USA Today lists four "musts" for being happy after you retire:
https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/on-retirement/articles/2017-07-27/4-necessities-of-a-happy-retirement
Does this concern you? Especially for those who are already retired. Even more, besides what you do today... travel, time with family, hobbies and interests...
What do you see in the more distant future? So many potential changes. Much to think about, like the "What Ifs".
If:
You or the kids move far away.
Social groups... Clubs, Neighborhoods, Best friends... Change.. Get younger etc.
Travel is no longer on the agenda.
Health problems, which limit movement or things you used to do together.
Lose a partner or spouse.
A little bit more...
Are you outgoing and social enough to make friends and join in activities by yourself? Your spouse?
This hits home a little bit, because for the first 25 years of our retirement, we lived in very social situations... friendships and activities were almost automatic. Retirement communities are perfect for this. Now, many of the activities are more than we want to handle. Moving to a CCRC has filled in the gap to a great extent, but I fear that if we had remained in our pre-retirement house, we would be the "old couple"...
In any case, what do you see as your social network, in your "later" retirement years? Do you envision any changes from your current situation.?
No "rights" or "wrongs", because everyone is different, but based on who you are, have you considered the social environment for your retirement?
https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/on-retirement/articles/2017-07-27/4-necessities-of-a-happy-retirement
A social network. Next to being bored, another great retirement risk is loneliness. Part of having a successful retirement is to make sure you have people to share it with. Your working years created a social network for you. When you retire, you have to create your own social network.
Before you retire, start to think about who you might spend your time with. Perhaps you will live close to your family and spend more time with your kids or grandchildren. You could also move to a community of seniors or other retirees with similar interests. Maybe you plan to travel or maintain a second home in a vacation destination. Where you live and spend time can have a significant impact on your social network.
Does this concern you? Especially for those who are already retired. Even more, besides what you do today... travel, time with family, hobbies and interests...
What do you see in the more distant future? So many potential changes. Much to think about, like the "What Ifs".
If:
You or the kids move far away.
Social groups... Clubs, Neighborhoods, Best friends... Change.. Get younger etc.
Travel is no longer on the agenda.
Health problems, which limit movement or things you used to do together.
Lose a partner or spouse.
A little bit more...
Are you outgoing and social enough to make friends and join in activities by yourself? Your spouse?
This hits home a little bit, because for the first 25 years of our retirement, we lived in very social situations... friendships and activities were almost automatic. Retirement communities are perfect for this. Now, many of the activities are more than we want to handle. Moving to a CCRC has filled in the gap to a great extent, but I fear that if we had remained in our pre-retirement house, we would be the "old couple"...
In any case, what do you see as your social network, in your "later" retirement years? Do you envision any changes from your current situation.?
No "rights" or "wrongs", because everyone is different, but based on who you are, have you considered the social environment for your retirement?