Planning for your retirement

On average, people are spending around 20 years at school, technical colleges or other education institutions; 35 years working; and 20 years in retirement. There is a real need to plan for your years in retirement, so you can make the most of this time. You have been looking forward to this for so long, you deserve the best!

Evidence shows that if you come into retirement as healthy as possible, you are more likely to stay that way. Evidence also shows that if you plan for major events, such as retiring, they are more likely to happen and work out well. You should start to plan for retirement at around 35 years, if not earlier. But if this is not quite your age, it really is never too late to start.

In putting your plan together you first need to think about the bigger picture on retirement - below are some links to further information. Be aware that you should think of planning for retirement as being more than money and superannuation. Though these do help there are other things that make life satisfying.

You could start by answering the questions below:

• What do you want from your retirement?
• What have you done already to help make these things happen?
• Who will replace your work-mates when you want someone to share your joys and frustrations with?
• What do you think you need to do, to achieve this in your retirement?

Does your retirement plan include:

• Being more active socially- you’ll have more time to spend with your partner, family and friends.
• Stopping smoking - this is a main preventable cause of ill health.
• Finding more ways to be active physically- this is the second most preventable cause of ill health.
• Being more active mentally. Going to courses not only helps you meet more people and give a wider outlook on life, but it has been shown to help prevent dementia.
• Continuing work- go part time or be a volunteer. Evidence shows work is good for your health.
• Enjoying healthy foods.
• Having a healthy weight.
• A yearly health check.
• Checking the layout of your home. Imagine yourself at home using a walking frame and wanting to make a cup of tea or have a shower - would you have any problems? Does the design of your garden need to be changed?
• Reviewing your finances.

Your future is not about what you are retiring from, but what you are retiring to.