Keys to a Happy Retirement

I recently read a British newspaper article on how to live happily in retirement.

(I was intrigued by the term "new retirement" used in the article. It made me wonder what "old retirement" was like!)

The  article posed some interesting questions for those planning to retire:

1. What do you want out of life?
2. What do you enjoy doing?
3. How will you fill the social gap retirement from work brings? 

The article suggested that four things are necessary to be happy in retirement.

1. Having a social network
2. Having a purpose that challenges one's mind (Work to do)
3. Learning new things (Ongoing personal development)
4. Having fun.

When I mentioned these points to a fellow potter, also a retired teacher, while we doing our pottery in the studio, she quickly commented: Like coming here to do pottery. There is a community, we learn from each other, we are challenged by the work - and we are having fun!

I have a quilting friend who would no doubt say the same about her community of quilters - which is probably why having a hobby to pursue in retirement is so important.