day we don’t have to clock-in.
“You have built a family, you have built a career, you’ve built a life, and now you get to reap the benefits of those things,” said Christine Hammond, a Licensed Mental Health Therapist.
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You’ve done the time, put in the work and now you’re entering a period of your life where you’re free to do whatever you want to do.
More than 4 million Americans are expected to retire this year. The average age of retirement is 64 and the current life expectancy is 79 years.
That means there’s a lot of time to fill after retirement.
How you spend it can impact your mental and physical well-being.
A study by the MassMutual Retirement Institute found that retirees with a strong sense of purpose are more likely to feel happy, healthy and fulfilled. But how do you get there?
The first step, plan early and find new interests before you leave your job.
“Something that you’ve wanted to do and go try it and just say, you know what, I’m just going to try this for six months and then if I don’t like it, I’m going to move on to something else,” explained Hammond.
Don’t give up on goals. Set personal milestones that give your days a sense of direction.
Also, be sure to engage with others. Join clubs, volunteer or take up a group hobby. Twenty-five percent of those 65 and older are socially isolated. Connection helps bolster mental and physical health.
If you just love to work, consider an encore career. Encore careers provide seniors with opportunities to pursue work that aligns with their values and interests.
Stay active. The CDC says older adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. Working out over 65 lowers your risk of heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer.
Also, be sure to stay in touch with the younger generations. Intergenerational relationships are good for the soul not to mention another way to stay connected and combat the health consequences of loneliness. It allows both parties to learn from each other and gain a broader perspective.
Don’t be afraid to pass on what you’ve learned. Mentoring younger people can boost your self-esteem and satisfaction in life.
“This is the age of wisdom for them where they can take all of their experience that they have gained throughout the years, and they can impart that knowledge onto other people,” said Hammond.
Remember, retirement is a chance to reinvent yourself, explore uncharted territories, and leave a lasting impact.