Tips for a happy retirement

We understand that retiring is a big life change and you might be feeling a little lost as you adjust to no longer going to work. Here's our top tips to help you plan for and get to grips with retirement:

Keeping a routine

As humans, we love a routine! And now you’re not in your work routine, it would be helpful to establish a new routine. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time, make time for going outdoors if you can and have regular mealtimes and fluids throughout the day.

Volunteering

Research shows that giving back to your community can help with your mental wellbeing by giving you a sense of purpose and achievement. Don’t know where to start? If you’re on Facebook, join local groups and post that you’re wanting to volunteer, or see what information you can get from your local library and council. You could look up organisations like local churches, food banks and local charities.  

MHA has volunteering opportunities across the UK to help older people live later life well, visit our volunteering page to find out more and apply.

Community groups

If you’re feeling like you miss the social interaction and friendships you had at work, it might be worth finding a community group to join. There’s plenty of national organisations like Rotary and Women’s Institute (WI) but there might also be a host of local groups available around your town too that you might not know of. As above, check out local Facebook groups and local information.

MHA has community groups across England and Wales to help older people live later life well, to find out about your nearest scheme by visiting our MHA Communities page.

Befriending

If you’re feeling lonely, charities like MHA offer services called befriending. You can choose the kind of support you’d like - someone can call you or you could have an online video call, or you can have an in-person visitor. It’s a chance for you to speak with someone and make a new friendship.

Or this might sound like something you’d like to do to support another older person. Find out more about volunteering for MHA’s befriending service.

Boosting your income

Just because you don’t have a wage coming in, there are still options available to make some money. The below video has some ideas. 

Keep in touch with people

Try to hold onto connections with people from work. You could arrange a regular catch-up with people, in person or online. Or, you could use some of your free time to catch up with old friends you haven’t been able to see for a long time.

Staying active

It’s important as you age to take care of yourself. Visit our Health, Wellbeing & Spirituality page for more information on staying active, heart health, and much more.

Plan what you want to do with your time

As it will be a big change to get used to, it’s worth making a bit of a plan as to what to do with your time. This will help you feel more productive and hopefully less lost as you can go down your list of things you want to do. And why not add things to your list that you’ve not managed to get round to – just do it!

Make time to treat yourself

After decades of hard work, you are due some ‘me time'. Take time in your retirement to visit places you’ve always wanted to go to, a trip to a spa or a small pleasure like dining out or going to the cinema, you can do whatever you want!

Hobbies  

Now you have more time, you might consider a hobby? Or maybe an allotment patch? Think about what you enjoy or what you wished you could’ve spent more time on when working and see if there’s anything in your area. You might enjoy learning a new skill too!

Get a pet

It’s not for everyone, but some people use their retirement as the perfect time to invest in a pet. Research has shown that furry friends have a positive effect on our health and wellbeing. If you get a dog, they can help you get out and about on walks and get fresh air.

Have you thought about rescuing a cat or dog? To find out more about rehoming a pet, visit your local animal rescue centre, the RSPCA or Dogs Trust.

Or you might be interested in volunteering to walk or foster someone’s dog, contact The Cinnamon Trust.

Page last updated: September 2023.