You can do many things if you want to prepare for retirement.
From keeping fit and healthy to signing up for the best over 50 funeral plan, here are some top tips if you want to make the most of your retirement.
Make sure your finances are in order
A good place to start your preparations is to organise your finances. That way, you’ll be able to work out what money you’ll have to live on when you stop working.
You can make retirement easier to adjust to financially if you gradually reduce your spending.
Cut out the expenses you don’t really need or use.
Also, track down any old pensions, claim your state pension, and check whether you’re eligible for any other benefits.
Wind down but do it gently
You’ll make the transition to retirement much smoother if you do it in stages.
Start by easing off your workload over several years and give yourself time to get used to the idea of not working.
You’ll have to find things to do to fill your time, and this can take some adjusting to. Your employer may be willing to cut back your working hours gradually.
Be prepared for some ups and downs
Retirement can be a roller coaster of emotions. There will be times when you feel a bit lost or lonely. Don’t worry. This is perfectly normal.
It’s important to think positively, even if ill health or relationship changes temporarily scupper your plans.
Accept that these things happen and ensure you have a backup plan you can implement.
Eat well
You should eat regular meals, particularly if your eating pattern while at work was to snack.
You’ll have lots of extra time on your hands, so take the opportunity to explore healthy cooking options.
Develop a routine
It can feel a little odd when you haven’t got to go to bed and get up ready for work every day.
Some people find it very helpful to continue with the same routine as it makes life feel more normal.
You can keep your days interesting and bring purpose to your life by planning regular activities such as hobbies, exercise, or voluntary work.
Exercise your mind and keep physically active
Research has shown that learning in later years could help you stay independent.
Therefore, look for ways to challenge yourself mentally and make good use of your free time.
You might want to consider learning a language, getting a qualification, or learning an instrument.
It’s equally important to keep physically active as well.
Aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every week.
If exercise hasn’t played a part in your life previously, you might need to work up to this.
Consider making a to-do list
To help you focus on what you want to achieve during your retirement years, try writing down your aims.
Think of it as a to-do list. Once you’ve got a list of things you want to do, you can work out what you can afford to do and then schedule some time to make it happen.
Look for social support
Work can be a big part of your social life, and it’s not uncommon to feel at a bit of a loose end once you retire.
Find ways to fill the social gaps, such as joining a club or group.
Get your health checked
Prevention will always be better than cure, and when you’re approaching your retirement years, it’s the perfect time to get an MOT.
The good news is that a midlife MOT is FREE. The aim of the NHS Health Check programme is to help prevent heart disease, diabetes, stroke, kidney disease, and certain types of dementia.
If you’re between the ages of 40 and 74 and not already diagnosed with one of the conditions mentioned above or have certain risk factors, you’ll be invited every five years for a checkup to assess your risk.
Keep in touch with work colleagues and friends
You’re retiring, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose touch with friends you worked with.
You could make arrangements for regular catch-ups.
You could also use some of your new free time to catch up with old friends you’ve not seen for a while.
Pamper yourself
You’ve worked hard for many years and are long overdue for some “me time.” Think of ways you can indulge yourself.
It might be a trip to a spa, a city break, going to the cinema, or dining out. Remember to schedule time for a well-deserved treat, whatever you decide to do.
Think about taking out an over 50s funeral plan
This is a funeral plan that covers the full cost of providing the funeral service that you want.
To find the best one, you must look at what each funeral plan offers and pick one that matches your funeral preferences.
The final tip is to get stuck into all those things you’ve meant to do over the years but never got around to.
You’ve probably got a long list, but now you’ve got the time to do what you’ve always wanted to.
