Aug 16, 2024
Retirement is no time for regrets. Your golden years should be spent reminiscing about a life well-lived – filled with hard work, meaningful relationships and hopefully enough savings for some much-deserved days on the beach.
Unfortunately, some Americans have more than a few regrets once they retire. A recent video on the “My Retired Life” YouTube channel explored these reflections, gathered from the host’s conversations with a sampling of folks in their 70s and 80s. Their responses are surprising and maybe a little sad – but most importantly, they might inspire ways to avoid the same traps.
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By considering their missteps now, retirees can take action to ensure they live their retirement years to the fullest, embracing experiences, nurturing their health and pursuing their passions.
Regret 1: They wish they had retired earlier
Many retirees regret not retiring earlier, primarily because it would have allowed them to enjoy more of their retirement years in good health and with greater energy.
The 2024 Retirement Confidence Survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) found that while workers often plan to retire around age 65, many end up retiring earlier, with a median retirement age of 62.
Nearly one in five Americans have dipped into their retirement savings early, not by choice, but because of an unforeseen medical bill or other emergency expense – highlighting the unpredictability of your quality of life and mobility during retirement. Retiring earlier (if you can afford to) may offer more enjoyment while you still have your health in check.
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Regret 2: They wish they had spent more when they first retired
What comes first in retirement – saving or spending? Some of those in their 70s and 80s regretted not spending more money during their early retirement years, especially on experiences like travel, hobbies and family activities.
But recent data suggests seniors tend to wish they had saved – not spent – more, reflecting America’s broader problem of retirement saving. A recent survey by Lincoln Financial Group revealed that 62% of retirees would go back and change their post-career planning if they could, with 37% expressing concern over their preparedness for retirement. This underscores the common regret of retirees who don’t have the resources to fully enjoy the financial fruits of their labor during their most active retirement years.
Regret 3: They wish they took better care of their health
Retirees often lament not prioritizing their health earlier in life, as bad diets and sedentary lifestyles have a way of catching up to us as we age.
The National Council on Aging says nearly 80% of adults aged 60 and up have two or more chronic conditions — ailments that highlight the importance of staying active and prioritizing nutrition to avoid endless doctor visits before and during retirement.
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Regret 4: They wish they had taken up a hobby
When individuals retire, they often lose the structure and social interaction that work provides, resulting in idleness and a perceived lack of purpose.
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More than one-third of older adults aged 50 to 80 experience a lack of companionship, while one-third also claim to have infrequent contact with people outside of their home. Without hobbies or social activities to fill their time, retirees raise their chances of developing mental health issues.
Boredom and inactivity are also linked to an increased risk of chronic health conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Staying active and mentally engaged is crucial for maintaining cognitive function and overall health during retirement – raising the stakes for seeking out hobbies and social contact that provide structure, purpose and fulfillment.
Regret 5: They wish they had traveled more
Traveling in retirement offers retirees a unique opportunity to explore the world, enrich their lives with new experiences and create lasting memories. The respondents may regret not doing more of it, but travel isn’t actually the top priority for many retirees.
The latest Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies survey found 36% of retirees reported their retirements were being spent, in part, on travel. Spending more time with family and friends (57%) and pursuing hobbies (40%) came first for those surveyed.
Even if traveling far and wide isn’t in the cards after 80, there are still ways to explore more of the U.S. in a new light, just a car or train ride away.
The important thing is to be intentional when setting yourself up for retirement. Who are you now and how might your priorities shift? Asking these questions is part of the process, and the last thing you want is to look back with regret. After all, life doesn’t end after work — so plan accordingly.
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Chris Clark is a Kansas City–based freelance contributor for Moneywise, where he writes about the real financial choices facing everyday Americans—from saving for retirement to navigating housing and debt.
