Before retirement: The must-do steps for a comfortable and meaningful future
Retirement is one of life’s most significant transitions. For decades, daily routines revolve around schedules, responsibilities, deadlines and long-term goals. Then, gradually or suddenly, that structure shifts and time becomes more flexible. This stage can feel liberating, unfamiliar and occasionally uncertain. Preparing early and with intention is therefore one of the most effective ways to ensure a smoother transition.
A comfortable and fulfilling retirement does not happen by default. It is shaped over time through practical planning, changes in perspective and lifestyle choices that support long-term stability and personal satisfaction. Whether retirement is approaching in the near future or still some years away, the principles below offer a clear framework for approaching this phase with confidence and balance.
Leisure interests and hobbies also play an important role during retirement. Activities that encourage mental engagement and social interaction, including classic Pinoy pastimes such as tongits games and tongits tournaments, can help support cognitive sharpness and a continued sense of social connection.
The following sections explore key considerations for building a retirement that is both secure and rewarding.
1. Evaluate the financial readiness honestly
Money is one of the most important elements of retirement planning and requires a clear understanding of several key points:
• How much is currently available
• How much will be needed
• How long savings are likely to last
• How lifestyle choices may affect ongoing expenses
A useful starting point is a review of savings, pensions, investments and any sources of passive income. Retirement expenses are often underestimated, particularly healthcare costs and lifestyle spending during the early years of retirement when activity levels remain high.
Practical steps include:
• Calculating expected monthly expenses
• Reviewing retirement funds and existing savings
• Seeking professional financial advice if required
• Adjusting spending and saving habits during the final working years
A financially stable retirement supports peace of mind and allows time for rest, personal interests and leisure activities such as tongits online, tongits mobile formats or friendly tongits tournaments without unnecessary financial pressure.
2. Build a lifestyle plan – not just a financial one
Many people concentrate on finances when preparing for retirement but give less thought to what everyday life will actually involve.
Key questions to consider include:
- What will my days be filled with?
- What will make me feel productive and purposeful?
- What hobbies will keep me active mentally and physically?
Some retirees experience boredom or a loss of identity after leaving full-time work, particularly when much of life has previously revolved around a professional role. This adjustment is often smoother when a clear vision of post-retirement life is considered in advance.
A lifestyle plan may include:
- Learning new hobbies
- Traveling, even locally
- Joining clubs or community groups
- Playing recreational games like tongits card games, which can help keep the mind sharp
- Volunteering for meaningful causes
- Starting a small business or freelance work
- Focusing on health and fitness
Creating structure – even loose structure – can make retirement feel exciting rather than empty.
3. Secure health early
Health becomes a central long-term priority with age. Preparing in advance of retirement increases the likelihood of maintaining an active and independent lifestyle over time.
Here are crucial steps:
- Schedule full physical and dental checkups.
- Update vaccinations and preventive screenings.
- Adopt healthier eating and exercise habits.
- Learn stress-management skills.
- Consider a fitness routine you can maintain long-term.
Even mentally stimulating challenges, such as playing strategic games like Tongits master-level tactics, puzzle solving, reading, or brain-training exercises, can help support cognitive health.
4. Strengthen the social connections
Loneliness is a common but often overlooked challenge in retirement. A working environment typically provides regular interaction, collaboration and routine. When that structure disappears, feelings of isolation can emerge.
Building and maintaining relationships early can help preserve a sense of connection. This may involve reconnecting with friends, strengthening family ties or joining local community groups.
Shared hobbies also support social engagement. Traditional card games such as tongits, whether enjoyed in person at family gatherings or through social online platforms, encourage interaction and create relaxed opportunities for bonding.
5. Explore meaningful activities that provide purpose
Purpose is essential for emotional and mental well-being. A meaningful retirement is not just about relaxing – it’s about focusing on what matters most.
Here are some ideas that add meaning:
- Community involvement or volunteer work
- Mentoring younger people
- Spending time with grandchildren
- Caring for a garden
- Learning new skills
- Teaching hobbies one’s passionate about
- Playing recreational strategy games like tongits for mental agility, which can keep the mind active
Purpose does not need to be complicated. It simply needs to be rooted in personal interest and meaning.
6. Prepare emotionally for the change
Retirement isn’t just a financial shift – it’s an emotional one.
It may involve experiences such as:
- Relief and happiness
- Anxiety or uncertainty
- Loss of identity
- Difficulty adjusting to a new routine
- Pressure from expectations
These feelings are normal. One of the best ways to prepare is to slowly ease into the idea of retirement.
Try developing hobbies now, practicing downtime, or even reducing work hours if possible.
Talks with family members, friends or professionals can help if the change feels overwhelming. A positive mindset supports a smoother and more fulfilling transition.
7. Create a balance between enjoyment and responsibility
A successful retirement balances enjoyment with structure.
Time can be spent travelling, relaxing and exploring hobbies, including leisure activities such as tongits online matches, tongits-friendly competitions or classic card games with family, while still maintaining healthy routines.
But also remember:
- Stick to a budget
- Monitor the savings
- Stay mindful of health
- Avoid overspending early in retirement
Balance is key to making a retirement last long and feel meaningful.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the best age to start preparing for retirement?
It’s ideal to start planning in the 40s or even earlier, but it’s never too late. Even if retirement is only a few years away, it’s still possible to make significant improvements in savings, health, and lifestyle planning.
2. How much money do i need for a comfortable retirement?
It varies depending on lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. The best approach is to calculate expected monthly expenses and compare them with the retirement income, pension, and savings.
3. How do i stay mentally sharp during retirement?
Stay mentally active through reading, social interaction, learning new skills, and playing strategic games like tongue-in-cheek puzzle games or card strategies such as tongits, which help stimulate cognitive processing.
The editorial unit
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