People Who Truly Thrive In Retirement Usually Prioritize 6 Things Most People Overlook

Having a long, happy retirement is essential: People who thrive in retirement can experience better physical health, stronger social connections, increased life satisfaction, and a greater sense of purpose — a good retirement can even impact how long you’ll live. 

Factors that most people overlook, like maintaining social engagement, pursuing hobbies, and having adequate financial security, contribute significantly to retirement happiness, so it’s critical to make sure you’re prioritizing the right things when it’s finally time to live out your golden years.

People who truly thrive in retirement usually prioritize these things most people overlook:

1. They create and sustain quality relationships

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The most important thing you can do in retirement is to sustain and create quality relationships. Loneliness is the strongest predictor of early death. Maintaining close relationships can prevent this. Research shows that married couples tend to live longer than unmarried ones. 

Even without marriage, connection with others in intimate ways can prolong life and happiness as well. Of course, other things help as well, such as daily exercise, good nutrition, adequate sleep, and meditation. An attitude of positivity and letting go of negativity is also critical. Life is too short.

— Phyllis Koch-Sheras, Clinical Psychologist and Co-founder of Couples Coaching Couples

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2. People who thrive in retirement find ways to be useful

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Thriving in retirement often hinges on a simple principle: Be useful. This means finding ways to contribute to the world around you, whether through acts of kindness, sharing your talents, or lending a helping hand.  Be useful to people you care about in your life or your community. 

Consider caring for your grandchildren, volunteering for your condo board, or planting a garden at a local seniors’ residence. By doing things to create satisfaction and meaning or supporting the needs of those you care about, you’ll ensure a greater sense of fulfillment in your post-employment years.

— Lisa Petsinis, Career & Life Coach

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3. They find fulfillment

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Our life is meant to feel happy and fulfilled now until our last dying breath. I don’t believe in a retirement where you plan for someday in the future when you have time and space to do what you finally enjoy, which feels fulfilling. 

Follow what brings you joy and fulfillment now, in the present, and let go of what does not in your career, relationships, and health, so that when your retirement arrives, you already know how to continue to be. If you can’t find this now, you won’t find it in retirement.

— Carolyn Hidalgo, Executive Soul Coach

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4. They make plans for the future

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As a therapist, I’ve observed that people who don’t make a few concrete plans for how to live after retiring tend to get depressed. They miss their jobs, and work friends, and even get nostalgic about the parts they didn’t like at the time. 

Having some plans, whether to finally get around to what you never had time for or visit that place on your bucket list, start planning activities, hobbies, or adventures to keep busy with life.  Stay as active as possible as long as you’re alive. Not only will it ward off depression, but it will also keep you healthier in body and mind.

— Dr. Gloria Brame, Therapist and Author

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5. People who thrive in retirement manage their money

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Our retirement income sources include Social Security, savings, IRAs, pensions, and hobbies. For the most part, that’s all you’re going to get. You could go back to work, but getting a decent job is hard when you’ve aged out of your profession. And who wants to work in retirement anyway?

Some experts say you’ll spend 10% to 30% less in retirement. Others say you’ll pay more in your early years and less as you age. I say, “You’ll spend what you can to live comfortably and enjoy yourself.” For some, that’s a lot. Others, not so much.

—Brian Feutz, Author

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6. They prioritize their health

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The aches and pains of aging can make it hard to move the way you used to, so be gentle with yourself, both literally and emotionally. Take meandering walks with friends. Try a new low-impact activity, like water aerobics or tai chi. Stretch. Tending to what your body needs is a key part of practicing true self-care.

The ultimate goal of self-care is to enable us to live the healthiest and happiest life possible. It’s about fostering a harmonious relationship with ourselves, both physically and mentally, so that we can navigate life’s challenges with resilience, embrace joy, and savor the richness of our experiences.

— Clare Waisman, Certified Counselor

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Will Curtis is YourTango’s expert editor. Will has over 14 years of experience as an editor covering relationships, spirituality, and human interest topics.