Five unexpected things people discover in retirement
Find out what you can look forward to as a retiree.
Forget sipping on tea and knitting all day. Your golden years are an exciting time to discover new interests that stimulate the mind and revitalize the soul. Here are five of the surprising discoveries retirees often make according to Renishaw Property Developments.
Life gets more active
The coastal lifestyle is a major drawcard for many retirees, because of all the outdoor activities offered along the KZN coastline that help keep you active and young. From sunrise beach walks to mountain biking in the coastal forests, paddling in the ocean or enjoying a round of golf with friends – it’s all possible, while enjoying nature at its best.
Work doesn’t have to be over, just better
Gone are the days when retiring meant you hung up your career and never looked back. The modern retiree can still work from home, while enjoying the freedom of retirement, thanks to the increased digitisation and remote working trend that has developed during the pandemic. Your years of experience and understanding can now be put to use in the role of a remote consultant – or maybe even on starting on a completely new venture.
Find a new purpose
Whether it’s sharing your business expertise, starting a new business or volunteering at a charity close to your heart, your golden years are the time to find your new role, reinvent yourself and make a difference. In fact, a study done by Merrill Lynch found that retirees were three times more likely to find happiness in ‘helping those in need’ rather than spending on themselves.
You haven’t seen everything yet
Now is the time to enroll in some online learning to acquire that skill you have always wanted to master or take up a new hobby by joining a gardening club or go for cooking lessons. Post-pandemic, you will also have the time to embark on spontaneous travel experiences without being restricted to strict work leave rules.
Find your inner social butterfly
Be it joining a cycling or walking group or a hobby club, there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people and find friends as a retiree, especially if you live in a retirement estate where community living is key. Not only will your physical health benefit from the extra activities, but also your mental wellbeing as the Merrill Lynch survey also indicated that 80% of retirees consider socialising to be vital to their happiness.