Adjusting to retirement – your guide to doing it your way
Retirement should feel like a new beginning – a chance to live life your way. But let’s be real – making the shift from full-time work to full-time freedom doesn’t always happen overnight.
Whether you’re saying goodbye to a long career or figuring out how to manage a new income, it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty. With the right approach, though, you can make retirement one of the most rewarding chapters yet.
The emotional side of retirement
Stepping away from the working world can feel like losing part of your identity – and that can take a toll. Research shows up to 15 percent of older Aussies experience depression, with anxiety numbers not far behind.
This is what’s often called ‘adjusting to retirement’ depression. You might feel lonely, unmotivated or like you’re searching for purpose – especially if work gave you a strong routine and regular social contact.
The Australian Psychological Society reckons building resilience and staying socially connected can make a big difference.
Creating a daily rhythm, finding things you enjoy, and surrounding yourself with good people can lift the fog – and even make it fun.
Managing financial changes
It’s no secret that retirement usually means living on less. But here’s the thing – you don’t need as much as you might think.
According to financial experts, around 70 percent of your pre-retirement income is usually enough to maintain your lifestyle.
A few smart steps to get started:
- Know where your money’s coming from – super, Age Pension, investments, or part-time work.
- Create a budget that reflects all stages of retirement – from the active years to later life. [source]
- Use tools like MoneySmart to help with planning.
- Regular reviews, professional advice and a good plan can keep your finances healthy – and your future secure.
Redefining purpose and identity
Retirement isn’t just about kicking back – it’s about discovering what lights you up now. If your career was a big part of who you are, letting go can feel strange at first.
The good news? You’ve got time to try new things.
National Seniors Australia highlights how staying socially and mentally active is key to wellbeing. [[link to: https://nationalseniors.com.au/stories/trending-topics/social-connectedness]]
Some great ways to rediscover your spark:
- Lifelong learning – Join U3A for stimulating short courses.
- Get creative – Paint, garden, take photos, play an instrument.
- See the world – Road trips or big adventures, you’ve earned them.
- Join in locally – Community groups and clubs keep you connected.
How long does it take to adjust?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Some retirees feel settled within months, others take longer – and that’s totally okay.
Research from Charles Darwin University found that retirees with strong social connections adjusted better – with fewer signs of depression.
Struggling? Reach out to a professional. Set new goals. Stay active. You’ve got this.
Top 7 tips for adjusting to retirement
- Build a new daily rhythm – structure your time with things you enjoy.
- Keep moving – 30 minutes of activity a day is great for body and mind.
- Stay social – friendships and community keep loneliness at bay.
- Try new hobbies – great for stimulation and self-expression.
- Be smart with your money – chat with a planner to keep things on track.
- Give back – mentoring or volunteering can bring a real sense of purpose.
- Consider lifestyle living – vibrant over-50s communities offer ready-made connection and fun.
Downsizing for a better lifestyle
Where you live in retirement matters just as much as how you live.
At Living Gems, we believe life should feel freer, fuller and more fun – without the usual costs and complexities. Our land lease lifestyle resorts are purpose-built for active over-50s who want more out of life.
That means:
- No entry or exit fees
- No stamp duty
- No deferred management fees
- You keep 100 percent of any capital gains
You own your home outright, with just a modest weekly site fee that covers all the community’s upkeep. And we’re not talking about bare–bones facilities either – think resort-style pools, cinemas, gyms, bars, bowls, hobby studios and more. Every Living Gems community also comes with a Country Club that’s the heart and soul of the resort – a place to connect, celebrate, and enjoy.
With thriving communities across Queensland and New South Wales – from coastal escapes to hinterland havens – it’s easy to find a location that fits your lifestyle.
If you’re thinking about downsizing or dreaming about what’s next, maybe this is your sign. Less housework, more holidays. Less stress, more you.
