The Top 5 Retirement Regrets to Avoid

When it comes time for seniors to retire, they often look forward to living a carefree, maintenance-free lifestyle full of services, amenities and so much more. One thing many older adults often think about is if their retirement is going to be all they expected it to be. While this can be different for everyone, many people may experience a retirement that isn’t exactly what they had planned for or dreamed of.

“Many seniors have high expectations for their retirement,” says Steve Fishler, Interim CEO of Kendal on Hudson, the only true Life Care community in Westchester County. “After all, why shouldn’t they? They’ve worked hard during their lives, have often raised families, focused on giving back and volunteering throughout their communities and planned for the future they want. It’s hard to think that their retirement may be any different than the experience they’ve desired. Unfortunately, sometimes this is the case, but it doesn’t have to be. By talking to others who have retired, asking experts your questions and by touring as many senior living communities as possible, it can be possible to avoid some of the top retirement regrets.”

Retirement Regrets to Avoid, from Others Who Have Been There

According to a study shared by the U.S. News and World Report, more than half of retirees have regrets. We’ve outlined a few of the top regrets so you can learn from their mistakes.

  1. They didn’t make a detailed financial plan. Having a plan set in place that is highly detailed is crucial to retirement. This can not only help you make informed decisions, but it can help to meet your financial needs and goals all throughout retirement, without fear for the future—or regret!
  2. Goals weren’t set for after retirement. Once you retire, what are you going to do with your time? Do you want to focus on your passions and expand on your current talents, do you want to try something new and learn a different skill or would volunteering fulfill your purpose? Knowing what you want to do ahead of time can help to make your retirement enriching.
  3. They retired too late. It’s hard to enjoy your work-free years when you work so hard. Add a health problem into the mix and it’s the perfect recipe for regrets. Don’t wait to enjoy the lifestyle you’ve desired, full of adventure and experiences, simply because you want to max out your Social Security benefits.
  4. They held onto stuff instead of experiences. According to the article, memories are in the experiences, not in the possessions themselves. Don’t regret holding onto a large collection of items only to need to downsize or think about them later. Instead, hold onto the memories they created and let the possessions go so you can experience more of what your new lifestyle has to offer.
  5. They didn’t embrace a slower pace. It can often be hard for seniors to take a step back and slow down, especially when they love to embrace everything each day has to offer after retirement, but according to the article, and many other seniors, there is nothing wrong with taking things a little easier and taking time to celebrate your achievements in life. There is nothing wrong with staying in shape or exploring new things and places, but there is also nothing wrong with sipping some wine, taking a slow walk or relaxing with a good book.

At Kendal on Hudson, we can help you make sure you don’t live out the most common retirement regrets. With an array of programming and activities, and opportunities to slow down and savor retirement, you can experience the lifestyle you’ve dreamed of. Contact us today to schedule your visit at 914-922-1000.

Together, Transforming the Experience of Aging.®

Founded on Quaker principles and guided by our values and practices, Kendal® on Hudson provides a vibrant, active and social senior lifestyle on our 25-acre campus next to the historic Hudson River. As the only Lifecare community in Westchester County, we offer four levels of service for our residents: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support and Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Services.

Kendal on Hudson is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization led by a volunteer Board of Directors. Kendal on Hudson is an affiliate of The Kendal Corporation, a system of communities and services for older people based in Kennett Square, PA. We support diversity, inclusiveness, and independence and support the values and practices of Kendal by remaining focused on healthy aging. Located in Sleepy Hollow, New York, just 35 miles from New York City, we offer a vibrant lifestyle, cultural programs, continued learning and health care for life.

For more information, please call 914-922-1000.