If retirement is fast approaching or you’re already there, you need plans. The biggest struggle retirees face is the lack of routine, and that can lead to a decline in physical health, depression, and marital problems. Your job gives you a sense of purpose and without that, many people struggle. So, put plans in plans to ensure you maintain identity and purpose! I have 10 tips to help you make the most of retirement.
1. Create Structure
Just because you don’t have a job to go to, doesn’t mean you don’t need structure in your life. You can still set an alarm to get up at the same time each morning, but what do you do next? Well, you can read a book, drink a cup of coffee, take a wake, or volunteer to take the grandkids to school. If there’s a local community center, you can sign up for a class or join a club and make that part of your structure. Having a schedule and things to look forward to is an important part of maintaining your sanity in retirement.
2. Develop a Growth Mindset
Unfortunately, many people view retirement as the end. The reality is wildly different and if you develop a growth mindset, you’ll be able to see my vision more clearly. Retirement isn’t the end, it’s the beginning of your freedom! You are now free to spend as much time on the golf course as you want, you can garden at any time of day, and spend time with your family and friends. You shouldn’t stop dreaming just because you’re retiring, it’s just that now you can fulfill the dreams you’ve always had to push aside for work.
3. Set Goals
You can still set goals in retirement – own a pet, work with oil paints, learn to draw, build a shed, or raise goats! This is your chance to set personal goals and develop yourself the way you’ve always wanted.
4. Reconnect
Since retirement can contribute to marital problems, you can use yours to reconnect with your spouse. Whether your spouse is already retired or not, defining your boundaries post-retirement is a good idea. Think about how much time you would like to spend together, what you plan to do, and how much time apart you need. You might have different expectations around retirement, but as long as you keep communicating you can strike a balance between your desires.
5. Plan Your Finances
Your finances can be a sore point and stressful, too. It’s smart to have a financial plan and you may want to work with a financial advisor to ensure you’ve thought of everything. The last thing you want is to outlive your assets and struggle. A plan will help you obtain the freedom you want and avoid the stress of interest rates and stock market shifts.
6. Stay Engaged
It’s important to maintain a solid social network, so be sure to participate in activities you enjoy and bring you into social situations. If you want to expand your social circle, sign up for a class or try a new activity. You never know who you might run into while playing pétanque. It’s good for your sense of self, too.
7. Keep Learning
Learning is key to maintaining purpose and identity in retirement, and now you have time to learn as much as you want about as many topics as you please! Whether you’re desperate to learn everything about the failed New Harmony community in Indiana or you want to perfect your French language skills and accent.
8. Share Your Learning
You’ve lived a long and fruitful life, and over the years you’ve picked up plenty of skills, and lots of knowledge, and you’re probably fairly talented. Now that you’re retired, you don’t have to let go of all that learning! No! You can become a mentor, teach a class at your community center, or even write a book! There are plenty of volunteer programs that pair retirees with young people looking to develop. You can leave your mark.
9. Build Your Health
Healthy habits are a must – you’ve gone to the trouble of creating a solid routine and part of that routine should include regular exercise and a healthy diet. You don’t need to walk 500 miles, but you can take a walk around the block and play a bit of pickleball with your friends.
10. Hustle
If you are one of those people who can’t stop moving, won’t stop moving, and thinks of retirement as a punishment… you could pick up a side hustle. Whether it’s working as a consultant in your field of knowledge or checking the American Association of Retired Persons database for jobs, just be sure to check with a financial advisor that it won’t impact your social security payments.
Final Thoughts
Retirement isn’t about stepping back—it’s about stepping into a life that’s more aligned with who you truly are. By maintaining your identity and nurturing a sense of purpose, you can turn your golden years into a season of discovery, creativity, and deep fulfillment. Whether you’re exploring new passions or embracing old ones, remember: retirement is your time to thrive—not just exist.
