SO you have reached that point in your life when your time is now your own. No more wondering what to wear and how to get to work on time. Did you know, though, that your retirement years can last from 20 to 40 years? A 2011 report of the Global Health Observatory of the World Health Organization states that the global population aged 60 years can expect to live another 20 years. Now, “80” is the new “60”.

Research has shown that there are five phases of retirement — pre-retirement, retirement, disenchantment, reorientation and retirement fulfilment. Pre-retirement is the planning phase that happens while you are still working, and the questions you ask yourself are, when will I retire, where will I live and what will I do?

There are three paths that you can take when you are in the retirement phase — the honeymoon path, the routine path and the relaxation path. If you take the honeymoon path, you will feel excited about being retired and possibly want to celebrate. Choosing the routine path will lead you to following the plans that you made during the pre-retirement phase. Going the way of the third path, relaxation, is just that, you slow down and do less.

Since it takes a while for you to fully accept that you are a retiree, the disenchantment phase can kick in. Not being in your usual work environment and not seeing your work colleagues can cause you to feel sad and anxious. You may grieve the loss of the life you used to have. But give yourself time to renew and find yourself. Do not give up hope, begin to re-orientate (the fourth phase) and take the time to ask yourself, what really makes me happy? What do I enjoy the most? What are my interests? What have I not done that I really want to?

So:

Celebrate

Take the honeymoon path and plan a trip, now that you have left the world of work. Travel to one of those faraway places that you have on your bucket list — visit the Holy Land of Israel, where Jesus walked, or the continent of Africa, with vast land areas such as the Serengeti, or Switzerland, with beautiful snow-capped mountains. And, if travelling is not your thing, plan a staycation and explore the breathtaking sites of Jamaica.

Give back

The challenge of retirement is how to spend time without spending money. — Author Unknown

Volunteer in an organisation that makes you smile and one that you are comfortable working with. Be a mentor and pass on your wisdom to the next generation.

Learn something new

An active brain wards off illnesses such as Alzheimer’s. Learning to play a musical instrument can stimulate the brain. The many benefits of learning to play an instrument include lower levels of stress and the joyful feelings from achieving the ability to play. Hablas Español or parlez vous Français? Why not learn a foreign language and keep your brain alert and engaged?

Trace your genealogy

Trace your genealogy and find out who your ancestors are. Did you know that as many as 440, 000 Jamaicans are said to have Jewish ancestry? Fascinating too is that about one-third of the white population in Jamaica in the 18th century were of Scottish origin. Find out something new about your past. Plan a visit to The National Library of Jamaica. Established in 1979, the library will provide you with a plethora of information about your forefathers.

Stick to your budget

I’m retired — goodbye tension, hello pension! — Author Unknown

Live within your means, especially if you have a fixed income from a pension each month. If you are not completely tired of the world of work, you could consider getting a part-time job and earn some additional dollars. You will have to think about what kind of lifestyle you will want after retiring. Not working means that you will not have a monthly income, you may have to downsize, move in with family or just simply budget wisely.

Take good care of yourself

Eat proper meals that have no salt and no sugar. Salt and sugar are the main contributors of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. As you retire, preparing for your health care is vital. You will need to consider how you will pay for your medical and long-term care. Bear in mind, too, that health costs can get more expensive each year.

When you have done what you believe is good for you, your retirement fulfilment, the fifth phase, can provide you with good health, a strong sense of purpose and healthy relationships. Make your life after 60 the most treasured time of your life.

Celia McGregor is a Licensed Associate Counselling Psychologist with the Council of Professions Supplemental to Medicine in Kingston. She is also a Licensed Mental Health Counsellor (LMHC) and a National Certified Counsellor (NCC) in the United States. In the coming weeks she will also share interviews she has conducted with retirees, and their lives going forward.