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Active retirement: Making it happen!

Posted on Thursday November 28, 2019


Active retirement: Making it happen!

Retirement is right around the corner! But what if your finish line is actually just the beginning of something new? From travelling to getting more involved in your community, heading back to school, exploring your artistic side or trying out a new sport: whatever your motivation, read on to find some inspiration and start defining the active retirement of your dreams!

Active retirement: What is it?

“I don’t have time—I’m retired!” You have surely heard this from at least one person you know. Today more than ever, this phase of life is associated with making a new start and taking advantage of the opportunity to take on new projects and pursue lifelong dreams. From trying out one activity after another to making new friends, getting involved in the community, nurturing your artistic talents or exploring the world, your active retirement will never be dull!

At first, most recent retirees have to get used to the idea that their lifelong focus on work is over. Going from a structured daily routine defined by work obligations to a new approach with endless possibilities can be bewildering. However, by exploring your passions and interests, it’s very easy to start planning future projects and stay as active as you like.

The key to success is planning your finances effectively.

The greatest thing about retirement nowadays is that it’s a big chunk of our lives! This makes planning essential in order to take advantage of this time of your life without having to sacrifice its benefits. By converting your RRSP into a Registered Retirement Income Fund, you can begin withdrawing money when you need it. Your investments then turn into income that you can use to turn projects large or small into reality.

There are numerous options when it comes to ensuring effective management of your assets during retirement, including the life income fund, life annuity and locked-in retirement account (for your pension fund).

“Citizen retirement”: Giving back to your community

Are you a generous person with boundless energy to share with others? Social and community involvement continues to gain in popularity as one of the new faces of retirement. People are more active in this phase of life for longer than ever, and retirement provides an ideal opportunity to take action when it comes to tackling social realities and helping build a better future.

Whether your passion is local politics or environmental issues, the options for getting involved are endless. Through the New Brunswick Multicultural Council, for example, you could assist Syrian refugees resettling in our province. Contact your municipality or your local volunteer centre to learn more about the various volunteering opportunities available.

Going back to school: A new adventure

There’s no age limit when it comes to learning new knowledge and skills. In recent years, educational institutions across the province have been receiving more and more applications from retirees seeking to pursue studies. Attending school is a great way to stay in touch with today’s society, stimulate your intellect and meet new people. Starting a new undergrad degree, completing a master’s or Ph.D. program or simply auditing courses without all the pressure of exams and papers: all of these options are there for you. School can be a stimulating environment at any age! To find out more, contact the college or university near you.

There are associations out there entirely dedicated to serving retirees that want to help you explore the areas you’re interested in. In Fredericton, for example, the Université du troisième âge de la Capitale, founded in 1998, organizes social and learning activities that help make retirement a creative and interesting time. You may even want to consider a part‑time job. Of course, UNI often has positions available!

Travel: Creating new memories of a lifetime

As Tom Cochrane sings, “Life’s like a road that you travel on... Through all these cities and all these towns, it’s in my blood.” If you’re itching to hit the road with no particular destination, or even if your goal is just to enjoy a leisurely winter down south, retirement is the perfect time to follow through on your wildest travel dreams.

Whether you opt for renting a condo in Florida for six months, swapping your house with homeowners in the south of Spain or France, or flying off for a major trip (organized or independent) to Vietnam or India, whenever you’re not on the road or enjoying your latest voyage, you’ll be busy planning your next adventure!

If you’re looking for inspiration and suggestions, check out this travel blog by some globe-trotting retirees who picked our province off the map and came for a visit!

Physical activity: Ensuring many happy retirement years

You’ve no doubt heard the expression “Move it or lose it.” Although it makes us smile, this invitation to take part in physical activity is also a guiding theme behind the activities of many organizations, including Wellness New Brunswick. In your community, you can probably find an impressive array of individual or group activities to get you moving and bust stress so you can look forward to many happy and healthy retirement years.

Once an athlete, always an athlete

If sports have always come naturally to you, are you feeling the urge to follow your inclinations and perhaps aim for a new milestone? If so, then Les Jeux de l’Acadie 50+ are what you’re looking for! Founded 10 years ago, this organization puts on a sports event intended for athletes aged 50 or older seeking to compete on the provincial level. It’s a challenge tailor-made for you!

Excelling through artistic endeavours

Are you a weekend artist who dreams of extending the pursuit of your passion to the rest of the week? Whether painting, music or theatre, handicrafts, writing or dancing, there’s no limit to the artistic interests you can develop.

If collective energy, juicy monologues and the magic of the stage are your thing, then you might consider getting involved in the Festival de théâtre communautaire en Acadie. Whatever your interests, contact your local community centre to find out more about available artistic activities.

However far it is down the road, you’ll clearly be set up for success when retirement time comes. And now that you’ve initiated the reflection process, focus on enjoying the months or years leading up to this new beginning in your life—because after you retire, you may be too busy!

Are you considering sharing your retirement with someone new in your life? Read our article on retirement and new relationships.

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