How to Help a Retiree to Have a Happy Retirement

You will more than likely know someone who is approaching retirement.  Although retirees are often in their 60s and 70s they can be any age.  Thanks to improvements in health care, those retiring nowadays are more active and living longer.  However, adjusting to retirement can be difficult after a lifetime of working.

Retirement gifts are a great way to show your appreciation for all their hard work and dedication over the years. It can be something practical like a gift card to their favorite store or restaurant or something personalized like a retirement photo book or an engraved retirement watch. Whatever you choose, make sure it is something that the retiree will appreciate and use.

How to Adjust to Retirement
For many people, retirement is a huge landmark event that marks the end of their professional careers and the start of a new chapter.  It can be a time of uncertainty and adjustment.  Here are some things you can do to help make retirement a happy and fulfilling time for your loved ones:

1) Keep them active.
One of the best ways to help someone adjust to retirement is to keep them active.  This can involve physical activity but also mentally stimulating activities.  Depending on the retiree’s interests, there are many ways to do this.  For example, help them set up a garden or join a local gardening club if they enjoy gardening.  If they like reading, get them a magazine subscription or sign them up for an online book club.

2) Help them stay connected.
Another way to help a retiree adjust to retirement is to help them stay connected with friends and family.  This can be done by arranging regular get-togethers, events, or even just weekly phone calls or video chats.  Staying connected will help the retiree feel like they are still part of the world and prevent them from feeling isolated.

3) Encourage them to find a hobby.
A retirement gift that encourages the retiree to find a new hobby is also a great way to help them adjust to retirement.  This could be anything from art supplies for someone who wants to start painting to golf clubs for someone who wants to try a new sport.  Finding a new hobby can help the retiree stay active and engaged, and it can also be an excellent way to meet new people.

4) Give them a retirement gift.
A retirement gift is a great way to show your appreciation for all their hard work and dedication over the years.  It can be something practical like a gift card to their favorite store or restaurant or something personalized like a retirement photo book or an engraved retirement watch.  Whatever you choose, make sure it is something that the retiree will appreciate and use.

5) Help them plan for retirement.
One of the best ways to help someone adjust to retirement is to help them plan for it.  This includes helping them figure out their retirement budget, getting their affairs in order, and choosing the right retirement home.  Planning for retirement can be overwhelming, but with your help, it can be a smooth and stress-free process.

6) Throw them a retirement party.
A retirement party is a great way to celebrate the retiree’s accomplishments and to show them how much they are loved and appreciated.  This can be a small gathering of close family and friends or a larger party with colleagues and acquaintances.  Retirement parties are a great way to help the retiree feel special and to give them something to look forward to in retirement.

7) Encourage them to play a sport.
Not only will playing a sport keep the retiree active, but it will also help them meet new people.  There are clubs and leagues for all skill levels, and most sports equipment can be hired until they decide if they want to continue playing.  If you play the same sport, it means you can spend time together.  Retirees can sometimes find the lack of a timetable unsettling after working, so having a regularly scheduled activity can help.  Playing a sport is also fun and can give you a sense of achievement!

8) Help them volunteer.
A number of studies have shown that volunteering benefits retirees.  Helping others can improve a retiree’s mental health and give them a sense of purpose.  Volunteering can allow a retired person to try something new or different and share the skills and knowledge accumulated over the decades.  Being part of a team and working on a shared cause creates a feeling of being connected to a community and makes the retiree feel valued.  While some volunteer roles may require a certain level of physical fitness, there are also volunteer positions that need nothing more than a kind smile and a listening ear.

Conclusion
Retirement is a huge milestone in someone’s life and can be a time of uncertainty and adjustment.  However, there are many ways you can help make retirement a happy and fulfilling time for your loved ones.  From keeping them active to giving them a retirement gift, there are many ways to show your support and help them adjust to this new phase of their life.