Five Things to Prepare for Retirement That Don’t Involve Money

Picture a future version of yourself in retirement. A person who wakes without an alarm, moves with intention, and spends time on experiences that feel meaningful. Your vision can be vivid: where you live, who surrounds you, and how each day unfolds. Retirement planning often focuses on financial aspects. However, mindfulness about lifestyle, purpose, health, and relationships long before the first day of retirement arrives is also vital to making your dream a reality. Research shows people who give these areas thoughtful attention can build retirements that feel richer, more connected, and more personally rewarding.

With that future self in mind, here are some considerations for practical preparation. Choices in these areas today can help shape how your retirement will actually look and feel.

Clarify What Retirement Looks Like

Retirement preparation begins by defining the everyday life you want to manifest. It may include travel and leisure, spending more time with family, or a shift to volunteering or part-time work. According to Fidelity Investments State of Retirement Planning Study, about two-thirds of Americans became more intentional about personal passions and dreams after the COVID-19 pandemic, and many prefer a phased retirement approach over abruptly stopping work. There is no single retirement blueprint, only the version that feels right for the individual living it.

Start by thinking about what each day looks like for you.

• Visualize a typical week.
• List activities you want to pursue regularly.
• Consider where you want to spend your time throughout the year.

This exercise can help you align your planning framework with how you’ll spend your time outside of work. 

Prioritize Health and Well-Being

Longevity has increased, and a longer life can bring both opportunity and challenge. Health concerns are among those challenges. Nearly 80% of older adults manage multiple medical conditions, making proactive planning for this possibility essential. Strong physical health supports independence, allowing retirees to enjoy their golden years.

Preparing for a healthy and happy retirement lifestyle can include:

• Establishing a routine of regular exercise with cardio, strength, and flexibility activities.
• Scheduling preventative health screenings and managing chronic conditions.
• Adopting diets that support long-term brain and heart health.

Prioritizing health in decision-making and practice can drive quality of life in later years more powerfully than financial assets. 

Build and Strengthen Social Connections

Workplaces often have built-in social structures that many retirees suddenly lose. Studies show that only a small share of people include social planning in their retirement preparations, but those who do are far happier. Retirees who engage socially report higher life satisfaction and less loneliness.

To cultivate strong relationships:

• Nurture friendships with family, friends, and neighbors.
• Join clubs, classes, or community groups related to interests.
• Volunteer or engage in group activities that align with personal passions.

Strong social networks contribute to emotional health and a sense of belonging after work ends.

Define Purpose and Activities That Fuel Fulfillment

Many people experience a shift in their sense of purpose after retirement. Nearly 60% of Americans say they would consider working in some capacity after retiring, not strictly for income, but for fulfillment and identity. Purpose, however, can also grow from relationships, learning, creativity, and service. Time invested in family, community involvement, and personal growth can provide a sense of structure and meaning. Finding those outlets before leaving the workforce makes the transition feel natural and energizing.

Retirees can explore purpose through:

• Mentoring, consulting, or charitable pursuits
• Creative pursuits like writing, music, or art
• Service-oriented roles, such as volunteering with nonprofits or local schools

Choose Where and How You Want to Live

Leaving a career is a major change that can lead to bigger changes in where and how you live. Some retirees downsize for simplicity, while others relocate to be closer to family or to enjoy a different climate, culture, or pace. Maintaining independence is a priority for many retirees, so having easy access to necessities like grocery stores and healthcare providers can also influence a decision to relocate.

Important housing questions include:

• Do you want to stay in your current community or explore a new region?
• Will proximity to healthcare, public transit, or recreational amenities enhance your life?
• How will your home support mobility and comfort as you age?

Taking time to evaluate living options gives you greater confidence and comfort in retirement.

Pulling It All Together

A comprehensive retirement plan blends financial readiness with thoughtful decisions about lifestyle, purpose, health, and relationships. People who prepare for these aspects often experience smoother transitions and more fulfilling retirements.

If you’re thinking about these non-financial domains and wondering how they align with your overall retirement strategy, an SHP Financial advisor can help you integrate them into a holistic plan. Contact an SHP Financial advisor today for a complimentary review, so your road map can lead you to the retirement lifestyle you envision.