When you retire, you’re sure to know by then the true value of love, family and friendship. However, some of us can occasionally overlook the significance of maintaining these relationships.

Planning retirement is not just about identifying an appropriate set of funds to live on, but also how you are going to live your life once retirement commences – so it’s important to make sure you don’t lose contact with your loved ones.

stay social and active

Reaching retirement age means that some of your long time friends are on the same level as you and are retiring at the same time. For some of us that retire early before other loved ones, it’s beneficial to put yourself out there and maintain an active social life.

This is extremely important in your later years, as keeping active physically and emotionally will not only help you to enjoy the time that you have but make it last longer too.

Join a physically active club, such as a regular fitness class or walking group. Even better, you could start your own club and plan out easy treks to walk every week.

make new friends

Retirement means that you can finally sit back and enjoy life for many years to come. Join a club – or three- and learn new activities and hobbies.

Many local councils offer great community programs for residents, such as bridge clubs, and gardening circles. These provide good opportunities for you to branch out and create a network of friends who may also be retired.

If you are planning on participating in part time or volunteer work then you may also be able to build up a network of acquaintances through this.

family ties

Keep in close contact with your family, whether they live across town, on the other side of the country or even next door, it’s important to maintain a healthy relationship with them incase something happens to either of you.

Should you or your partner require somebody to take full-time care of one of you, it’s a good idea to discuss this with family members, and also the option of residential aged care.

You may also wish to discuss the option of moving closer to or moving in with family members so that you can maintain a close relationship and see them regularly.

we can help

If you are thinking about retirement planning, we can help. Why not get in touch by calling 1800 626 881 or by using the ‘contact us’ tool on our website.