Get your finances in order
Organise your money so you can work out what you’ll have to live on. Gradually reducing your spending in the lead up to retirement will make it easier to adjust. Track down any old pensions, claim your state pension and check what other benefits you can claim.
Take up a new project
Finally, you have time to get stuck into all those things you’ve been meaning to do but never got round to. Mapping your family tree, building a shed, planting a veg patch… the list goes on, but now you can actually do what you’ve always wanted to.
Travel more
Always wanted to go on an around-the-world cruise, a wine-tasting trip through Italy, hiring a campervan for a trip around Scotland, or a simple camping expedition in the Welsh valleys? Now you can finally make those long-held plans a reality, depending on your health and budget limitations.
Keep physically active
We should all aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, so the build-up to this if you haven’t made exercise a normal part of your life previously. Why not sign up for a charity event to give you a goal to work towards?
Wind down gently
Ensure a smoother transition by retiring in stages. By easing off your workload over several years, you’ll be able to get used to the idea of not working and fill your time in other ways. Ask your employer if you can cut back your working hours.
Develop a routine
You may find it feels more normal to continue getting up, eating and going to bed at roughly the same time every day. Plan regular activities such as voluntary work, exercise and hobbies. This will keep things interesting and give you a purpose.
Exercise your mind
Government studies have shown that learning in later years can help people stay independent, so use your free time to continue to challenge yourself mentally, whether it’s learning an instrument or a language or getting a qualification.
Keep in touch with your friends from work
Just because you are retiring doesn’t mean you have to lose touch with the group of friends you made in your workplace. Why not make arrangements for regular catch-ups? Or, you might want to use some of your new leisure time to catch up with old friends that you haven’t seen for a while.
Find an excuse to get everyone together and arrange the perfect dinner party, anniversary celebration or other special occasions. You could even raise funds for our life-saving work at the same time through our “Give in Celebration” funds.
Give back to the community
Ever thought of volunteering? Perhaps you’d enjoy getting involved with an animal rescue centre, environmental organisation or elderly support group.
There are plenty of charities that would welcome a helping hand, not least the BHF, of course! We offer the opportunity to help out in our shops, in furniture or electrical store, with fundraising and at lots of different types of events.
