5 Things Successful Retirees Do Differently That Have Nothing to Do With Money

It's tempting to assume that a stress-free retirement plan hinges on how much you have in the bank. But that's only part of what creates happiness in the senior years. Research shows that many other factors come into play, and that a "numbers only" approach may leave you unfulfilled or wishing you had made other choices.

What are these choices? They are largely related to more intangible riches, such as friendships, activities, and identity. Prioritizing them now, before you retire, can set you up for a better transition and, ultimately, thriving golden years.

A better predictor of happiness

You could look to your 401(k) balance, safe withdrawal rates, and Social Security timing as the means to a happy retirement. Studies around retirement and well-being find that these aren't the best predictors of contentment, especially when it comes to the sometimes difficult transition period after you stop working.

Rather, happy retirees intentionally build non-financial habits into their plan, and some cost little or nothing. These key components include rebuilding a post-career identity, deep social interactions, and as much independence as possible. Most of these can be anchored in activity and community, and not a bigger nest egg.

Build a new identity

It can be very hard for some retirees to know who they are when not in a sales manager, pilot, farmer, or other career-oriented role. And studies show that those who cling to their old selves struggle with mood and adjustment. Those who developed new identities for this season of life had better psychological health outcomes.

Ways to do this include volunteering, teaching, mentoring, or experimenting with new roles that were off-limits before due to time constraints. A successful shift here depends less on income and more on "Who do I want to be now?"

Prioritize health and movement

Rather than treat their investment account as their most precious resource, thriving retirees treat their bodies as the main retirement asset to protect. One way to do this is by staying active, which has been linked to better mental health and slower physical decline.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity, with additional benefits at higher levels. This amount has shown marked benefits compared to being sedentary. Daily walks, gardening, or water aerobics all count, proving you don't need an expensive gym membership to keep moving.

Never stop learning

College may be decades behind you, but lifelong learning opportunities abound. Seniors have more chances than ever to pick up a new skill or become adept in any topic; technology has made it easier to learn even when local classes aren't in session.

The benefits of keeping an active mind may include better overall cognitive health and well-being in older adults. Whether it's learning a language or mastering video editing, there is no pressure at this stage to tie the learning to a certification or degree. Seniors can pursue things that are a true passion — stretching the brain is its own reward.

Keep a positive mindset

An attitude of gratitude may do more than frame life in a more positive way. It can also help seniors develop emotional resilience, a true antidote to loss of identity and loneliness. A recent Harvard study found that older adults who reported higher levels of gratitude also tended to have greater longevity than their peers.

Ways to practice gratitude include keeping a journal where you write down everything you appreciate, meditation and prayer, and sharing small wins with those around you. Even framing old age as the gift of more years can make a difference in how seniors see and experience the rest of their worlds.

Create more structure

If you've lived a mostly "TGIF" life prior to retirement, the idea of having so much time to yourself may be overwhelming. In fact, losing workplace structure can lead to feelings of aimlessness and lack of purpose.

Seniors may adjust better when they map out those first months and years of retirement, filling them with structured activities and responsibilities that more closely mirror pre-retirement life. Retirees might try creating a sample calendar before they retire, including hobbies, exercise, social activities, and even rest, with commitments as weekly fixed anchors to build around.

Bottom line

Money matters for security, but it's not the only consideration for a purpose-filled retirement. Many of the benefits for seniors that really matter, like health and community, are actually free.

If the prospect seems unfamiliar, reach out to a retiree who seems to be enjoying life. Not only will you find a mentor who can guide you in the right direction, but you'll be adding to their life, too. Hard things are easier when we share them.