Keep purpose in our life
Professor Andrew Steptoe, of research into aging and well-being fame, considers the first three essential facts to keep in mind on retirement:
- Ensure you have a purpose in your life
- Keep active to keep both physically and mentally alert
- Keep your friends and relations around you
When implemented, all of the above points are shown to aid a long, healthy, and happy retirement.
Touching on finance
- "Un-Retirement" Trends mean that economic activity among individuals over 50, 60 and even 70 and above, is increasing, with older workers choosing to re-enter the workforce, a phenomenon known as "un-retirement."
- Age UK's Observation reveals a stark reality: Rising living costs significantly contribute to the 'great un-retirement.' It's a time when people are compelled to resume working, not just for the love of it but due to financial constraints. However, it's important to note that 'un-retirement' doesn't necessarily mean returning to a full-time job. It could involve starting a small business, freelancing, or even volunteering, all of which can provide a source of income in retirement.
- Challenges of Retirement, such as insufficient pension funds, lack of purpose, and feelings of isolation, are prompting individuals to reconsider retirement plans and return to work.
For those without financial qualms, I realize concerns are often about mental and physical alertness. But for everyone, even if your retirement outlook is not affected by depleted retirement funds, why not seize the opportunity to create a business you love with hard work and exciting stimulation over the first year or so early in retirement while you are still relatively young and fit? This way, you can relish the process, the thrill of learning, the joy of creating something new, and the satisfaction of being with like-minded people. Then, in your later retirement, reap the rewards of all aspects your newfound passion brings: purpose, social contacts, mental alertness, and the possibility of a passive income generated by your hard work. Whatever your retirement situation, this route will present excellent opportunities to tick all Professor Steptoe's points: Purpose, physical and mental well-being, connectivity with friends and relations, and, of course, the additional one, depending on the effort you make now, a possible income. It's a journey of personal growth and fulfillment that can inspire and motivate you.
Let me take you on a personal journey. This is where the true value of 'un-retirement' shines through, and my phrase, Retire to Riches, takes on a deeper meaning. My concept of riches in retirement isn't just monetary. It's not about the financial gains but about the necessity of haaving a purpose, eeping busy and learning. For me, it was about the awful realization that without the buzz of running businesses, I had become depressed and was wasting my precious time, and that just wasn't me. 'Un-retirement' gave me a new lease on life, and it can do the same for you. It's not just about the work, but also about finding purpose and fulfillment in continued learning and personal growth. I started an online business, that i built from scratch, wrote a few books, picked up the guitar again after 40 years, and even took up bird watching. These activities not only kept me busy but also brought me immense joy and fulfillment.
Now that you've learned about the concept of 'un-retirement' and its potential benefits, consider this a viable option for your retirement plans. Whether starting a business, walking your neighbor's dogs, pursuing a passion, or continuing to learn, 'un-retirement' can open up a world of possibilities an provide all the purpose and goals you will ever need, to enjoy this amazing stage in life.
However, it's important to note that 'un-retirement' also comes with its own set of challenges. It may require a significant investment of time and effort, and there's always a risk of failure. Remeber, you dodn't learn much from usccess, but you sure do from failure! And the rewards can be equally significant, from the sense of purpose and fulfillment to the possibility of generating a passive income, and I acknowledge that for many, this is important . I was inspired to write a book; download your free copy by clicking the link below. I also discovered a first-class provider of educational programs at Launch You and learned all I know about the online world. They not only helped me build two websites, this one and the second at Unretire Now but also instilled a sense of confidence and optimism for the future.
To visit my website, Unretire Now, click the button below:
HOW TO BE HAPPY IN RETIREMENT
I suddenly realized I wasn't happy
I frittered away a few years until I suddenly realized that wasn’t the thing to be doing when time might prove limited. I’d always been pretty competent in my working life. It was, I dare say from this perspective, a post-illness reaction. Still, having never retired before, I didn’t know what I was doing, except I did realize the transition from working to retirement was something I was finding very tricky. I missed the hustle and bustle of work, and I believe I became depressed. After what seemed like being struck by a bolt of lightning, I suddenly realized that I needed to be active and started doing things. The realization dawned on me – get a plan. Find that purpose!
THE PLAN
Well, at one time or another, we’ve all discovered that making a plan is relatively easy. What counts is implementation, but let’s start with the easy bit: the plan.
No one waved a magic wand to make it all better. I sat down and fathomed out what I wanted. It kept my mind active, so I set about doing just that. I decided to start a new business! Yes, really. And that’s not as dumb as you might think. I learned that many retirees have another ten, twenty, or thirty or more years to go, plenty of time to build a business - but how? I decided that once I knew how I would be able to get a successful business up and running in a couple of years and keep it going with minimal input. After that, I would be ready to settle down to a genuinely enjoyable retirement. In addition, I could eventually earn a (virtually) passive income to help counteract the shrinkage caused by inflation on my retirement pot. I knew that the initial push would require hard work, time, focus, and belief in myself, all things that I had.
I’m not as physically fit as I once was, but my mind still works, and all this colored my decision. Considering everything, my new business wouldn’t be bricks and mortar but online. This area didn’t even exist in my younger years. It was something completely new, and I found that prospect very exciting.
And so, to the plan.
I’d been associated with education all my life, and I knew that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing well. I was prepared to invest in myself and my education as I always believed you were your best asset. I was looking for a solid and competent education in creating an online business, and that’s what I set about trying to discover. It took a while; I had a few false starts, lost a little money, but that must be accepted as part of the learning curve; you learn from your mistakes, especially when you pay for them!
I eventually came across, researched, and then joined an exceptionally thorough online education provider that would teach me everything I needed to create an online business, not just in marketing and merchandising, etc., but in mindset, online advertising, and essential preparation, things I previously knew little about. And the new company? That was down to me, but I could build something as modest or ambitious as I wanted.
I dreamed big! But my dreams are mine. I’m sure you have yours.
The implementation
From the start, I knew and acknowledged that I needed to work hard to achieve my results, but I was thrilled to do that and started the learning modules. My mind, which had atrophied since leaving work, gradually woke up and buzzed. This was precisely what I needed. Exciting though it might be, it was a lot of hard work!
First, I floundered. There was so much to learn, and then there was the vocabulary. It was like learning another language, but did you know? Learning a new language is the best thing you can do to keep your mind active in retirement. Brownie points for me. At least my new language relating to online marketing held the possibility of eventually topping up my retirement pot. My first tentative foray into the online world was to become an affiliate marketer for the company, which had taught me all I know about online businesses.
And how do I end this post? Well, it might be ‘The rest is history, ' which always seems quite popular. But I’ve also been able to join a community of like-minded people, build a business that I love, and, above all, keep my mind active by discovering a love of writing—all while adding to my bank balance!
For me, that's a big tick against number 1 on Professor Steptoe's list of musts for a happy retirement. Purpose.
Let's move on to Professor Steptoe's second point, keeping fit in mind and body. I'll keep you posted about the rest. Meanwhile, for further information about a sound educational provider implementing first-class courses, visit my website, Unretire Now.
