If you find yourself adrift during retirement, a little course correction can make a world of difference.
Recently, Age Wave and Edward Jones surveyed thousands of retirees and asked them which course corrections they had taken to boost the quality of their post-work years.
Edward Jones defines a course correction as follows:
“Course corrections are actions retirees and pre-retirees can take to improve their quality of life, sense of well-being, or financial security. In other words, to better thrive in retirement.”
More than 50% of the retirees who made the following course corrections reported significant improvement in their lives.
Spend more quality time with friends
Retirees who have made this course correction and reported significant improvement: 52%
Many of us are too busy during our working years to see friends as often as we like. Retirement is the time to enjoy the company of those we care about the most.
Move closer to family
Retirees who have made this course correction and reported significant improvement: 54%
Traditionally, pre-retirees have dreamed of retiring to a tropical beach somewhere. But many retirees find that living close to family is the true definition of retiring in paradise.
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Begin or maintain a meditation practice
Retirees who have made this course correction and reported significant improvement: 55%
Retirement is time to drop out of the rat race and slow down. Practicing meditation can take this newfound sense of calm and relaxation to the next level.
Meaningfully reduce stress levels
Retirees who have made this course correction and reported significant improvement: 56%
From the time we are teens through our college, working and family years, life is pretty hectic. Retirement is the time to lower our stress levels and relax into the wonder of it all.
Become more physically active
Retirees who have made this course correction and reported significant improvement: 57%
It is all too tempting to kick up our feet and watch TV day after day during retirement. But staying physically active is better for our bodies and our minds.
Help take care of grandchildren
Retirees who have made this course correction and reported significant improvement: 58%
Taking care of grandchildren sounds like about the best type of work anyone could imagine. Retirees sure seem to think so.
Spend more quality time with family
Retirees who have made this course correction and reported significant improvement: 59%
Nothing beats spending time with family, whether they live across town or are an airplane flight away.
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Reduce time spent around toxic people
Retirees who have made this course correction and reported significant improvement: 59%
During our working lives, we often have to spend time around folks we don’t really like. During retirement, we can fill up our social calendar with those who make life better, not worse.
Pursue new experiences through travel
Retirees who have made this course correction and reported significant improvement: 60%
Once you put drop your work-related responsibilities, it is time to pick up your bucket list and start traveling to the places you long have dreamed of visiting.
Reduce or eliminate debt
Retirees who have made this course correction and reported significant improvement: 60%
Debt can quickly tarnish your golden years. If you haven’t gotten rid of debt before leaving your job, do it as soon as you can during retirement.
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Engage more in faith/spiritual practice
Retirees who have made this course correction and reported significant improvement: 67%
In the final stage of life, it’s only natural to want to feel closer to something bigger than yourself. Millions of people find that connecting more deeply with their faith is among the best parts of retirement.
Adopt a pet
Retirees who have made this course correction and reported significant improvement: 71%
Chances are good that nobody is happier about your retirement than your pet. Fido and Fifi probably want nothing more than to spend the entire day with you. And isn’t that a great way to spend your post-work years?
