7 Secrets to a Happy Retirement

Some people move effortlessly into a happy retirement and get right to the business of enjoying their new lives. But, other folks have a much tougher time entering the retirement years. Some of these people may think to themselves, “Am I really cut out for retirement at all?” Well, here are seven traits all happy retirees have…

> Good Health <

Having good health is probably the most important thing that impacts retirement happiness. According to a study, retirees in poor health are nearly 50% less likely to report being happy.

> A Significant Other <

Married or retirees who have a significant other are more likely than singles to be extremely happy in retirement. And it gets even better when your partner is retired with you, because you get to enjoy retirement together.

> A Social Network <

Having friends is far more important to retirement bliss than having kids. Those who have a strong social network are found to be 30% happier with their lives.

> They are not Addicted to TV <

After you retire you are going to have lots of free time to fill. If you want to be happy in retirement, don’t fill all that time with endless hours of television. A direct negative correlation was found between the amount of TV watching and happiness levels: unhappy people watched more and happy people watched less.

> Intellectual Curiosity <

People in retirement who are over the age of 70 and who choose brain-stimulating hobbies instead of watching TV are less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Not only will shunning TV make you a whole lot happier, but it will make you healthier too.

> They aren't Addicted to Achievement <

The more you are defined by your job, the harder it will be to adjust to life without it. People who are achievement addicts have the most difficulty transitioning to retirement.

 > Enough Money <

Of course you’ll need enough money to support your chosen lifestyle in retirement. But beyond that, more money will never make you happier. If you have just enough money to continue your pre-retirement lifestyle, then you have enough!

If you don’t have all the traits necessary for a happy retirement, don’t worry, there’s good news for you! All you have to do is put a little work into it. At Pinelands Grove Retirement Village, we can help you on your journey to a happy, healthy retirement.