HAPPINESS IN RETIREMENT, COMPARING WHAT MAKES RETIREES HAPPY

Michael T. Braden March 15, 2026 Retirement

I was up late one night reading, and The Shawshank Redemption was on TV. I wasn't really paying attention to the movie, but I turned just in time to see Morgan Freeman's character, "Red," say it was time to "get busy living, or get busy dying". And for whatever reason, that phrase struck a chord with me, unlike the other 30 times I had heard it.

I have been a Medicare Broker and Certified Medicare Planner for the past 11 years, and I constantly chat with my friends and clients about what they plan to do once they retire. Some like to travel, some want to play golf, and many want to chill and enjoy time with friends and family. One of my friends said the day after he formally retired, he went to Rocky Point and threw every watch he owned into the sea.

I started wondering: what are the most common driving forces among people once they decide to quit working full-time? For many, the biggest influence on their decision was their spouse or their family. Oftentimes, people bury themselves in work to mask the pain and hurt of losing someone near and dear to them. And it is harder to imagine being joyful in retirement. But I found this exercise interesting and wanted to share it with you, hoping that some of you will find it interesting and share it with others. After all, as crazy as the world has become, finding joy and sharing happiness with others sure beats the heck out of watching the evening news most nights!

Photo of Braden Medicare Insurance's Key Happiness Factors For Seniors In Retirement Poster

COMMON DENOMINATORS FOR HAPPINESS IN RETIREMENT

BE AT PEACE WITH YOURSELF AND THE WORLD

Every night we say our prayers in our own way. And if you recite the Our Father prayer, we ask others to "forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us". Being able to shake the Etch A Sketch of life so there is a clean slate for the rest of our lives is not easy, but it is rewarding. It gives us clarity and allows us the opportunity to start the next chapter of our lives. For everyone, you do you!. Follow your faith, love your family, and let the foundation you built your house on be your guiding principles as you move forward on your new path................ Retirement, Your Golden Years, whatever you want to call it, it is the next chapter in life, and you do with it what you want, but to quote a song by LeeAnn Wommack, "When you have the chance to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance"!

HAPPINESS IN RETIREMENT STARTS WITH GOOD HEALTH

More people than you realize put off surgeries and procedures until they retire, thinking they will save some money, but more importantly, they will not be worried about taking time off work.

Make sure you have an excellent health plan that fits your needs. And, as hard as it is, try to visualize what you want your health plan to look like, not at age 65, but when you are 70, 80, and beyond. It is often easier said than done, but once you have completed this step, you can take the rest of your steps without looking over your shoulder.

INDEPENDENCE

Did you know that over 75% of seniors between 64 and 74 years of age say they are generally happy to very happy compared with just 51% of those between 25-35 who felt the same way. Seniors feel more alive and fulfilled when they have freedom and independence, live on their own, and do not need supervision.

We have all seen that at a certain point in the circle of life, the aging process can take a toll on our capabilities. Things we didn't think twice about can suddenly go away. And for many seniors, these issues often lead to the need for assistance, additional care, and attention, which has the effect of intruding negatively on our lives. I know it is easier said than done. Still, if we all attack these pitfalls with the attitude and inner strength to IAO (Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome) instead of settling, it's amazing what we can still accomplish.

FAMILY TIES

There is plenty of research linking a sense of belonging to living a longer, healthier, and happier life. Most typically, individuals who live with one or more loved ones have markedly better social skills, peace, and happiness than those who live alone.

Relationships, at all levels, enable seniors to have higher satisfaction quotients

because they provide emotional support, caregiving, and a sense of belonging. Home is always where your heart is, and there is always no place like home...............................

SOCIALLY ADVENTUROUS

It should surprise no one that human beings are social creatures. Some of us crave it; most of us tolerate it, but either way, you cannot deny that the more stimuli we get from others, especially as we continue to age, become more important, and, unfortunately, more complicated, the older we get, and in particular, when we notice more of our friends struggling with their health.

Being on solid financial ground is a catalyst for many people to afford and enjoy a healthy social life, which increases their happiness. Additionally, individuals with strong family ties, friendships, and a sense of belonging in their community experience higher life satisfaction and reduced loneliness. Seniors with active social lives report higher levels of retirement happiness, primarily due to emotional support and a sense of purpose.

HAVING A STRONG FINANCIAL FOUNDATION

Being free from financial worries and having the means to enjoy a productive retirement won’t surprise anyone when it comes to retirement happiness. Furthermore, it comes as no surprise that individuals who control and are in control of their own finances are generally viewed as warmer, calmer, more and happier people. If you build your Retirement home on a strong, sound foundation, you are free to enjoy life without being a worrywart.

And, on the other side of the coin, there is plenty of research and evidence suggesting that people who constantly worry about Health, Healthcare, and day-to-day finances have a much lower HI (Happiness Index).

VOLUNTEERING & GIVING BACK

Everyone who freely volunteers their time and or resources to others or to a noble cause feels better about life, themselves, humanity, and the world in general. Anyone who has ever helped someone else will usually attest that volunteering delivers enormous satisfaction, while keeping them grounded and allowing them to reflect on how positive and successful their lives have truly been, as they enjoy the selfless joy of helping others.

ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTHCARE

Did you know that individuals/retirees who have access to quality healthcare have a life expectancy of 2-5 years longer than those who do not have access to quality healthcare in retirement?

Whether you live in a city, a suburb, or have a nice, quiet place in the country, people are happier when they are healthy. They are calm and unafraid of what may be waiting around the corner, if they are well and properly insured.

Here are a few fun facts that everyone should acknowledge:

• More people over 55 (42%) consider themselves physically active.

• Fewer than 30% of the population consider themselves physically active.

• Adding a modest 10 minutes of physical activity a week increases your happiness levels.

• Psychological Studies show a direct correlation between longevity and regular physical activity.

• Physically active seniors have been shown to have higher levels of self-esteem and greater longevity compared with those who are not.

CARPE DIEM...............SEIZING EACH DAY

Do what you have never done. Check items off your Bucket List. Learn how to paint, learn how to garden, take a pottery class, and put a pot or vase that you make on display in your house. Make a small Garden or Herb Garden at home. Take up photography. Experiment, let your hair down, and commit to learning something new every week. Get better at computers, re-establish your golf game, start playing tennis again, or experiment with Pickleball. Join a cooking club or book club. Volunteer at Church, Give Back by volunteering to teach at a local school. Write a book; it's easy to self-publish it on Amazon.

Embrace the internet, and discover so many things at your fingertips. Keep challenging yourself to learn. The quest for knowledge is as invigorating as a morning bike ride in the fall. Drive a racecar, go in a Hot Air Balloon, go on a rafting trip, and learn a few survival techniques.

STAYING MENTALLY ENGAGED & CHALLENGED

Exactly what stimulates a senior's mind is a subjective matter. For some, it might involve completing word puzzles or quizzes. For others, it might mean managing a local group or running charitable events. Whatever mental stimulation looks like, evidence suggests it improves cognitive function.

Activities that challenge the brain – such as learning new skills – are linked to improved happiness. Keeping the mind engaged contributes to a more fulfilling and enjoyable life while also helping to slow cognitive decline. Put some word apps on your phone or tablet. Read at least one chapter per day of a book.

CARING AND INTERACTING WITH PETS

Perhaps the #1 way to increase happiness and self-confidence is to share your life and home with a pet when you are a senior. In fact, nearly 50% of all seniors have at least one pet. From daily walks to constant companionship, studies have shown that owning pets can lead to increased fitness levels, reduced stress, and enhanced mental well-being, especially by helping keep feelings of isolation and loneliness at bay.

Lastly, this should come as no surprise to anyone, but many seniors admit that their furry friends strongly influence their retirement decisions, including where to live. Having that connection is beautiful. Companionship, trust, and loyalty are all admirable traits, and we get them all back in spades from the pets we love, and often from the pets that make us whole, whether we realize it or not!