Happiness in retirement is not a new concept, though the three things that bring true happiness might be a surprise to many. Happy retirees have financial security, a healthy lifestyle, and fruitful relationships throughout their communities during the later years of their lives. You see, many people who work sacrifice certain aspects of fulfillment as they build their nest egg. Things often fall to the wayside when working towards the pivot from saving to spending that are crucial for overall gratification.
It makes sense, then, that money shouldn’t be the sole focus of retirement goals. True, without money, you can’t consider retiring comfortably, but without health, you can’t enjoy the years you have left, and without relationships, you can’t spend those years with friends or loved ones and find a purpose. Nearly every goal that retirees have stands upon a foundation of those three things. Once people retire, they should invest their time, money, and actions into living a healthier and purposeful life.
This purpose-driven retirement has been proven to be the single most critical factor and the difference between those who feel their retirement is gratifying and those who feel as if something is missing. Every retiree has personal achievements they wish to fulfill, such as learning a new hobby or investing time into an important endeavor. The subject of the goal is irrelevant, so long as it’s beneficial. This can be anything from learning tennis to teaching a class. These actions give them access to their peers, further solidifying the importance of such a goal. A study published in 2015 by Oxford suggests that community leadership, specifically, has the most significant impact on positive developments in the later years of life. The chance to share years of wisdom and be a fount of information brings unequivocal feelings of purpose.
It’s crucial to note that one of the biggest issues retirees have is adult children who aren’t yet established. It’s come to light that an adult relationship with children over the age of thirty has surprisingly little positive impact upon retirement and quite the negative impact if they need a place to live or a portion of their parents’ retirement savings periodically to remain independent.
That same study from Oxford suggests that the second most critical aspect of retirement is nonattachment, the practice of distancing yourself from negative relationships. While it’s the hope that adult children would be self-sufficient, it’s essential that retirees learn to set boundaries and say no if they are not, distancing themselves from those who are infringing upon their retirement stability.
The truth is that those who save money for retirement in the hopes of traveling or spending more time with their children will find the road to true happiness a more arduous path. As people live longer and spend more years investing in their retirement, research suggests that a savings of $4 million, with a bevy of friendships along the way, and an emphasis on healthy living is the true key to lasting fulfillment, so long as they find meaning along the way.
Knowledge is Power!
Being informed and proactive in financial planning, especially regarding Social Security benefits, empowers individuals to make the most of their retirement years. Remember, in the realm of finance and retirement planning, knowledge truly is power!
Disclaimer-This content is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional financial advice. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information, its completeness and precision are not guaranteed. Always consult a qualified expert for personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances.