After working for many decades of your life, most people are ready for a relaxing and peaceful retirement. They look forward to getting to do what they want, when they want, without having to answer to bosses or deal with any more work-related stress. But unfortunately, for many people, retirement isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.

One large and relatively common issue that many people deal with when they retire is that they feel a lack of meaning or fulfillment. When you are working or raising children, you feel as if you are doing something constructive and have a purpose. Retiring can take that away for some, which can often be difficult to deal with. With that in mind, let’s look at some tips and keys to enjoying your retirement and ensuring you remain fulfilled and happy as a senior citizen. 

1. Stay healthy and active.

One of the best ways you can enjoy your retirement and stay fulfilled is to stay active and healthy. This involves eating well and getting up on your feet. While this might not always be easy, it is certainly something you should try to keep up with. Of course, be sure to do it safely and take it slow. 

2. Take time to determine what you want.

Of course, it is also important to actually determine what you want out of your retirement. There is no right or wrong answer here. Everyone has different wants and interests, and what fulfills you might not fulfill someone else. Some might want their retirement to be full of trips and excitement, while others may feel fulfilled relaxing with a good book. 

Additionally, there is no deadline for you to decide what you want out of your retirement. Some people find their fulfillment and enjoyment immediately, while others may take weeks or months. But once you truly determine what you want, you can really begin to enjoy your retirement. 

3. Take on an active role in your community.

While it’s totally normal to want to be alone from time to time, humans are social creatures and most of us need or at least want some interaction. As a result, try and find some sort of community to be a part of. This could be anything from a group who goes to coffee every day, to people who meet up at the park every so often. 

Again, this doesn’t mean you constantly need to be around people. However, it will be nice to know you have some people in similar situations that you can speak with or confide in if need be. Of course, your friends and family can help to fill this community role, as well.

4. Don’t stop setting goals.

Once people retire, many simply stop learning, setting goals, and challenging themselves. Unfortunately, this can often lead to boring, uneventful and uninspired times. Instead, consider continuing to set goals for yourself. These can be big or small, short or long-term. The choice is yours. 

This could involve being creative, volunteering, reading a good book or anything in between. It is unfortunately quite easy for retired individuals to not do a whole lot and get stuck in a rut of waking up, hanging out in the house, and then going back to sleep. Now, if that’s what you want to do, that’s fine, but most simply won’t be fulfilled doing that and nothing else. Balance is important.

5. Deal with any past baggage you may still be holding onto.

Life can be tough at times. While some deal with their issues quickly and rid them from existence, others hold onto the negative emotions or thoughts for years, and it becomes baggage. It can be tough to live and enjoyable and fulfilled retirement if you are still holding onto old baggage, so do your best to try and relieve your life yourself from the baggage you might be carrying from the past. This can be an incredibly freeing and can make it much easier to find fulfillment later in life.  

*Ashley Lipman is an award-winning writer who discovered her passion for providing knowledge to readers worldwide on topics closest to her heart—all things health-related. Since her first high school award in Creative Writing, she continues to deliver awesome content through various niches touching the health and medical sphere.