How to Be Happy in Retirement: 10 Keys for Enjoying Your Golden Years

Want to know how to make the most of your next chapter? These are the 10 secrets to a happy retirement.

1. Be Mindful About Money

Money isn’t everything, but it is something. Retirement income and savings can have a big impact on whether retirees are happy or unhappy. If you don’t have enough money in retirement, you may struggle to meet your basics needs like food, housing and healthcare – and you can forget about enjoying luxuries like vacations and fine dining. On the other hand, if you have enough money, you can focus on the keys to a happy retirement instead of worrying about your finances all the time.

Unfortunately, many retirees are worse off than they expected. According to Gallup, in 2024, 74% of nonretired Americans expected to have enough money to live comfortably in retirement, but only 45% of retired Americans actually have enough money to live comfortably. This gap has existed since at least 2002, suggesting that the problem isn’t that older Americans are worse off. Rather, the issue is that Americans are overestimating their retirement preparedness or relying too heavily on Social Security benefits.

At the same time, fear of running out of money can keep retirees up at night and cause them to live well below their means, depriving themselves of enjoyments that they can actually afford. To ensure that you can live comfortably during retirement, create a realistic retirement budget. Once you have a working budget, make a habit of sticking to it.

Are you worried about running out of money in retirement? Many seniors are using annuities to secure dependable retirement income for life.

2. Socialize with Others

Research from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine shows that 24% of community-dwelling seniors are socially isolated, putting them at increased risk of dementia and premature death.

Many seniors become socially isolated when they retire from work and stop interacting with their coworkers every day. However, loneliness does not have to be part of retirement. Keep your social life active by making a habit of meeting and talking with other people.

Join a club, go to your senior community center, sign up for a class, and talk to your neighbors. If you have mobility challenges, connect with others by phone or by using video conferencing.

3. Try New Things

It’s easy to fall into a rut, but retirement life doesn’t need to be boring. According to Psychology Today, doing new things helps “wake up” your brain and release dopamine to improve your mood. For happiness and mental wellness in retirement, make a habit of trying new things on a regular basis, whether it’s visiting a new place, eating a new food or learning a new skill.

4. Stay Physically Active

Regular exercise can help you stay physically healthy and reduce the risk of falls and other injuries. Exercise can also be great for your mood. The CDC says seniors need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity every week, as well as muscle strengthening exercises twice a week and regular balance activities.

Select an activity you already enjoy, like gardening for example, and find ways to make that activity little more rigorous so you can exercise while doing something you love.

5. Exercise Your Mind

Your brain needs exercise, too. Many seniors are worried about declining memory and cognitive abilities, as well as the risk of dementia. Keeping your brain sharp is one way to stay as mentally fit as possible for as long as possible. Healthline says that jigsaw puzzles, card games, dancing and other regular activities can support brain health, so make a habit of them. NIH reports that reading can also help prevent cognitive decline.

6. Eat Well

Food can be a source of enjoyment, so it’s important to eat foods that appeal to your senses and bring you joy. You should also focus on foods that support good health. Indulging in an unhealthy treat every once in a while may not be so bad, but if you make a habit of it, your health could suffer.

Is your diet healthy as healthy as it should be? Try a new recipe every week and consider taking a healthy cooking class.

7. Stay Hydrated

When’s the last time you drank some water? Cleveland Clinic says seniors have a higher risk of becoming dehydrated. If you’re tried, weak or dizzy, or if you’re suffering from loss of coordination, dry mouth, dry cough, headache, muscle cramps, chills, heat intolerance or flushed skin, the problem may just be that you need more water. If not addressed, persistent dehydration can result in more serious symptoms, and you could even end up in the emergency room.

8. Give Back

According to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, research shows that giving to others can improve your mental and physical well-being. People who give back tend to enjoy lower blood pressure and a stronger immune system, and they may even benefit from a longer life.

You can make giving back a regular part of your life. Find a cause that your passionate about, and sign up as a volunteer. Alternatively, you can donate money to a worthy cause. You can use VolunteerMatch to find volunteer opportunities and Charity Navigator to research charities before you donate.

Remember that giving your time is just as impactful as providing financial support. It can also help with other goals like getting exercise and keeping your brain sharp.

9. Practice Mindfulness

Meditation and mindfulness exercises may help you alleviate stress and find inner peace during your retirement years.

According to Psychology Today, mindfulness involves two skills: observing without judgement and maintaining focused attention. Studies have found that older adults learn observation skills relatively quickly, but some have a harder time maintaining focused attention. Nevertheless, it may be worth the effort. Research shows that middle-aged and older adults who have practiced mindfulness long term tend to perform better on tests of attention, processing speed and working memory, and some benefits in cognitive function may emerge after just eight to 10 weeks. See this Mayo Clinic article for mindfulness exercises you can start today and make a habit.

10. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

The National Institute on Aging says that seniors need about the same amount of sleep as younger adults, which is about seven to nine hours each night. Getting sufficient sleep each night is an important part of staying healthy, and not getting enough sleep can put you at risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, memory problems, negative feelings, stress in relationships and falls or accidents.

Simple habits can help you get a good night’s sleep. The Mayo Clinic recommends sticking to a sleep schedule that gives you eight hours of sleep each night, limiting daytime naps, and creating a restful environment. Getting physical exercise earlier in the day and avoiding large meals, alcohol, caffeine and nicotine before bed can also help. If worries keep you awake, try stress management exercises. And if all else fails, talk to your doctor.

What’s keeping you up at night? Money is a common source of anxiety. If you can’t sleep because you keep worrying about your finances, look for ways to improve your situation. An annuity that provides guaranteed income could be just what you need to get some z’s.

Would Guaranteed Income Make Your Retirement Happier?

An immediate annuity, like the Canvas Forever Fund, turns your lump-sum savings into reliable, predictable payments for life or a set period. It’s a great way to create a personal pension, helping you feel confident that you’ll never run out of income, no matter how long you live.

The Forever Fund offers a variety of payout options designed to meet different retirement goals. Whether you're looking for lifetime income, guaranteed payments for a set period, protection for your beneficiaries, or payments that grow over time, there’s an option to fit your needs.

Get an estimate and learn more.