The Eight Key Habits of the Happiest Retirees

We’ve found that the happiest and most successful retirees aren’t those who keep adding more to their lives but rather those who learn what to stop doing. Eliminating certain habits and behaviors has unlocked the true potential of a fulfilling and stress-free retirement.

In this article, we’ll delve into the nine habits that happy retirees have stopped doing, which have allowed them to enjoy more fulfilling and purposeful lives in retirement. If you’re preparing for retirement or already there, these lessons can offer invaluable insights into maximizing your financial security and overall happiness.

They Stopped Taking Time for Granted

One of the most significant changes we see among retirees is a new appreciation for time. As you approach retirement, you become more aware of how precious time is. While wealth often grows over time, your health may decline as you age, limiting your ability to enjoy life to its fullest.

Retirees who understand the value of time don’t delay enjoying the fruits of their labor. They focus on experiences that bring them joy now rather than putting them off for the future. These experiences could be traveling to a dream destination, spending quality time with loved ones, or simply enjoying hobbies they never had time for. A popular tool to visualize this is the “life in weeks” calendar, which shows how limited our remaining time can be as we age. Instead of taking time for granted, the happiest retirees focus on making the most of every day.

They Stopped Saving Unnecessarily

Many retirees find themselves in a financial position where they’ve saved enough to sustain a comfortable retirement. However, we often encounter individuals who continue working and saving despite having more than enough. While saving is a crucial habit leading up to retirement, continuing to save excessively can detract from the quality of your life in retirement.

Instead of saving more, financially secure retirees focus on creating an income plan that aligns with their lifestyle goals. These plans often show that working an extra year or continuing to save might not significantly improve financial security. For example, you might see a minor increase in the probability of your financial plan’s success, but is that slight boost worth sacrificing another year of your limited time? By balancing saving and enjoying life, retirees can ensure a more fulfilling retirement.

They Stopped Compromising Their Health

Health is wealth—especially in retirement. One of the most common regrets we hear from retirees is that they waited too long to prioritize their health. Many have spent their working years stressed, sleep-deprived, and too busy to exercise or eat well. Once they retire, the happiest individuals shift their focus from work to maintaining and improving their physical and mental well-being. This shift in focus ensures a healthier and more enjoyable retirement and sets a positive example for the younger generation.

Exercise, proper sleep, and nutrition become top priorities for successful retirees. Rather than sacrificing health to save a little more money or work a few extra years, they start investing in themselves. After all, no amount of money can replace your health, which allows you to enjoy the experiences retirement offers fully. This shift in focus ensures a healthier and more enjoyable retirement and sets a positive example for the younger generation, empowering them to take control of their health in retirement.

They Stopped Worrying About Things They Can’t Control

Worrying can be one of the most significant barriers to a fulfilling retirement. Retirees often find themselves consumed by external concerns they can’t control, from inflation and market volatility to political events. However, the happiest retirees have learned to let go of unnecessary worry and focus on the aspects of life they can control.

While you can’t control the economy or stock market, you can control your spending, investment allocation, and tax strategy. Retirees who understand this distinction enjoy a profound sense of peace, knowing they have a solid financial plan. They also reduce their consumption of anxiety-inducing news, which has a direct impact on their happiness. This sense of control over their financial future brings a deep sense of empowerment and peace to retirees.

They Stopped Spending Time With Negative People

Retirement is a time for joy, relaxation, and spending time with loved ones. Unfortunately, negative influences from friends, coworkers, or even family members often burden many retirees. These relationships can drain your energy and prevent you from thoroughly enjoying life.

Successful retirees recognize the importance of surrounding themselves with positive, uplifting people. While it may be challenging to distance yourself from unhealthy relationships—especially if they involve family—it’s essential for your mental health and overall happiness. Setting boundaries, such as limiting the time spent with negative individuals and practicing self-care, can help you maintain a more peaceful and fulfilling retirement.

They Stopped Spending Money on Things That Don’t Align With Their Values

One of the most significant shifts we see in retirees is their approach to spending. Instead of accumulating material possessions, the happiest retirees invest in experiences that align with their core values. These could be travel, spending time with family, or supporting charitable causes.

If you still need to do a values assessment, now is perfect. A values assessment reflects on your core values and how they align with your spending habits. Take a few minutes to reflect on your recent spending. Are you investing in experiences and relationships that bring you true joy? Or are you spending on things that provide only fleeting happiness? Align your financial decisions with your values to ensure you use your money in ways that contribute to a more meaningful and satisfying retirement. This conscious approach to spending enhances the quality of your retirement and fosters a sense of personal fulfillment.

They Stopped Pretending to Be Someone They’re Not

In retirement, there’s no need to conform to others’ expectations. One of the biggest regrets we hear is from retirees who spent their careers trying to meet other people’s standards. The happiest retirees stop living life for someone else. Instead, they embrace their true selves and live authentically. This sense of freedom and authenticity leads to greater happiness and satisfaction in retirement, making them feel more liberated.

Whether pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying retirement’s freedom, living authentically leads to greater happiness and satisfaction. After all, retirement is your time to enjoy life on your terms.

They Stopped Living With Regret

Finally, the happiest retirees learn to let go of past regrets and focus on the present and future. Studies show that life satisfaction often peaks in the 60s and 70s, so there’s plenty to look forward to. Retirees can enjoy the golden years ahead by letting go of past mistakes and living in the moment. This shift in mindset brings a sense of optimism and anticipation for the future.

By learning what to stop doing, you can set yourself up for a more fulfilling and happier retirement. If you’re ready to build a plan that aligns with your values and priorities, Considerate Capital is here to help. We specialize in creating customized retirement plans for clients. Contact us today to get started on the path to a happier retirement.