A happy retirement is easier than you may have thought….

I’ve found a lot of happiness in my retirement. Don’t get me wrong: there are still day-to-day struggles that are very real and daunting, but overall, I’m feeling quite content.

It’s good to know that a recent UK survey showed a trend in happy retirees – they live comfortably and have struck a balance. The research found it’s not about how much you spend, but how you spend it – I know a cup of coffee at my favourite café or even a ticket to the theatre means more to me than material things.

There are some things that have transitioned me into a happy retirement that I wish to share with you today: yes, I know retirement can be tough but it doesn’t have to be if you can help it.

Staying healthy has helped me to be happy, naturally, as it takes away one thing to worry about. I still need my check-ups but doing what I can to improve my health is also very important too. I go for a walk every day with my dog Pip, and I have cut down on processed sugar and rubbish foods that I indulged in a lot more (when I had a job and a weekly income!). Retirees in poor health are half as likely to be happy than those who aren’t.

My husband keeps me happy, but so do my friends. Keeping a social life and interaction with others is imperative to being happy. You can’t expect to wake up smiling if you lock yourself away! Some of us I know have lost a partner and our friends, but there are plenty of community activities that can build those friendships and connections, in turn making you happy and fulfilled. A report from the University of Greenwich says couples in retirement together, plus those with a friend network are 30 per cent happier than those without.

I have always loved flexing my brain muscle and it’s good to know that according to the book Retire Happy: What You Can Do Now to Guarantee a Great Retirement, adults over 70 who stimulate their brain are 2.5 times less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s. If that’s the reality, then you’d be silly not to try to beat the odds. I play Sudoku and go to bingo every Tuesday, though I feel reading is the easiest way to enjoy my retirement and learn at the same time. I certainly didn’t have the time when I was working, so I cherish the hours I can spend reading.

It’s obvious but feeling financially secure is truly important to our happiness in our retirement. Like many others, money has always been at the back of my mind: do I have enough, will I be okay, what happens if…? After 10 years of retirement I have realised that as long as I can support my lifestyle, that’s all I need. I don’t need the fancy holidays – I’m counting on the lotto for that! Some of my friends have gone back to work casually or part time and they really love it, besides the income part! They love having a purpose but don’t feel the stress they used to and are happier all round. Retirement’s about that balance between keeping yourself happy and busy, but also relaxing and taking care of yourself.

Photo via webmd

How do you stay happy in retirement? What have you done to make sure you are content and fulfilled? Tell us below!