Expressing heartfelt retirement wishes to the honorary retiree can be done with poetry, a short speech, or a well-thought out gift; plan out the sentiment ahead of time to make it meaningful and memorable. When deciding how to express congratulations to a retiree, consider the different factors which contribute to a happy retirement. Other than money, which the individual retiring probably has enough of if they are choosing to stop working, a person’s health, happiness, and social network are all equally important.
Healthy Ever After
A person’s health may be priceless, but it is estimated by one large investment firm that the average retiring couple is going to spend a quarter of a million on medical and health care expenses; a number which does not take potential nursing home costs into account. The average does not necessarily represent every American, but it demonstrates a good reason to encourage the retiring worker to take care of their health.
This is the time in life to try new sports or activities. Many retirees choose this period in their lives to take the long awaited luxury cruise and spend extra time golfing; why not greet the end of the working years with a physical challenge which forces the retiree to push their body into the best shape possible? Examples would include extended hiking trips, expeditions to mountain peaks, or kayaking. Other options are to take up a sport and compete at the master’s level, or simply start meeting with a group for tennis or biking.
Happiness
According to Psychology Today, stable and satisfactory social relationships are the foundation of society and have a profound effect on our health and mental well-being. According to a national survey, the majority of those surveyed noted social relationships with friends and family as the largest determining factor in their happiness.
A retirement wish reminding the person leaving the working world can include straightforward reminders of this fact. One can also encourage the person to keep in contact (using their own elaborate gesture,) and not to lose sight of the people who support them. Without regular social engagements, retirement can be a lonely existence.
Money Helps
Planning early to retire helps the individual acquire enough cash and other assets to live on without a job. Even so, a parting ‘wish’ can be a generous cash donation to the cause, and is sure to be appreciated no matter what the person’s financial situation. Retiring individuals expecting to receive gifts can make a simple request of ‘cash is appreciated’ to avoid receiving an endless stream of gifts they may never use.
The final choice will have more impact if it is spoken or offered from the heart. Remind them to engage their hobbies and spend time traveling if they like. Encourage the person to look at their skills and find a way to put them to use. Above all, let them know they still have their friends, and it is important to continue making new ones. Plan a wish for a retiree with care, and send them off to their life of leisure with enthusiasm.
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