5 Secrets for Leading a Happy Retirement Lifestyle

Preparing for retirement is something you have likely been doing for most, if not all, of your adult life. When you were younger, it seemed like a distant goal you didn’t consider much, but now it’s here.

You have successfully planned and worked to set yourself up for retirement, but you may be wondering what to do next and what the secret is to leading a happy retirement lifestyle. Well, our team at Rivertown Ridge may have the answers!

As an active senior living community in Wyoming, Michigan, we strive to help individuals create their ideal retirement lifestyle. Our team is sharing some secrets to leading a happy retirement so you can live more purposefully and joyfully.

1. Rediscover Your Identity

We have many roles in our lives: daughter or son, mother or father, sister or brother, friend, spouse, etc. Many of us even associate who we are with our careers or what we do for work. However, not one of these titles or labels defines us or encompasses us by itself.

One of the secrets of a happy retirement is to do some self-discovery and find a new identity or purpose for yourself that focuses solely on you. Yes, you will always be a parent or sibling, but maybe you want to add volunteer, artist, musician or mentor to your identity.

2. Explore New Hobbies & Interests

It may be tempting to spend your newly found free time sitting on the couch catching up on your favorite movies and television shows, but this will get old very quickly. Not to mention, this is not part of an active senior living lifestyle!

Instead, take advantage of the extra time you now have to explore new interests. Try new things and figure out what hobbies excite or interest you. Having a variety of activities you enjoy participating in can help keep your days fresh and exciting.

3. Create a Routine

Humans are creatures of habit; we like to have and benefit from a routine. After retiring from the workforce, it may be nice to step away from a rigid schedule for a while. However, you may find that you crave some sort of structure and find satisfaction in it.

Establishing a routine in retirement does not have to be as busy or as strict as what you followed in your career, but creating an everyday routine can help you find a sense of purpose and may lead to a happier retirement lifestyle.

4. Stay Socially Active

Socialization is important for all of us, but for retirees, these opportunities may not happen as naturally as they did when we were working. Once you enter retirement, you may not see people as often as you once did, making it even more important to make an effort to connect with your friends and family.

Spending quality time with your family members is a good start, but forming new connections and relationships with individuals who share the same interests as you can lead to several health benefits, including:

• Delaying cognitive decline
• Boosting self-esteem
• Creating a sense of purpose
• Increasing physical activity
• Improving longevity

5. Take Your Health Seriously

When we feel healthy, we feel happy. In order for you to lead a happy, fulfilling retirement lifestyle, you have to take care of yourself.

It is common for our minds and bodies to go through changes as we grow older, but by paying attention to these changes, visiting the doctor regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting plenty of exercise, the possibilities of a happy retirement lifestyle are endless.

Being happy in retirement is all about finding what works for you. Creating a lifestyle that makes you happy and gives you purpose may take time and some trial and error, which is okay. Be patient and try new things until you find the right rhythm for you.

We think our active senior living community in Wyoming, Michigan, can help! Rivertown Ridge offers vibrant senior living options that help residents get the most out of each and every day. Contact a member of our team or visit our website to learn more.