Retirement can be a daunting prospect for many of us. It can be difficult to adjust from the routine of going to work five or more days a week to a life far less structured and one of comparative leisure. Our concerns might include one or more of the following:
- Will I miss the buzz of work or the companionship of my colleagues?
- Will my income be sufficient to maintain a satisfactory standard of living?
- Will I be able to put up with my other half for most of the day every day and will my other half be able to put up with me?
- What will I do to occupy my time?
- How will I keep fit as I get older?
We are, on average, living longer than our parents’ generation. Our retirement could easily last for 25 years or more and should, therefore, be the subject of much thought and careful planning.
It is important to have a positive attitude. For our parents’ generation, retirement meant a rather sedate existence. It need not be like that for us. We are more active than they were at the same age. Indeed, it has been said that 60 is now regarded as the new 40. We also tend to be younger in our outlook, although our children will probably hold a similar view about us when they are our age.
Ideally, retirement should be regarded as the best and longest holiday of our life. It is a time to pursue our favourite activities, to acquire new interests and skills and to enjoy more time with family and friends.
Article last revised: November 2008
Leave a Reply