The secret to a happy retirement

26 Jun 2023

As we age and move through the different chapters of life, we have a huge opportunity to continue growing and thriving in new and exciting ways.

A recent Harvard study looked at what makes us happy in life, and what they discovered about happiness in retirement provides wonderful insights to help us get the most out of this stage of life and really find our inner happiness.

The number 1 challenge people faced in retirement was they missed the social connections that they had formed throughout their working years.

“Retirees don’t miss working, they miss the people.”*

This insight highlights the importance of social connections for our overall wellbeing and happiness, but especially as we age.

It is well known that retirement can provide the time and freedom to explore new passions and hobbies, reconnect with old friends, and take on new interests.

However, the secret to optimising our happiness at this time is to embrace it as an opportunity to prioritise our relationships and invest in our communities and social connections.

At Clifton, we often refer to this as “finding your tribe” and the way our community is built allows myriad opportunity to connect with like-minded people. Participating in community events, joining clubs, or simply spending time with loved ones builds a strong support system that will continue to nourish us as we age.

Whether we are 50 or 80, there is always something new to learn, explore, and enjoy.

By prioritising our relationships and connections with others, we can continue to live fulfilling, happy lives well into our golden years.

* https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/03/10/85-year-harvard-happiness-study-found-the-biggest-downside-of-retirement-that-no-one-talks-about.html