Most pre-retirees have a lot on their minds:
“What do I want to do once I’m retired?”
“What do I want the last few years of my career to look like?”
It’s no surprise that turning 60 feels like a major milestone, even if you aren’t into birthday parties. It’s a season of life where a lot of things shift, and the plans you’ve made for the future are suddenly right around the corner, or already in action.
One of the most valuable things you can do during this season is build habits to help you live better now and experience a happier retirement once you get there. Retirement satisfaction is much more than your savings, which is why it’s so important for women to be intentional before they hit the big 6-0. Whether your future includes retiring from a career, planning with a spouse, or just stepping into a new adventure, here are five things to do before you leave your 50s behind.
1. Figure Out Your True Cost of Living
Even if you tend to be financially conservative, you may spend more than you realize. Once you transition to retirement and a fixed income, those extra or unplanned expenses can add up quickly. And even if your spouse handles the finances right now, most women will need to be the financial decision-maker at some point in their retirement. That’s why one of the smartest financial moves you can make is dialing in your monthly expenses.
Start by tracking your expenses for a few months. Then ask yourself: “Can I survive without this for six months?” Once you know how much you need to be okay, even if the stock market dips or your taxes spike after retirement, financial decisions don’t feel as murky. It’s easier to head into retirement with confidence when you know what’s essential, what you want, and what you can let go of without sacrificing joy. Watch our video here to learn more about how to identify necessary expenses.
2. Get Into the Habit of Giving Back
When we’re working, we have a natural source of structure, purpose, and community. A significant part of building a happy retirement is replicating that same sense of belonging and impact, and an easy way to do that is by exploring volunteer opportunities.
Is there a local cause you care about, or an experience you enjoy? Local museums, parks, the zoo, food pantries, or youth programs are often in need of volunteer hands. This can be a wonderful opportunity to learn or pursue something you’re passionate about, but didn’t pursue as a career. Starting now can help you discover what kinds of activities will bring you the most joy when your calendar isn’t filled with work obligations.
If that wasn’t incentive enough, having a community and sense of purpose beyond your career can help reduce depression in retirement.
3. Create a Dreambook
Retiring to your happy place takes intentionality. Sure, you may love watching the grandkids or traveling, but you probably won’t be doing that 24/7. One of Traci’s favorite things to ask is “Once you’re retired, what will you be doing at 10 a.m. on a Tuesday?”
Creating a Dreambook is a helpful exercise to reconnect with what truly makes you happy and fill in those blanks. What does your ideal, run-of-the-mill day look like? How would you spend your time if you didn’t have to think about money or practicality? Write down the specifics.
After you’ve spent some time imagining what your dream retirement could look like, step back and look for patterns. The years before retirement are the perfect time to take those passions from “I wish…” to “Let’s make this happen.” Making your vision specific and tangible creates a roadmap to a retirement that’s your happy place, not someone else’s.
4. Prioritize Lifelong Learning
Keeping your brain engaged well into your later years is more than fulfilling. Research shows that it’s good for cognitive health, too. Learning new skills and keeping your brain engaged with mental challenges can help maintain memory, attention, and problem-solving skills as we age. You can think of it as a workout for your brain, no gym membership required!
Did you know that many colleges offer opportunities for older adults to audit or take classes at low or no cost? In some states, residents aged 60 or 65 and older can audit college courses without paying tuition, as long as space is available in the class. Programs vary by school and state, so check resources like this one to see what’s available in your area.
If sitting in a classroom isn’t your style, or if you don’t meet the age threshold yet, many online platforms offer free or low-cost at-your-own-pace courses from universities like MIT, Harvard, and Berkeley. In fact, Traci has recently been enjoying online art and history classes from the Smithsonian. Investing in a healthy brain is a great habit to cultivate before retirement.
5. Engage Your Creative Side
There’s power in giving your brain space to create, even if you wouldn’t consider yourself an artistic person. In fact, practicing creativity can reduce stress, enhance problem-solving, and improve memory.
Don’t be afraid to express yourself artistically, and don’t worry about being “good” at it. If you’ve never tried your hand at a tactile art form, try painting, woodworking, or ceramics. Pick up a new instrument or take your camera on your next walk. Maybe floral arranging or experimenting in the kitchen is more your speed. You might be surprised to learn you’re more artistic than you thought!
A Life Intentionally Designed
Aging can sometimes feel limiting, especially if you’re anticipating the end of a rewarding career. However, giving yourself room to grow, think, imagine, and try new things is not only beneficial for your physical and mental health but also a powerful way to build a life and retirement in which you can thrive.
So as you wind down your 50s, really think about what your happy place looks like, and then don’t wait for retirement to make it happen. There’s nothing stopping your next chapter from being the best one yet!
For more ideas, check out some of our other articles:
Building a purposeful retirement
How to do a practice run on your retirement