There’s more to retirement than money says Selena Maranjian, contributor for The Motley Fool. And to help you “get those other ducks in a row,” she created a Happy Retirement Checklist:
- Money: Without adequate funds, you’ll have a hard time making ends meet, which is hardly a recipe for a happy retirement. So, you must take the time to plan for your retirement making sure that you are saving and investing effectively.
- Good health: One of the most important ingredients of a happy life, not just of a happy retirement, is your good health. Of course, many aspects of your health are beyond your control, but there are certain things you can do to increase your chances of living longer and healthier. For example, try to lose weight if you have extra pounds, quit smoking if you smoke, start eating healthier, and exercise regularly. Also have routine preventative screenings for various diseases and conditions with your doctor.
- Activity: You should try to fill your retirement with activities and hobbies you enjoy. “Staying active,” says Maranjian, “will give you more to experience, to think about, to talk about, to wonder about, and so on, keeping you engaged in life.”
- Socializing: Studies show that socializing is another important aspect of a happy retirement. Engage in activities that can help you socialize more and find new friends.
- Learning: Keeping your mind active will help you maintain your psychological and cognitive well-being. Consider learning some things you always wanted to do but didn’t have time like playing an instrument or speaking a foreign language.
- Volunteering: “Studies suggest that it can boost your spirits and can even have physical health effects such as lowering blood pressure and lengthening life,” says Maranjian. It’s because helping others makes us happy, but don’t force yourself to do things you don’t like.
For more info, please go to the original article at The Motley Fool here.
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Tags: financially successful retirement, happy retirement, healthy longevity, retirement, retirement savings
