A Guide to Enjoying your Retirement in the UK

The UK is a great place to spend your retirement, with countless beautiful places to enjoy, from rolling countryside to beautiful cities.

11:53 23 April 2021

But there are a few things to consider first to ensure you make the most of retired life.

 

Finances

 

It’s really important to get your finances in place before you take retirement. Gradually reducing your spending in the lead up is sensible and will make it easier to adjust. Draw up a budget so you know how much you will have month to month.

 

Living Situation

 

There are a number of options for where and how to live throughout your retirement in the UK. Choosing to be alone in your own property can be fulfilling as you’re living by your own means – but it can be lonely, too. A retirement home offers a sense of community and companionship and allows you to enjoy a range of easily-accessible facilities. You could also think about selling your property and renting a home instead – this could leave you with a large sum of money to enjoy during your retirement.

 

Routine

 

Chances are, you’re used to routine if you’ve been working all your life. It’s good to keep this up. It’ll feel more normal to get up, eat and go to bed at around the same time every day. Taking up hobbies, voluntary work and exercise will also bring structure to your days.

 

Holidays

 

Retiring in the UK has a lot of plus points – but the weather isn’t always one of them. It rains around 170 days a year, so relaxing in the garden or on the beach isn’t always an option. It’s important, therefore, to plan your holidays around the good weather. There are lots of wonderful places in the UK to travel to when the sun is shining. You could get the train to Brighton for a weekend away or head to the Norfolk coast for a quiet few days away.

 

The great thing about the UK is that travelling abroad is very common and easy. Europe is on your doorstep, so aperitifs, stunning architecture and café culture are only a ferry trip or plane ride away. The United Kingdom is also incredibly well connected if you fancy travelling further afield for a holiday – the Maldives, South Africa and even New Zealand are all viable options!

 

Keep Healthy

 

It’s more important than ever to look after your health in retirement. Aim for around 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week – build up to this if exercise is new to you. Try and eat healthily and regularly – perhaps you could use some of your new-found time to learn to cook wholesome, nutritious meals. Importantly, go for a health check. When you live in the UK, the NHS invites everyone between the ages of 40 and 74 (who hasn’t been diagnosed with certain conditions or has no particular risk factors) for a health MOT to assess their risk of age-related illnesses and to help them manage any risks.

 

You’ll be well looked after throughout your retirement in the UK and there will be so much to see and do – enjoy!