Lifestyle – Leisure
Finding purpose in retirement The first few months of retirement can be bliss and may seem like a holiday. You have no work or obligations getting you out of bed in the morning, and you suddenly have a free schedule.
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ut as reality sets in, it is pretty easy to fall into what some people call, the “retirement rut”.
or business and then life will keep going, because they don’t think they have to plan for it at all,” says Mr McKnoulty.
You may feel lost and unsure what to do with all this free time you now have on your hands. And the realisation sets in that this is your new life. Where the joys of not having work doesn’t outweigh the sudden need for a purpose during your new retirement life.
He goes on to explain the impact of not being properly prepared for the next stage of life.
Peter McKnoulty, Founder of Transition Planning Australia, explains that in his experience, people barely think about the transition into retirement. “[People] are not at all prepared. Part of the problem is that they have no idea that they need to do anything about it. They just think they will just waltz on from work
This is an optimum time to build your social network, get to know new people, and catch up with old friends.
“There are different components of it there, part of it is people are reluctant to let go. And those that do, haven’t planned properly. “When people leave their businesses or work, unless they spend time to find new activities to replace those work ones, that is when they risk falling into a hole, becoming bored and depressed, and then it is a slippery slope from there.” To avoid falling into a rut after retiring, there are a number of ways to remain part of the community and make a meaningful contribution to those around you, to the public or for yourself.
Family and friends Retirement is a great time to bother your children and borrow your grandchildren for a catch up or two, or even a vacation! A lot of grandparents even pick up the roles of supportive nannies to help their children with their busy workload. Seeing family is a lot easier when you have all the time in the world. Retirement is a time for lots of laughs and special memories with family. You should also have more time for social occasions. This is an optimum
time to build your social network, get to know new people, and catch up with old friends. Remember when you used to tell your best friend that your dates didn’t match up and it was impossible to coordinate a get-together? In retirement, that shouldn’t be an issue any more. Keeping strong relationships in retirement is important for your health and wellbeing. And who doesn’t love a good afternoon barbeque! If you don’t have as many people to be in contact with or you are socially isolated, Australian Retired Persons Association (ARPA) might be the next point of call. The organisation encourages people over 50 to keep active in both your mind and body while making friends. They provide a range of activities and groups you can get involved with, including bushwalking, computer groups, cycling, golf, pleasure fishing, Wednesday weekly walkers, tap dancing and variety concerts, photography groups, and so much more. Alternatively, COTA Australia’s State and Territory organisations have a wide range of partnerships with over 50s Senior groups and organisations which you can choose from. Probus, Country Women’s Associations and Lions Clubs are also always looking for new members to assist with volunteering initiatives and to create stronger community networks.
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