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Retirement. It’s a word filled with dreams of relaxation, travel, and pursuing long-held passions. But are you really ready? While a healthy savings account is crucial, financial preparedness is only half the battle. Increasingly, experts are highlighting the importance of lifestyle readiness – ensuring your habits, interests, and overall wellbeing are aligned for a fulfilling retirement.

The reality is, many people discover when retirement day arrives that money alone isn’t enough. A recent study by the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) underscores this point, revealing that a significant portion of retirees struggle with issues beyond just finances – feelings of isolation, lack of purpose, and declining health can all impact quality of life.

So, how do you gauge your lifestyle readiness? Here are 12 key signs that it's time to make some adjustments, ensuring you’re set up for a retirement you’ll truly enjoy:

1. Boredom is a Frequent Visitor: Do you find yourself constantly searching for things to do, even on weekends? Retirement requires a proactive approach to filling your time.
2. Your Social Circle is Shrinking: Retirement can lead to a loss of social connections if you haven't cultivated friendships outside of work.
3. Health Concerns are Growing: Addressing health issues before retirement is vital. Lifestyle changes now can significantly impact your wellbeing later.
4. Lack of a Hobbies or Passions: Retirement is a fantastic opportunity to explore interests you’ve always put on hold.
5. You’re Overly Reliant on Work for Identity: If your sense of self is heavily tied to your job, retirement can be a challenging transition.
6. You Haven't Considered Your Living Situation: Will your current home still suit your needs in retirement? Consider downsizing, relocating, or making accessibility modifications.
7. You’re Not Active: Physical activity is crucial for both physical and mental health in retirement.
8. You’re Not Engaging Your Brain: Keep your mind sharp with puzzles, learning new skills, or volunteering.
9. You Haven't Discussed Your Retirement Vision: Talk to your partner, family, or friends about what you envision for your retirement.
10. You’re Unclear on Your Purpose: Having a sense of purpose, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or pursuing a passion project, is key to a fulfilling retirement.
11. You’re Not Planning for Potential Care Needs: Consider the possibility of needing long-term care and explore options.
12. You Haven't Budgeted for Leisure: Don’t forget to factor in the cost of hobbies, travel, and other enjoyable activities.

Addressing these signs now allows you to proactively shape your retirement experience. It's never too early – or too late – to make adjustments. By focusing on both your financial and lifestyle readiness, you can pave the way for a retirement filled with joy, purpose, and lasting fulfillment. Don't just dream about a great retirement; plan for it!