You may well be wondering what the big furore about retirement is these days? After all, aren’t they just a chance to chill out once you have spent our years at the grindstone? Well, not really. In fact, more people here in Oz are hoping to create a life just as meaningful as the one that came before. Of course, the value of this is that it can help to keep you happier, healthier, both mentally and physically, and even more, connected socially as well. With that in mind, check out the advice below on how to create a more meaningful retirement. The Australian way.
Travel
One of the most enjoyed activities during retirement is travel, and this is certainly something that can help you enjoy your life and explore the world around you as well. Of course, the more traditional choices include things such as heading out on a cruise. Something that allows you to see the world, but also experience the comfort of your own private cabin, and food entertainment catered for you during your trip.
That isn’t the only option to consider though. In fact many people are going to locations much more off the beaten track. Something there is plenty of here in Australia.
Of course, they aim to explore and get involved with charity initiatives in these locations. Such programmes often being designed to improve the lives of the residents there.
In fact, to facilitate this, many folks are choosing to live in vans and other mobile homes to be able to do. The reason being that these can easily be moved from one location to another, yet still provide a level of comfortable living.
Accommodation
Talking of accommodation, where we live always has a significant effect on our lives, and this does not change during retirement. Of course, some folks find it more meaningful to stay in the homes and communities in which they have raised their families and created precious memories.
Others, however, choose to downsize and integrate their values concerning the environment and minimalism as they do so. A prime example of this being the Tiny House Movement. Where smaller residences are built customised for the owner. The benefits of this being that it allows residents to consume fewer resources and energy and live in increased harmony with their surrounds. Such homes also help to save a great deal on the cost and effort on the upkeep too. Something that makes them a truly meaningful, and often very sensible choice for those in the retirement stage of life. Particularly, here in Australia where the average house price in cities can be around $1,000,000!
Working
You may also be surprised to hear that for many, retirement doesn’t mean no-longer working. In fact, there is quite a movement towards retraining in another area of expertise during this time. Then working within that field, albeit at a reduced amount if the individual in question so desires.
This being excellent news for folks that don’t want to sit at home watching TV, as well as those that want to try an alternative career.
Additionally, with the benefit of all the life experiences you have once you reach retirement age, there are some jobs in which there will be significant demand. Such as a counsellor, life coach, and consultant, something that makes this option and even more viable one to consider.
Hobbies and Fun
Fun is crucial for any type of retirement. Early or not, and a great way of ensuring there is lots of stuff in your life is to dedicate some serious amounts of time to your hobbies.
In fact, as you can see a marked improvement in performance with most hobbies, the additional time you put in can be very meaningful and worthwhile.
Of course, it will be a lot of fun as well and is sure to connect you with other like-minded individuals, which can have additional benefits.
Health
Health, both mental and physical is vital at any stage of life, and retirement is no exception to this rule. In fact, doing things to preserve and promote health is a meaningful action in and of itself. Not to mention that the longer you can maintain your health, the longer you can keep doing all the other things that feed your soul as well.
Of course, when it comes to some conditions, the at-risk rate rises with age, including things like arthritis, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Although this does not mean they are inevitable by any stretch of the imagination.
In fact, even if you are diagnosed, you can go to an organisation like Alzheimer’s Support that can offer you help in managing your symptoms. They also provide education for families of those suffering from such conditions as well. Something that can make it a lot easier for everyone that is affected to cope.
Community
A significant part of having a meaningful retirement is staying involved in the community. Of course, this won’t look the same for everyone with some people choosing a more low-key approach that consists of getting out of the house and seeing friends regularly.
Others, however, will want to get far more involved with their communities, volunteering for town projects, local government, and raising money for charity. Many people in retirement also find it very rewarding to pick a local cause to get behind and help to raise awareness as well as funds on this.
Spirituality
Finally, for some folks, embracing a more spiritual approach to life during their retirement can work particularly well. In fact, this is a tradition that has far-reaching roots from the holy hermits of India to the seniors in Japan that choose to embrace a life of mediation once their families have grown up.
Of course, as the march of time continues, it is only natural for us to seek out answers to the biggest questions in life. In fact, some folks will do this by looking inward, others by following a particular path. Still, others will choose to outwork the advantages and experience they have benefited from so far as a part of their practice. All of which can be very spiritual and meaningful expenses in Australia or in any location you choose for your retirement.
