Have you thought about leading an active retirement living?

"What? I thought retirement is a time to relax and do nothing...."

You're in for some surprises.

Nowadays retirement for many means a time of busy activities with purposes.

The stats support this.

According to a 2002 survey by American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), retirees are changing the meaning of retirement by not leaving the workforce at the typical age (you know ages 55, 60, 65....). 69% of retirees surveyed said they wanted to work into their retirement years.

Most retirees still cherish the traditional way of retirement such as spending more time with loved ones, spend more time to do their own things, but they also redefine their retirement to include some forms of work, to remain active, to do productive work and to earn a meaningful income.

I think this is because nowadays people are living longer, healthier lives and they feel that they still have the vitality to hold down a job. Apart from this, there're other reasons too for working - the uncertain economic situation prompts increased inclination to be able to be financially independent; or the chance to pursue a new career or a business...

How do you lead an active retirement living?

Simple. Use these pointers to guide you:

• When you work, take it easy but remain active. Work in different, relaxed roles and on easy, flexible terms such as part-time, shorter working hours, shorter work week, extended time off, flexi hours, little commuting or even work from home
• Don't just retire completely and don't do anything. You definitely won't find sitting around and doing nothing as rewarding... The initial high of having all that free time can turn into boredom and despair. Seek for transitional change, from a full-time working career to phased-in retirement by working fewer hours with lighter work responsibilities and then to complete retirement. You can turn to bridge jobs as you approach retirement
• If you don't want to work, still, you should find things to do to occupy your days. What better way than growing a hobby you love or do something you're really passionate about? Could be cooking; coaching the youngsters in subjects you're expert in; volunteering help in your local church and community; starting a business, going back to study; learning a new skill; contributing your time to non-profit organizations and....the list can go on. You'll enjoy the growth experiences and the opportunity to work and connect with people
• Traditionally retirement doesn't invoke a career change, but you might want to simply because you're hungry for new challenges or it's a chance to taste that dreamed job that has eluded you in the past... you could end up finding more satisfaction and fulfillment in the new career

The point I'm trying to get across here - whether you're doing paid or unpaid work, you'll find that it promotes all kinds of indicators of wellbeing: life satisfaction, more energy and more physical health. Most important, you live an active retirement living with purpose, not an empty, idle one that's without life and purpose.

This is not to scare you - statistics have shown that people tend to die shortly after retiring if they don't have any kind of work or endeavor to do.

Give yourself a challenge to stimulate you and to have constant interaction with people> This will keep you aware and alive to what' going on and what you can do to adjust to the changes.

Cecelia Yap is an avid exerciser and the owner of the successful fitness and exercise website: http://www.perfect-body-toning.com

Due to her strong yearning to retire early in life, she has been researching on the subject of retirement. She shows you how she has turned her passion in exercise into a retirement nest egg: http://www.perfect-body-toning.com/my-passion.html

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