We were originally labeled the Baby-boomers. Now we’re called Elder-boomers or the Age Wave. Regardless of what we are called, our generation is entering the retirement years with a vision and vitality much different than those generations that have preceded us. We are envisioning these years as an adventurous and exciting time. In fact, many people now optimistically describe this time as the New Retirement, the Third Quarter, or the Third Age. By using Retirement Lifestyle Strategies, you can make the rest of your life the best of your life.
According to a nationally known group for retired people in America, 78 million Baby Boomers–those born between 1946 and 1964–will turn 60 by 2024. While the next generation attends elementary school, middle school, and high school, approximately 10,000 people will turn 50 and 8,000 will turn 60 each day in that time period. This means that a huge segment of our population will be retiring or planning to retire in the near future if they haven’t already. Right now, the average age for retirement is 57.5.
When most people hear the word retirement, they think of financial planning and choosing where they will live. Both of these issues are very important. We must have a sound financial plan in order to face the future with confidence and to know when we will be ready to retire. Some of us may need to postpone this transition due to insufficient funds while others may choose semi-retirement where they can continue to work but at a different pace. Others may be in a place where they are able to opt for early retirement.
The second most common issue associated with retirement is where to live in one’s retirement years. This is often influenced by a number of factors in addition to income. Family responsibilities, friendships, special interests, and medical requirements all play a part in decision-making.
However, other lifestyle choices need to be considered in pre-retirement planning yet many of these are often overlooked. This is why having Retirement Lifestyle Strategies are so important. By taking a more holistic approach, we will be much better prepared as we move toward this very important stage in life. These considerations are all the more significant given that we can often enjoy twenty-five to thirty years of active living after we retire. Individuals and couples who are proactive and carefully address all aspects of retirement beforehand report having a more successful transition experience and a more enjoyable retirement.
Some of the more important areas to consider when strategizing for retirement are:
Career
Retirement as it relates to full-time or part-time work, entrepreneurial pursuits, and volunteer activities.
Family and Friends
The quality and uniqueness of family members and close friends, evaluating how those relationships affect one’s retirement.
Intimate Relationships
The closeness, connection and emotional bond that will support a couple during the transition to retirement.
Personal Development
The meaningful personal growth of an individual’s strengths, direction, life-satisfaction and path/purpose in life.
Leisure Life
Exploring new activities or continuing current activities that create relaxation, pleasure and a healthy attitude toward life. These include social interaction and solitary relaxation.
Retirement Lifestyle
The standard of life created by one’s socioeconomic means that will affect where retirees chose to live, whether or not they will work, and the kind of leisure activities they will pursue.
Money
A retiree’s relationship to money and professional resources for financial planning.
Spirituality
The manner in which we are all connected to each other in different ways: how what we do affects others in our lives; and how our values are reflected in our daily lives.
By examining these areas, discussing them with your partner, and building a solid foundation during your career years, you have Retirement Lifestyle Strategies that will help you make the best of your life for the rest of your life.
