There is More to a Happy Retirement Than Money
When you discuss preparing for retirement, most of us automatically think about accumulating lots of money so we can financially do whatever we want during retirement. While it is true that having sufficient money during retirement is important, there are other non-financial areas of your life that are equally or, perhaps, more important to a fulfilling retirement. Here are five non-financial areas of your life that are essential to happiness during retirement:
Health
People
Experiences
Purpose
Gratitude
Health
There is a saying that it is foolish to trade your health for wealth, because you will then be forced to trade your wealth to try to get back your health. Sometimes it is not even possible for you to regain your health no matter how much money you spend. Without good health, your retirement will be hollow and unfulfilling. Start focusing on your health (diet, weight, exercise, sleep, mental relaxation) before you retire so that you can enjoy an active life during retirement.
People
Human beings are social creatures. You cannot be happy without meaningful relationships in your life. You should start building a network of associations outside of work before you retire. There is no better place to start than by keeping a good relationship with your wife or your significant other. Children and grandchildren can be a great source of fulfillment. You can also build friendships through church, social clubs, sports, and community service. Don’t ignore this part of your retirement. Without meaningful relationships, you will probably be lonely during retirement.
Experiences
Experiences tend to give you more happiness than things especially if you can share them with others. If you surround yourself with things (cars, houses, etc.), you will quickly learn that those things don’t give you joy in and of themselves. Learn to try new things. Go on vacations. Serve in the community. Spend time with people. Fill your life full of experiences with others and you will likely be much happier during retirement.
Purpose
This is closely related to people and experiences. An important part of happiness is to have a purpose when you wake up in the morning. If you wake up everyday without a purpose and without things to do, you will atrophy mentally, physically, and emotionally. You should be excited to wake up everyday because you have a purpose in your life that gives it meaning.
Gratitude
This might seem like a strange addition to the list of important things in retirement. Research has repeatedly shown that if you are ungrateful, negative, and bitter your health and mental wellbeing will suffer. Negativity will rob you of the joy that comes from little things in life. Learn to be grateful for each new day, for the health you enjoy, for your relationships, and for your opportunities and experiences. If you want to be miserable and die young, focus on the negative. If you want to live a long and happy life, accentuate the positive. If you are religious, express your gratitude while you pray to God. If you are not religious, practice expressing thanks and positivity when you talk with others.
Summary
Is money important for having a happy and fulfilling life? Yes, having sufficient for your needs and some wants is important. Save and invest as you prepare for retirement, but don’t forget the intangibles that are essential to a happy retirement. You need to couple sufficient money with good health, meaningful relationships, rich experiences, purpose, and gratitude. Otherwise, you will find that no amount of money can buy happiness.
