According to a study published in Psychosomatic Medicine, having a greater purpose in life is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality among seniors. Finding purpose in retirement can boost your outlook on life, happiness, satisfaction, and self-esteem.
Without purpose, you may experience symptoms of depression and isolate yourself. Before that happens, use these retirement life planning tips to plot a course for a more meaningful retirement. Discover new passions, meaning, and joy in life today!
Set Post-Retirement Goals
Retiring gives you the chance to hit “restart” on your life. You can find a new purpose or passion, which can contribute to your overall happiness and vitality.
Grab a notebook and write down:
- What you want more or less of in life
- How you’d spend the perfect day
- Past experiences you found satisfying
- New hobbies you want to explore
- What makes you angry or sad
- How you can spend your free time to give back
For example, you can give back and do good by volunteering more often. Volunteering gives you the chance to connect with like-minded people. It also allows you to contribute in ways that align with your values.
As you search for your new purpose in life or retirement activities, consider drafting a bucket list. New experiences can help you redefine your purpose and give life a sense of adventure.
SMART Goals
Establishing post-retirement goals will give you a sense of direction and accomplishment. Make a list of short- and long-term goals that align with your passions. Write them out as SMART goals, which are:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Relevant
- Timely
For example, perhaps you want to learn a new language by the end of the year. Break this larger goal up by setting smaller deadlines. As part of your SMART goal, consider how you plan to attain it.
Your SMART goal may sound like this: Learn Spanish by the end of 2025 by completing courses in Duolingo every week. Perhaps you want to run a marathon by June and plan to increase your stamina over time by jogging daily.
Writing down your SMART goals will help you track your progress over time. If you’re not making progress, reevaluate your plan.
As you achieve your goals, you’ll experience a sense of satisfaction. Your confidence will grow, allowing you to set larger goals over time.
You may need to set more realistic and achievable goals. If you’re still struggling, talk to other seniors in your community. They may provide you with tips by referencing their own experiences working toward the same goals.
Establish a Routine
According to the Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business, only 9% of Americans who make New Year’s resolutions complete them. About 23% quit resolutions by the end of the week, while 43% quit by the end of January. Once you establish your post-retirement goals, make a plan to keep them.
There are four reasons people often fail at keeping their resolutions:
- Lack of motivation
- Too many obstacles
- Failing to track progress
- No accountability
To accomplish your goals for a purposeful retirement, restructure your day-to-day life. Develop a new routine that incorporates your new goals and retirement activities.
Creating a daily schedule will give your life structure. It can help keep you productive while improving mental fitness.
Without a routine, you may feel aimless. You may isolate yourself, leading to symptoms of depression.
Start by making small changes to your life first. Otherwise, you may feel overwhelmed by too many major changes at once. You can work with professionals at your senior living facility to develop your new routine.
Build a Community
Finding purpose in retirement doesn’t have to feel lonely. According to a new American Psychiatric Association poll, one in three Americans feels lonely every week. About 10% say they feel lonely every day.
When Americans feel lonely, they report easing those feelings by:
- Finding a distraction (50%)
- Going for a walk (41%)
- Reaching out to friends or family (38%)
- Connecting with a pet (31%)
- Exercising (31%)
- Connecting with a therapist (9%)
- Volunteering (6%)
You can enjoy many of these activities with other people to ward off feelings of loneliness. Cultivating strong friendships can give your life a new meaning.
You can make friends by:
- Exploring new retirement activities
- Signing up for classes
- Asking friends to introduce you to others
- Working or volunteering part-time
- Joining a senior living community
Nurturing friendships can boost your mood and well-being. You can work alongside friends to accomplish your post-retirement goals.
Discover Fun Retirement Activities
Learn new skills to keep your mind sharp. Challenge yourself by exploring new activities.
Explore our Celebrations Activities & Events program for fun retirement activities like:
- Gardening
- Learning a new language
- Painting or drawing
- Writing or journaling
- Group exercise classes (yoga, tai chi, etc.)
- Hiking or walking clubs
- Book clubs
- Continuing education classes
Remember, you don’t have to explore these activities alone. Consider asking friends to join you.
Participating with friends can increase your enjoyment of these activities. Friends can also hold you accountable to participate, reducing the risk of social isolation.
Exercise and Eat Right
Keep your body in good shape by adding more exercise to your retirement routine. Physical exercise can help you manage chronic conditions like:
- Obesity
- Cancer
- Osteoarthritis
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
Consider exercise classes like water aerobics, pickleball, or walking groups. You can explore our Dimensions Health & Wellness program for more options.
Stay Mentally Active
Our brains change as we get older, leading to:
- Slower learning
- Reduced cognitive performance
- Fewer neurons firing
- Our brains shrinking
- Inflammation
Practicing healthy daily habits can help you remain mentally fit. Improving your mental fitness can boost your well-being and quality of life.
Explore creative hobbies like writing, playing an instrument, or learning a language. You can also attend lectures, solve puzzles, or learn about new topics to keep your mind active.
Start Finding Purpose in Retirement
Finding purpose in retirement shouldn’t feel complicated. Instead, establish post-retirement goals and apply these retirement life planning tips. With this advice, you can give your life new meaning and feel excited about each day ahead!
Joining a senior living community in Reading, PA, can give you access to fun retirement activities and a higher standard of care. Our team at Rittenhouse Village at Muhlenberg can design a lifestyle that meets your needs.
Discover our activities and events program! Contact us now to schedule a tour.