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Three ways to plan for mental wellbeing in retirement

 

Three ways to plan for mental wellbeing in retirement


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Retirement is one of life’s biggest transitions, and, as with any major change, it comes with a combination of excitement, apprehension, and the risk of mental health challenges. 

These risks can be managed with support and planning, to ensure your psychological health is well looked after.

When retirement planning, most people consider finances to be the top priority. While this is vital, psychological preparation is also key to a successful, happy retirement.

There are many things you can do to plan for a mentally healthy retirement.


1-block Start planning early

 

 The earlier you can begin planning, the better. With time, you can consider the impact retirement may have on your life and create strategies for those factors within your control.

 

 For example, you can think about your retirement expectations, establish social and emotional support networks, and think about the lifestyle factors you would like to continue. Being proactive early will set you up for the retirement you hope for, and create contingencies for when the unexpected occurs.

 

 

2-block Look at wellbeing factors

 

There are five ways to wellbeing in retirement: connection with others, being active, mindfulness, continuing to learn and giving back. By considering each of these areas, a healthy and happy retirement is possible.

 

3-block  Set clear goals

 

 

The Australian Institute of Family Studies found, for most people, life satisfaction increases in the years following retirement[1], showing that with some preparation, this can be one of the best times of your life.

 This satisfaction is often linked with establishing and working towards goals, an essential ingredient to a successful retirement.



 

[1] https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/depression/what-causes-depression

 This article was provided by SuperFriend, a national mental health foundation that helps workplaces promote and support improved mental health and wellbeing for their employees. 

www.superfriend.com.au

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