Usual advice about retirement is boring, but topics that go beyond conventional financial recommendation like investing in a pet, playing more golf and taking more fishing trips can leave many new and soon to be retirees craving for more.
Invest In A Pet.
“Roll over!” isn’t just a command from your financial advisor, it’s also one of your best friend’s tricks. Dogs and cats aren’t traditional retirement planning topics, but owning a pet can be one of the best investments a retiree makes.
In addition to providing unconditional love, a pet can keep you active. A dog, for example creates opportunities for a daily walk, and can dramatically improve your social life by making it easier to meet new people. A purring cat, with fewer outdoor needs, can provide affection and daily social interaction within more confined spaces.
Research indicates that pets give owners a sense of purpose, which can be crucial when you’re feeling down in the dumps. Companionship combats feelings of loneliness, boosting a person’s overall mood and can even increase one’s level of joy and happiness.
CDC and National Institute of Health (NIH) studies also point to health benefits, noting that pet owners often have lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can minimize the risk of heart attack.
Consider adopting a pet from a local shelter to personalize the concept of socially responsible investing.
Play More Golf.
Precious metals come in different shapes and sizes, with some of the most popular being numbered 3 through 9. Just as some investors hedge their portfolio to offset risk, retirees need to do the same as a hedge against retirement’s dark side, which can include addiction, depression, and more. Activities such as golf help retirees stay fit, socially connected, and mentally stimulated.
Research suggests that golfers who walk nine holes carrying their bag can burn upwards of 721 calories and cover more than 2.5 miles. Golfers employing a caddie can burn over 600 calories; while those who ride in a cart still burn 411 calories on average.
A set of golf clubs can go a long way in helping you build an identity outside of the workplace, keep you in touch with family and friends, and provide opportunities to meet new people. Additionally, golf allows you to give back and help others through participation in a variety of charitable and other fundraising events.
Physically, older golfers tend to have better balance, control, and confidence than non-golfing peers. And mentally, golf can keep you sharp through concentration on the ball, imagining your swing, and calculating scores.
Take That Annual Fishing Trip.
When most people think about making sure their assets pass onto their heirs and the need to avoid probate, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t usually selecting a fishing lure (get-it? pro-bait) However, I believe that if people concentrated on the really important aspects of their legacy, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles.
Fishing instills important values, such as stewardship of the environment and natural resources, while sharing a fishing experience helps strengthen relationships with family and friends … just ask a kid how much fun reeling in that first fish was.
Another of fishing’s “legacy” benefits includes spending time outdoors, which can help a retiree feel alive and connected to the world. Many wild fish are low-fat, low-cholesterol and high-protein, which may just keep you around longer, creating more memories and traditions on your favorite dock, boat or shoreline.
Similar to other secrets of life, anglers know that fishing isn’t about catching the perfect fish; it’s about the immeasurable life lessons and experiences gained along the way. After all, a bad day of fishing still beats any day spent in probate court.
Visit the Original Post here:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertlaura/2014/11/28/retirement-advice-you-never-get-but-need-to-hear/
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