Lifestyle changes

The thought of free time may fill you with delight - or horror. What will you do with yourself outside of work? Will you get bored without the stimulation of work and the routine you've got used to? It's a good idea to start planning what you'll do with your leisure time before you retire, so it doesn't come as such a big shock. This could be your chance to tick off that list of things you've never had the time to do.

A home is more than just the bricks and mortar - it's where you live and where memories are formed. You spend a lot of time at home in retirement. However, for many people, retirement may mean changing homes. You may need to down-size, free up money to live on, take a sea-change, move to a nursing home or enter a retirement village. Moving can be stressful, no matter what stage of life you are at. Take care to investigate your options and make sure the move is the right one - as it's expensive and stressful to change your mind later.

If you or your partner need some assistance with daily care, you may be able to stay in your home with the assistance of community services provided by State and local Governments. If you or your partner need a high level of care, you may need to move into a nursing home or retirement village. These offer varying levels of care - at different prices.

When you make a change like retiring, those persons closest to you will also be affected. With both partners at home together you may find you have some adjusting to do, so be prepared to discuss the changes together. And despite best intentions, you may well lose touch with your workmates. However, many retirees find retirement brings an opportunity to create a new circle of friends.

What you do in your retirement is up to you. Enjoying your retirement may not happen overnight though, so be patient. You may need time to establish new routines, build up friendships and networks and establish new interests. Talk to others who have retired and discuss your expectations with your family and friends. Then give it time.