Happy senior couple hiking in nature on a cloudy day
This article was developed in collaboration with Teladoc Health and is a summary of a 2026 Aware Super webinar presented by Teladoc Health. This content is general information only. Please consult your GP or relevant health practitioner for advice that considers your personal circumstances.
Retirement is one of life's big transitions. And while the financial side gets a lot of attention, the changes to your daily routine, sense of purpose, and social connections matter just as much. Understanding what supports your wellbeing through this stage physically, mentally, and emotionally can help you step into retirement feeling confident, connected, and ready for what's ahead. And when your health supports your ability to stay active and engaged, it also helps protect the income and super you've worked hard to build.
How does staying active help in retirement?
Movement is one of the most powerful things you can do to maintain your health and support your mental wellbeing. Regular activity reduces the risk of chronic conditions and some cancers¹. It also lifts your mood, improves sleep, and helps maintain the balance and mobility that support your independence¹.
For people aged 65 and over, the recommendation is at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on most days. But it doesn't have to be structured or intense — what matters most is finding movement you enjoy and building it into your routine.
Some ideas to get started:
Cardio: Brisk walking, swimming, cycling, water aerobics, or a round of golf.
Building strength: resistance training, carrying groceries or even simple yard work.
Flexibility and balance: Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, dancing, or stretching — all of which support mobility.
If you're unsure what's right for your health, an exercise physiologist can help you find a starting point that suits you, visit our Health and Wellbeing Support page to find out more.
Why is mental health so important during retirement?
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Challenging your brain helps support memory, focus, and cognitive health over time.²
It doesn't take much to make a difference. Learning something new whether that's a language, an instrument, or a cooking class keeps your mind active in a meaningful way. So does pursuing a hobby, doing puzzles, or playing strategic games like chess or mahjong.
Volunteering and mentoring are also worth considering. Sharing your knowledge and experience with others including younger people provides mental stimulation, a sense of purpose, and genuine social connection³.
Why does connection matter so much?
For many people, retirement brings a shift in social rhythms. Fewer incidental connections and less daily structure can affect mood and motivation over time.
Staying socially connected is one of the most effective ways to protect your mental health. Research shows that regular social engagement can reduce the risk of depression and support cognitive health.³
Connection can take many forms — joining a local club or class, volunteering in your community, organising regular catch-ups with people you enjoy. There's no single right way. What matters is staying engaged with the people and communities around you.
How can mindfulness support my wellbeing?
Retirement is a big shift, and feeling unsettled along the way is completely normal. Looking after your emotional wellbeing is just as essential as your physical and mental health.⁴
Simple mindfulness practices can make a meaningful difference. These include guided meditation with apps like Calm or Headspace, or guided meditations on YouTube are a good starting point. Deep breathing exercises or connecting with nature through walking or gardening are also simple and effective mindfulness actions.
You don't need to overhaul your life. Small, consistent habits paired with staying active, sleeping well, and connecting with others can meaningfully support your mood and resilience over time.
What should I be eating in retirement?
Good nutrition supports your energy, mobility, brain function, and mood all things that shape your quality of life in retirement. As we age, nutrition becomes especially important.
Fibre: Supports digestion, blood sugar regulation, and heart health. Find it in fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Calcium: Essential for bone and muscle health. Aim for four serves daily of dairy foods or fortified plant-based alternatives soy, almond, or oat milk. Almonds, leafy greens, sardines, and firm tofu are also good sources.⁵
Hydration: As we age, our sense of thirst decreases but even mild dehydration affects mood, energy, and concentration. Drink before you feel thirsty and vary your fluids throughout the day⁶.
What support is included in your membership?
As an Aware Super member, you and your family have access to confidential health and wellbeing support through Teladoc Health at no additional cost. This includes mental health support, nutrition and fitness guidance, and tailored advice on physical activity and healthy ageing. No referral needed. Visit our Health and Wellbeing Support page to find out more.
Your next steps
Access your Teladoc Health benefit: This includes confidential support for mental health, nutrition, and physical wellbeing at no additional cost. Visit Aware Super’s Health and Wellbeing services to get started.
Explore our retirement resources: Visit Aware Super’s Your retirement page for practical tools and guides to help you make the most of your retirement.
Book a financial planning appointment: if you'd like to discuss your retirement goals or seek financial advice. Members can get a 45-minute video call Super Helpful Check-in with a qualified expert to help you understand your options at no extra cost*. You can also get comprehensive advice about your broader financial situation for an additional fee.*
FAQ
Yes, it is. No longer having the structure, routine, and social connection that work provides can take time to adjust to. You're not alone. Visit Aware Super’s Your retirement page for practical resources to help you navigate this new chapter.
As an Aware Super member, you have access to confidential wellbeing support through Teladoc Health including mental health, nutrition, and physical activity guidance, all at no extra cost. Visit Aware Super’s Health and Wellbeing Support page to find out more.
Log into Member Online at aware.com.au or download the Aware Super mobile app to check your balance at any time. If you'd like personalised guidance, you can book a financial planning appointment with a qualified expert. Members can get a Super Helpful Check-in to discuss their super at no extra cost, or comprehensive advice for an additional fee.*
Visit our Age Pension hub for guides, tools, and information to help you understand your entitlements and how they connect with your super.
All services through Teladoc Health are completely confidential. Depending on your needs, you can access a GP, mental health professional, dietician, or exercise physiologist all without leaving home. Health professionals are there to help, not judge, and are experienced in supporting people through the emotional, physical, and lifestyle changes that come with retirement. Visit Aware Super’s Health and Wellbeing Support page to find out more.
*Advice provided by Aware Financial Services Australia Limited (ABN 86 003 742 756, AFSL 238430), wholly owned by Aware Super.
1 Australian Government Department of Health, Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Australians, health.gov.au
2 Harvard Health Publishing, Six Simple Steps to Keep Your Mind Sharp, health.harvard.edu
3 IRT Group, The Benefits of Intergenerational Relationships, irt.org.au
4 Jean Hailes for Women's Health, Emotional Wellbeing, jeanhailes.org.au
5 Eat for Health, Calcium, eatforhealth.gov.au
6 Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, Why Meals Matter, agedcarequality.gov.au
The information contained in Wellbeing in retirement: staying healthy, active and connected is given in good faith and has been derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. No warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this information is given and no responsibility is accepted by Aware Super Pty Ltd or its employees for any loss or damage arising from reliance on the information provided.", Advice provided by Aware Financial Services Australia Limited (ABN 86 003 742 756, AFSL 238430), wholly owned by Aware Super. Members can get advice about their Aware Super accounts at no extra cost, or advice on their broader needs for a fee. Fees are payable for comprehensive advice, including about your financial situation outside super. If you decide to move forward with comprehensive financial planning, we’ll explain our fees before you begin. Everyone’s situation is different, and we haven’t considered your financial situation. So, before deciding about joining, you should read our product disclosure statement and Target Market Determination and consider your own personal circumstances to decide if this is the right thing for you. These documents are available on our website at aware.com.au/pds or call us and we’ll send you a copy. Issued by Aware Super Pty Ltd (ABN 11 118 202 672, AFSL 293340) trustee of Aware Super (ABN 53 226 460 365).
TAL Life Limited, ABN 70 050 109 450, AFSL 237848 ('the insurer', or 'TAL') provides health services to Aware Super. This includes this service by Teladoc Health Australasia PTY LTD (Teladoc Health) (ACN 147 387 666). It is intended to provide general health information and advice. This service is available to you, your spouse and your children if you have insurance through Aware Super with TAL. Teladoc Health is not part of Aware Super or TAL, and services are provided by Teladoc Health, not Aware Super or TAL. The recommendations provided by this service are based on medical and other information you provide to Teladoc Health. Services are provided by Teladoc Health. Teladoc Health is the entity that will collect, use, disclose, store, secure and dispose of your personal health information if you use their services. TAL have exercised all due care and diligence when selecting Teladoc Health as a provider of these services. Aware Super and TAL do not take any responsibility for the services provided by Teladoc Health and do not recommend them as suitable for every individual. The information provided by this service is not a substitute for advice from a qualified medical professional or other health professional. This service is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any health problem. Always consult your general practitioner or medical specialist before accessing any support service. These services may be subject to change or withdrawal in future.