Adapting to retirement - maintaining a strong relationship

Retirement can be an exciting but challenging time for couples. If one or both of you have stopped working, your day-to-day life will change. Planning your retirement together can help make this phase of life easier and more enjoyable.

Retirement can be an exciting but challenging time for couples.  If one or both of you have stopped working, your day-to-day life will change.  Planning your retirement together can help make this phase of life easier and more enjoyable.

Take time out together when you’re both relaxed to work out your individual and shared dreams.

Start with a blank piece of paper and write down how each of you would like to spend your time.  Perhaps there is a new hobby or skill you want to learn? There may be gardens, museums, or concerts you’ve always wanted to experience.  Maybe keeping fit is something you want to explore?  Or spending more time with children or grandchildren might be your goal? 

Once you’ve completed your individual lists, share your ideas and highlight the ones you have in common.  Listen and support each other’s vision.

Agree on a couple of things you’d like to try together and perhaps a couple you’d like to do separately. 

For example, a couple moving into a stunning apartment at Inspired Warwick or Tattenhall could enjoy the facilities together and separately.  Together they might try body balance classes as part of the exclusive Wellness Membership or choose to meet like-minded people and feast on wonderful food at the village brasserie once a week.  Separately, one member could enjoy ‘me time’ afternoons with the classics in the village library while the other relaxes in the Swedish sauna or spa pool.  However you organise your time the possibilities are endless……

Whatever plan you come up with, it’s important to remember to respect each other’s wishes and adjust the decisions if something isn’t working. 

Retirement is all about sharing a dream and looking forward to the days ahead.