Later life doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom, and it certainly shouldn’t be. But, just in case you need a reminder, here are seven huge perks that later life holds.
Cheaper Travel
While this varies from country to country, public transport is often cheaper for those in their later years. In the UK, for example, anyone old enough to claim their state pension can get a free bus pass. It can be used at off-peak times, so that’s 9:30am-11pm during the week, and at any time on Saturday and Sunday. You can also sometimes get cards that make you eligible for reduced rail fares.
Pension Claims
What does retiring mean? It means you finally get access to your pension! If you’ve been saving for years, this could mean a real little nest-egg! Just be sure to budget wisely and make it last.
More Free Time
Another fantastic perk of later life is all the free time you have on your hands. No more commuting at rush hour. No more eight hours a day behind a desk. It truly is a wonderful thing getting fresh access to time. Spend what you have wisely. Travel! Go and see a place you’ve only ever seen in photographs but would love to see with your own eyes. It could be the Northern Lights or just the Angel of the North!
Equity Release
Releasing Equity is a great option for older adults. You can do this as long as you’re a homeowner over the age of 55. Using an online calculator is a quick and simple way to get started, and means you can do it from the comfort of your own home.
Greater Self-Esteem And Confidence
Remember those awkward teenage years? The difficult twenties, when you were finding a partner and a job that made you happy? Your thirties, when you had kids, you partner and your job to juggle? Those days are behind you now, and will likely have left you with much more confidence. Use this new self-esteem wisely. As the poem by Jenny Joseph says; “When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple, with a red hat that doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me…”
Give Something Back To The Community
In the same way that free time can be spent on hobbies and travel, it can also give you a great opportunity to give back. Find a project to volunteer on that excites you. If you’ve always wanted to show children how fun maths can be, now is the time! Or, if you had great care during a difficult time in your life, see if you can now give back as a volunteer.
Time To Leave A Legacy
The legacy you’d like to leave behind could be a number of things. Perhaps you’d like to set up a charitable organisation, or a sports club. You could even create and lead a music group. Whatever you pick, choose something that others can continue to benefit from long after you are gone.