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Life in retirement

Section 2

In this section, you’ll learn more about your day-to-day living in retirement. And how you can stay healthy doing it. You’ll find the answers to: 

  • How to retire well
  • How to stay physically and socially active
  • Volunteering or giving back.
     

And don’t forget - at the end of this section, you can also download your second retirement activity sheet to help you create a new daily routine in retirement.

Download checklist

What to do in retirement

Retirement looks different for everyone. But experts agree that having a sense of purpose can make retirement more rewarding for everyone. 


While you’re still working, you may feel like your job is a big part of your identity. So when your career comes to an end, it can be hard to adjust. Finding your purpose in retirement is vital to good physical, mental, and social health.

Retired friends playing cards
Did you know?

Studies show there are simple things you can do to keep your brain active.^ Diet, physical activity and social connections all contribute. It's important to maintain:

  • Eating well for a healthy heart and mind
  • A regular, quality sleep routine
  • Physical activity and exercise
  • New challenges, like hobbies, books, and learning
  • Social connections with friends, family and community.

Keep the senses engaged

Check out council festivals, concerts, or music clubs. Try searching "What's on near me?" and see what's happening in your local area.
Retired seniors travelling and having coffee

Do light gardening

Gardening and housework are simple ways to stay active. Try joining your local community garden to connect with like-minded green thumbs.
Diverse couple gardening

Enjoy active catch-ups

Make your exercise social. Catch up with a friend for a walk, it's a great way to get moving and enjoy some company.
Elderly mother and younger daughter at the beach

Sports or community clubs

Join a sports club or try community classes to move your body and stimulate your mind.
Retired male swimming
Did you know?
Aware Super insured members have access to a range of health and wellbeing services - like mental health, nutrition and fitness, menopause and grief support services. You can extend these services to your partner and children over 18. They’re completely confidential and included at no extra cost. 

What drives others to volunteer and support their communities?

Feeling useful through volunteering, mentoring or working in your community can give you a sense of purpose and increase social wellbeing.
Volunteer retirement statistics
Living the retirement dream

“Ten years ago, retirement actually terrified me because I’d been working since I left school.
I’m 70 now and I retired at 63. I really loved my job but I can truly say I have not missed one second of it. 
Before retiring I was on that treadmill where I had to get up, go to work, fight the traffic. Now I get up and I go to the gym five mornings a week, and then I have a good social life.”#

Read Lesley’s story

Planning how to spend your time - both alone and with others - will help you enjoy it more. If you have a partner, it’s worth talking about your retirement plans together. You’ll probably be spending more time with each other, so it’s good to chat about expectations. This worksheet helps you think about your new daily retirement routine and scheduled activities.

Download the activity sheet

Up next: What semi-retirement looks like

Next up in Section 3: Retirement is different for everyone - and for some - that includes continuing to work and live a semi-retired life. There are many benefits to keeping up some level of work, including keeping active, mentally engaged and maintaining an income stream. 

Go to next section Return to home

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Retirement tools and calculators

Our online digital tools help you plan and work out how much you need in retirement, based on the lifestyle you want and how long you need your savings to last.
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Get a Retire Ready Check-in

Ready to retire now, or within the next 24 months? You can book a 45-minute Retire Ready Check-in with one of our expert financial advisers - all included as part of being an Aware Super member.[AD1][AD2]
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Learn to make the most of your super

Find education events, resources and tools that make navigating your superannuation and retirement options super simple.
Visit Learn Hub
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^ Dementia Australia, Reduce your risk of dementia

# Members have provided their consent to the materials and statements attributed to them, in the form and context in which they appear and have not withdrawn this consent as at the date of preparation. The views expressed here belong to the individuals concerned and are not necessarily the views of Aware Super Pty Ltd.   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.  This information should not be construed as advice, whether it be general or personal advice, nor should it be substituted for obtaining professional financial, legal or tax advice. 

[AD1] Advice provided by Aware Financial Services Australia Limited (ABN 86 003 742 756, AFSL 238430), wholly owned by Aware Super. 

[AD2] Members can get advice about their Aware Super accounts at no extra cost, or advice on their broader needs for a fee.