The three keys to retirement contentment

When it comes to retirement, it’s easy to get so caught up in planning for the future that we forget to appreciate where we are right now. That’s why understanding the foundations of contentment in retirement—and how they work with each other—is so important. By keeping them front of mind, we’re less likely to miss that fleeting moment where we have everything we need, a moment people often only recognise in hindsight. Those three things? Time, health, and money. Sure, they’re vital at any stage of life, but as we get older things shift: time is more available, money enables us to turn long-held plans into reality and health underpins our ability to fully enjoy life. Finding the balance can be a juggle, but keeping it front of mind might just be the framework you need to build a fulfilling retirement. Let’s explore the three pillars, how they’re interconnected and why striking the right balance can dial up your happiness. 

The golden triangle—and how it changes as we age

Let’s visualise these pillars of contentment as a triangle, with time, health, and money forming the three sides. The challenge lies in recognising how this triangle shifts over the course of our lives—and understanding when to make the most of it.

In our earlier years, we enjoy the health and energy that come with youth and time is abundant—but money is often scarce. As we move into midlife, careers and family take centre stage. We’re earning more, but time becomes limited, squeezed by responsibilities and commitments.

By the time we hit our 70s and 80s, we’re often richer in time and money but may find our health declining. Physical limitations can make it harder to enjoy the freedoms we’ve worked so hard to achieve.

The sweet spot? That comes in our 50s and 60s—a phase where the triangle is balanced. We have enough money to fund our dreams, our health is still strong, and retirement or reduced work hours free up time. This period is unique and fleeting, and that's why it’s so important to recognise it and seize the opportunity to travel, pursue hobbies, and make memories. Delaying too long may mean missing out on experiences that require physical activity or energy.

Balancing the triangle

Time, health, and money might feel like quite different things, but they’re interconnected: focusing too much on one pillar can throw the entire triangle out of balance. For example, if you over-prioritise money, you might work longer to grow your savings and put off retiring – but deplete your health and limit your time for meaningful experiences and connection. If you’re not proactive about doing whatever you can to protect your health, you may find your ability to enjoy your time is impacted by its decline. Plus, it limits what your money can achieve. Similarly, prioritising leisure without spending time on planning for financial security could lead to stress and limitations down the track. 

Choices in one area should work with—not against—the others. Keeping the triangle balanced can help keep life balanced, making retirement more enjoyable and rewarding.

From accumulation to optimisation

For much of our working lives, the focus is on accumulation—building up superannuation, investments, and savings to feel financially secure. While this is obviously important, retirement requires a shift in mindset from saving as much as possible to optimising what you have—and we’re not just talking about your money.

Optimisation means ensuring your resources—time, health, and money—are working together to create the life you want. This might involve:

• Adjusting spending to match your goals and priorities.
• Investing in your health through fitness, nutrition, and preventative care.
• Planning for experiences, like travel or learning, while you still have the energy and enthusiasm to enjoy them fully.

Ultimately, it’s about being intentional. Think of your resources as tools to support your wellbeing, rather than as ends in themselves. By focusing on balance, you can reduce the risk of regret and embrace the opportunities of retirement.