In other words, deciding what they want to do with the rest of their lives. Financial issues aside, there is a lot retirees can do to make retirement a great time of life. 

Here are a few retirement living tips to help ensure you retire happy and enjoy the life you’ve earned to the fullest: 

1. Increase your financial stability If you can’t afford to retire yet, what about partial retirement? Or do you have the opportunity to downsize your life? Many Canadians are unlocking the money from their large and now hard to maintain homes in order to simplify, and downsize their lives while freeing up money for what matters most during their retirement years. 

2. Develop new friendships Studies say that those who have strong social networks are 30 percent happier with their lives than those without a strong network of friends. Certain retirement options can offer an instant social network by virtue of walkable communities with resident run social clubs and activities which foster the opportunity to make new friends easily. 

"Retirees looking to lead an active and healthy lifestyle should look for options with built in fitness facilities, pools, tennis courts, walking and biking paths, golf courses and much more."

3. Stay healthy and active When you feel good, it’s easier to stay positive and open to new experiences. Be sure to eat well, watch your weight and above all stay active. Retirement options vary greatly in their commitment to active lifestyles. Retirees looking to lead an active and healthy lifestyle should look for options with built in fitness facilities, pools, tennis courts, walking and biking paths, golf courses and much more.

4. Stay connected Retirees come from all walks of life. Some are couples, while others are single. Whether part of a couple, or single, surrounding yourself with meaningful connections is important. Retirement options that lend themselves to establishing connections is a great way to stay engaged – places where retirees have similar interests and hobbies, look out for one another, and help each other out when in need.

Jack Renforth, an Adult Lifestyle Community resident we interviewed, remarked: “I love getting together once a week to jam out with a band I’ve formed with other community members who also have a love for classic rock. We even got to perform at this year’s New Year’s Eve dance which was a ton of fun.”

5. Do what you love Now is your time to sit back, relax and truly enjoy life.  Retirees can easily set themselves up for success in this department by choosing a care-free lifestyle. Consider downsizing in order to free up time and money spent on a large mortgage payment and cumbersome ongoing home maintenance. Or, consider downsizing and embracing the snowbird lifestyle to escape those harsh, Canadian winters.