A Guide To Retirement (Beyond The Dollars And Cents)

While sorting your KiwiSaver and financial planning is crucial for retirement, many Kiwis discover that money isn't their biggest challenge once they've hung up their work boots. The real questions often emerge in those first few months after the farewell morning tea: 

• Who am I now that I'm not defined by my job? 
• How do I fill my days with meaningful activities? 
• Where will my social connections come from without workplace interactions? 
• What gives me purpose when I'm no longer contributing through work?

These questions deserve just as much attention in your retirement planning as figuring out your finances. The emotional and social aspects of retirement can significantly impact your wellbeing, yet they often take a backseat to financial considerations.

So read this guide, written by our partner Synergy Health, as they explore how to create a fulfilling retirement life beyond just ensuring you have enough in your bank account.

The Identity Shift: More Than Just "Retired"

For many, work provides far more than just income – it offers identity, purpose, structure, and social connection. When that suddenly disappears, it can leave a significant gap that no amount of fishing, gardening, or babysitting the grandkids can automatically fill.

John from Wellington found this out the hard way. After 40 years as a teacher, he thought he'd relish the freedom of retirement. 

"The first few months were like a holiday," he says. "But then I started to feel a bit lost. I wasn't 'John the teacher' anymore. I was just... retired. It took me a while to figure out who I wanted to be in this new phase."

The key is to start preparing well before retirement day arrives. Develop interests and hobbies outside of work that can expand to fill more time later. Build relationships beyond your professional networks so you're not suddenly isolated. Experiment with new routines while you're still working to see what might suit you. Many New Zealanders find that gradually transitioning to retirement through part-time or contract work provides a smoother adjustment than stopping completely.

Creating Your Social Whānau

Research shows that maintaining strong social connections in retirement is as important for your health as regular exercise and proper nutrition. Loneliness can significantly impact both mental and physical wellbeing, yet social circles often shrink after retirement.

Margaret from Napier made a conscious effort to expand her social network before retiring from teaching.

"I joined a pottery class and a walking group two years before I retired," she explains. "By the time I left work, I already had friends and activities that weren't connected to my job. That made such a difference."

Community connections can be built in many ways. Join local clubs or interest groups, attend events at your local library, community centre or marae, or take classes at community education centres. Volunteering for causes that matter to you not only helps others but creates new social bonds. Getting to know your neighbours through street events or participating in local walking groups can build connections right in your own backyard.

Don't overlook digital connections either. Learning to use social media and video calling can help you stay connected with family and friends, especially those overseas or in different parts of the country. Online communities centred around your interests can provide stimulating conversation and new friendships.  Platforms like SeniorNet offer excellent support for older Kiwis wanting to build their digital skills.

The Power of Giving Back: Volunteering

Volunteering offers multiple benefits that directly address the challenges of retirement. It provides structure and routine to your week, creates new friendships, and allows you to use your professional skills in new ways. Many retirees find that volunteering gives them a continued sense of purpose and contribution that they missed after leaving paid work.

David from Dunedin found unexpected joy in volunteering with conservation projects after retiring from accountancy work. 

"I spend Tuesdays helping with predator control in the local reserve," he says. "It's completely different from my working life – I'm outdoors, I'm physically active, and I'm doing something tangible for the future. The bonus is the great group of people I've met."

New Zealand offers abundant volunteering opportunities: conservation projects with DOC, mentoring young entrepreneurs, helping at community gardens, supporting local schools, or working with organisations like Age Concern or Grey Power. The key is finding volunteer work that genuinely interests you and matches your skills and values.

Consider starting to volunteer before you retire to establish connections and find the right fit. This creates continuity between your working life and retirement and makes the transition smoother.

Embracing Grandparenthood (If That's Your Path)

For many Kiwi retirees, being a grandparent provides immense joy and purpose, but it also requires finding the right balance. The "always available" grandparent might find themselves exhausted and resentful, while the "holiday-only" grandparent might miss out on deeper connections.

Open conversations with your children about expectations are essential. Establish clear boundaries about time and responsibilities, and remember to maintain your own interests separate from grandparenting. Keep communication channels open and honest, and remember that you're supporting, not leading, parenting decisions.

There are many ways to be a grandparent – from regular childcare provider to special occasion visitor, holiday memory-maker to virtual connection for distant grandchildren. Some grandparents enjoy being adventure companions, taking grandchildren on special outings or trips. Others focus on sharing knowledge and skills or being the family historian who passes down stories and traditions.

Ana from Rotorua has crafted a grandparenting approach that works for her family. 

"I have my grandkids one day a week, which gives my daughter a break and gives me regular time with them. We have our special routines and activities. But I also protect my time for my art group and my friends. It's about balance."

Exploring New Passions and Old Dreams

Retirement offers the freedom to explore interests you may have set aside during your working years. Perhaps there was something you always wanted to learn but never had time for, or a skill you'd like to develop further. There are learning opportunities abound in New Zealand: University of the Third Age (U3A) courses, Te reo Māori classes to connect with our indigenous language, community education programmes, or workshops at local museums and galleries. Many retirees find that continued learning brings joy and purpose to their days.

Engaging in physical activities is equally important for wellbeing. Joining tramping clubs to explore our beautiful landscapes, taking up aqua fitness or swimming, trying lawn bowls or petanque, or attending tai chi or yoga classes all offer benefits beyond just physical health – they provide social connection and mental stimulation too.

Creative pursuits nourish the soul in retirement. Writing or joining a book club, attending arts and crafts workshops, joining music groups or choirs, taking up photography, or gardening – perhaps at a community garden – all offer ways to express creativity and connect with others who share your interests.

Mike from Christchurch rediscovered his love of music in retirement. 

"I played in bands when I was young, then work and family took over. Now I've joined a community orchestra. The weekly practices give structure to my week, and the performances give me something to work toward. Plus, I've made a whole new circle of friends."

Creating Flexible Structure

While freedom from routine attracts many to retirement, most people benefit from some structure. Without the framework that work provides, days can blend together, leaving you feeling adrift or even depressed.

Creating flexible daily or weekly schedules helps maintain a sense of purpose and direction. Set regular times for key activities you enjoy, but balance structure with spontaneity. Include both physical and mental activities in your routine, and balance social time with solitude.

Consider seasonal changes to your routine to make the most of New Zealand's climate – perhaps more outdoor activities in summer and creative indoor pursuits in winter. The ideal retirement routine has enough structure to provide meaning but enough flexibility to enjoy the freedom retirement offers.

Keeping Your Mind Sharp

Mental engagement is crucial for cognitive health in retirement. Regular intellectual challenges help maintain brain function and can reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Challenge yourself to take on new learning projects – perhaps studying a subject you've always been curious about or learning a practical skill. Join discussion groups or book clubs where ideas are actively debated. Play strategy games or do puzzles that require concentration and problem-solving. Attend lectures or talks on interesting topics, or debate current events with friends.

Sarah from Auckland joined a philosophy discussion group after retiring from nursing. 

"I never had time for deep thinking during my working years," she says. "Now I love the mental challenge of grappling with big ideas. It's completely different from my career, which was very practical, and it exercises parts of my brain I didn't use much before."

Housing and Living Arrangements

Where and how you live significantly impact your retirement experience. Many Kiwis reassess their housing needs as they enter retirement, considering factors like maintenance requirements, proximity to services, and suitability for aging in place.

Options range from staying in your family home to downsizing to a smaller, more manageable property. Some retirees move closer to family or friends for support and connection. Others consider retirement villages with built-in community activities and support services. Co-housing with other retirees is also gaining popularity, offering independence with shared resources. And then others embrace the opportunity to move to a different region (or even country) with a more preferred climate or lifestyle.

Consider questions like: 

• Is my current home suitable for aging in place? 
• Would I benefit from being closer to family or healthcare? 
• Do I want to maintain a garden/section? 
• Would I enjoy a community living arrangement? 
• Is access to public transport important to me? 
• Are there adequate healthcare facilities nearby?

Ray and Sue from Tauranga downsized from their family home to a smaller property in a coastal community. 

"We loved our big house when the kids were at home, but it was too much to maintain," Ray explains. "Our new place is walking distance to shops and the beach, and we've freed up some capital to enjoy our retirement. The decision wasn't easy, but three years on, we know it was right for us."

Health and Wellbeing Focus

Maintaining physical and mental health becomes even more important in retirement. Without the structure of work, it's easy to become sedentary or neglect self-care routines.

Proactive health strategies include regular health check-ups and screenings, developing an exercise routine you enjoy, learning about nutrition for older adults, and practising stress management techniques. Getting adequate sleep and rest, maintaining mental health through connection, and exploring mindfulness or meditation can all contribute to wellbeing.

Many retirees find that joining walking groups or exercise classes designed for older adults provides both health benefits and social connection. Local recreation centres often offer age-appropriate fitness options at reasonable rates.

Technology Mastery

Staying connected in the digital age helps prevent isolation and provides access to services and information. For many older people, technology can seem intimidating, but developing digital skills is increasingly important.

Learning to use video calling for family connections, navigate online shopping and banking, use smartphones effectively, access telehealth services, and safely use social media can enhance your retirement experience. It's equally important to learn how to protect yourself from online scams, which often target older adults.

Organisations like SeniorNet provide supportive environments for older Kiwis to develop digital skills at their own pace, with tutors who understand the learning needs of seniors.

Travel and Exploration

Many Kiwis see retirement as a time to explore, whether within New Zealand or internationally. Without the constraints of limited annual leave, travel can take on new dimensions.

Consider exploring New Zealand's hidden gems, taking advantage of off-peak travel for better rates, or enjoying extended stays in one location rather than rushing from place to place. Volunteering holidays combine travel with giving back, while cultural immersion trips provide a deeper understanding of different ways of life. Some retirees also embark on family heritage exploration, tracing ancestors and visiting places of family significance.

For solo retirees, group travel can provide both safety and social connection. Many travel companies offer packages specifically designed for older travellers, with appropriate pacing and accommodation.

Cultural Connection

Engaging with the Aotearoa rich cultural heritage can provide meaningful experiences in retirement. Learning about Māori culture and history or connecting with your own cultural heritage can deepen your sense of belonging and identity.

Attending cultural festivals and events, participating in arts programmes, exploring local museums and historical sites, or learning traditional crafts or skills all offer ways to engage with culture. Many retirees find that having more time allows them to explore aspects of New Zealand's history and culture that they previously knew little about.

Managing the Transition

Remember that retirement involves several significant transitions: from structured workdays to self-determined time, from career identity to personal identity, from colleague relationships to community connections, from regular income to planned spending, from work achievements to personal accomplishments, and from external validation to internal satisfaction.

Understanding these transitions helps you prepare for and navigate them more effectively. Be patient with yourself during this adjustment period. Some aspects of retirement may fall into place quickly, while others take time to develop.

The Kiwi Way Forward

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to creating a fulfilling retirement in Aotearoa. The key is to begin exploring options well before retirement, be willing to try new things (and abandon what doesn't work), allow your interests to evolve naturally, stay open to unexpected opportunities, connect with your community in meaningful ways, and appreciate the unique lifestyle New Zealand offers.

Finding purpose and connection in retirement is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Give yourself time to explore and adjust as you discover what works for you. While financial planning provides the foundation for retirement, it's these human connections, meaningful activities, and sense of purpose that will truly define your golden years.

Start building these aspects of your life before you need them. The connections you make and interests you develop now will enrich both your present life and your future retirement.

Source: The Synergy Health Editorial Team via GoodForYou

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Written by: Synergy Health

Synergy Health is the brains behind the GoodForYou platform and is one of New Zealand's top Health and Wellbeing platform providers with over 20 years experience in helping people live healthier happier lives.