Naturally most of our conversations with you are about money, and how we can help you secure the future of your family and maximize your wealth. However we also recognize that your financial position is only one single input to help you live a rich and fulfilled life. Family, friends, your social life, your career and many other factors help you to live life to the full.
We recently came across the Irish longitudinal study of aging (TILDA), which is a large scale, nationally representative, long term study on aging in Ireland. It collects information from adults aged 50 years and over resident in Ireland and as one of the most comprehensive research studies of its kind both in Europe and Internationally. TILDA’s Vision is to make Ireland ‘the best place in the world to grow old’ by studying the health, wealth and quality of life aspects of ageing. We thought this research was definitely worth sharing with you.
Four waves of research with over 8,000 people have been completed since the launch of the study in 2006. So what can we learn from TILDA to help us live a more fulfilled life in retirement?
Retirement is not the end.
Quality of life peaks at age 68 – this is when life is at its best! TILDA found that people aged 80 enjoy a similar quality of life as people age 50. Its only from age 80 onwards that quality of life starts to decrease.
Social participation is really important
Increased social integration, through maintaining a larger social network and positive supportive relationship with friends, is associated with higher quality of life. Similarly volunteering and participating in both active and social leisure activities lead to happier lives as you get older. So keep participating in your golf, bridge or amateur dramatics.
Your living conditions are important
Independent living is an important goal for many people as they age, you want to stay at home. The condition of your home plays an important role in this. As you finances allow, make your home as easy and comfortable as possible to live. For example, keeping your house warm has a big impact on your quality of life.
Stay strong and fit
Give yourself every change for a long and happy life. Start exercising today, and then keep it up! It will pay off in the long run. Frailty is a common condition in Ireland but is not inevitable and can be avoided, delayed and even reversed. The keys to this are staying active, avoiding falls, staying socially engaged and good nutrition.
Theres loads more brilliant content that is relevant to life over age 50 at www.tilda.ie. Simple changes in both your actions and outlook can go a long way. When you add to this our advice to help you with your financial outlook in retirement, you stand every chance of your later years indeed being your golden years.