4 Misconceptions About Life After Retirement

Retirement is often thought of as a goal most of us strive for. The thinking is that once we reach a certain age and have saved up enough money, we can enjoy our later years at home without having to work. Unfortunately, not everyone knows what to expect once they are able to retire. There are plenty of misconceptions about retirement that need to be debunked. Here are just a few of the most common ones.

Misconception: Retirement is Stress-Free

It would make sense that people see life after retirement as stress-free since there is no longer a need to work, but studies show that only 39 percent of retirees report having less stress than they did when they were working. For many retirees, living on a fixed income for the first time in years and having to deal with potentially declining health can lead to a stressful life. Even the lack of a routine can be stressful for some people; it’s hard for some people to know what to do with themselves if they don’t have to go to work every day.

Misconception: Retirement Means Not Having to Work

There was a time when people really didn’t have to work after retirement and could live comfortably on a fixed income. For some people, those times are gone. Many people work after retirement, sometimes out of necessity and sometimes out of choice. Having a job can give people something to do outside of the home, and many older adults enjoy working and socializing with coworkers for this purpose. In some cases, older adults can get by on their fixed income, but they like to work, so they have a little extra money with which to enjoy life.

Misconception: People Retire Once They Reach a Certain Age

The average retirement age in the United States is 62 years old, but people can technically retire at any age. Some people may have the means to be able to retire in their 50s while others will work well into their 60s or 70s. Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as being too old to work or too young to retire. Different people retire at different ages, and it’s up to you to decide when your time has come.

Many people don’t realize that your retirement age will determine the amount of social security benefits you will receive. While you can begin to receive social security benefits as early as 62, waiting until your full retirement age will ensure that you receive 100 percent of your benefit.

Misconception: Retirement Homes are Dull and Depressing

Many people move into retirement communities after they retire and reach a certain age. Sadly, there are just as many misconceptions about these communities as there are about retirement itself. They’re not always seen in a positive light, but the truth is that retirement communities can provide you with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the later years of your life. Senior housing, homes for independent living and even long-term care facilities allow seniors to engage in their interests and hobbies, make new friends and live life to its fullest without having to worry about raking leaves, driving on icy roads or maintaining a house. Many retirement communities and other kinds of senior housing can make life less stressful for retirees, so keep that in mind if you or your loved ones believe you could benefit from living in such a place.

Your years in retirement should be some of the most exciting and fulfilling times of your life. Make sure you are making the most out of your retirement by checking out the retirement living options by Concordia Lutheran Ministries. At Concordia, we recognize that retirement shouldn’t be hard work. That’s why we offer a worry-free lifestyle for seniors, filled with events and activities to keep our residents as active as they choose to be. For a truly fulfilling senior living experience, contact Concordia Lutheran Ministries today!