4 Steps for Living a Happy, Single, Retired Life
Retirement for many, is a complete lifestyle change. Days of the hustle and bustle of your career and all that went with it are now filled with so much free time. And if you’re heading into retirement as a solo ager, there can be a whole list of questions you want answered. The good news is, you’re not alone!
So many seniors today are retiring on their own and are not only loving what community life can offer but they’re thriving in it! There are many options available to consider during retirement. Learn how some of these can introduce you to happier days and greater fulfillment.
1. Move into a Senior Living Community
One of the main reasons people choose to relocate during their retirement is loneliness in their homes. Joining a senior living community will free you of the responsibilities that come with maintaining a home – responsibilities that can be overwhelming, especially when living alone. It will also introduce you to an entire neighborhood of new friends, activities, restaurants, wellness programs, and more.
These types of communities don’t make you sacrifice your privacy just because you’re looking for companionship and a more convenient lifestyle. You can live in apartment-style housing to enjoy your own space with the opportunity to mingle with others and peruse the lively neighborhood right outside your door at your own pace.
They don’t make you sacrifice comfort either. While each community is different, many offer luxury amenities for those who enjoy the finer things in life. High-end appliances, top-notch finishes, and spacious living may make you wonder why you didn’t make the move sooner. You can be picky with what you’re expecting from senior living communities because they offer so much with your best interests in mind.
If you know exactly what you’re looking for in a community, try searching those keywords, such as best places to live for single retirees.
2. Try Out Some Hobbies
Taking up a hobby is one of the best ways to meet people. And the importance of keeping your brain active during your older years is far greater than your own entertainment. Just as you have to exercise your body to stay in shape, your brain needs to be consistently challenged to function properly as well. In fact, the National Institute on Aging reports that engaging in meaningful activities – such as music, theater, writing, volunteering and learning new skills – has shown promise in improving quality of life and memory and reducing stress.
Retirement is a time to do all the things you’ve always wanted to do, but may have been too busy with your job or other responsibilities to even think about it. Think of a hobby you’ve always wanted to take up. Perhaps you loved a certain activity but became too busy to continue pursuing it. Joining a group or a class will allow you to bond with others who have at least one similar interest. You’ll likely have the opportunity to adhere to a schedule with a certain class or program so you can continue to grow and nurture friendships.
Unsure how to go about finding these classes or programs? Senior living communities provide an endless number of opportunities for single retirees to get out there and meet new people. Whether you’re interested in a book club, fitness club – any type of activity – you’re guaranteed to find others who share the same interests at a senior living community.
3. Build a Support System
Maybe the single most effective way to combat loneliness is by having a close support system you can rely on. This will look differently for everyone, depending on the person. Whether you have five friends or one, being able to talk to someone you trust will make all the difference in your life.
You can build a support system of people you may not have considered before. Think of people who live nearby. Are there neighbors that have always been friendly to you? Do you have a strong community at your church? Finding someone you can trust can be as simple as striking up a conversation.
If meeting people has been difficult for you, a senior living community is the perfect opportunity to create meaningful relationships with people who live in the same neighborhood and are generally in the same phase of their lives as you.
4. Take a Trip
You may be used to traveling with a partner, whether family or a spouse, and venturing out alone can be intimidating at first. But don’t throw out your bucket list yet. There are many reasons why people choose to set out on their own when exploring a new place. In fact, if you’re widowed or lost your travel buddy, you may want to travel in their honor and visit someplace they never got the chance to.
Maybe one of the biggest benefits of traveling on your own is the itinerary is completely up to you. You won’t have to compromise on where you want to go, what you want to see and at what pace you want to do all your sightseeing. Take out that bucket list and consider how to make the trip happen. From there, list everything you’re interested in doing. Research the place so you have a better idea of what it’s like and can begin to understand the popular tourist attractions. Enlist the help of someone you know that’s been there or look into using a travel agent.
If you’re not ready to travel too far, start small with nearby places where you can spend a few hours or take a daytrip. A road trip could also be an exciting adventure and allow you to clear your head.
Seniors who have retired sometimes want to completely get away from where they recently spent years of their lives and turn to travel. Or perhaps they finally have the opportunity to relocate to be closer to family. Relocation can be a breeze if you’re interested in a senior living community. They can make a move less overwhelming given all the amenities they provide.
Retired single seniors can combat loneliness a number of ways, and a senior living community provides the resources you or a loved one may need. Engaging programs and events are just steps outside residents’ doors, along with the socialization they have been needing. If you or someone you know is looking for a senior living community in Cary, North Carolina, check out Searstone Retirement Community or call us at 919.234.0339 for more information.