Staying active

Retirement can be an opportunity to pursue unfulfilled plans and learn new skills.

It may also bring a change in circumstances which requires you to make important decisions about your life.

Here are some tips to help make retirement an enjoyable period of your life.

Keeping fit and healthy

More people are living longer and in better health than ever before. Keeping healthy will help you to enjoy life and stay independent.

For advice and information on looking after yourself‚ contact:

• Your GP or health centre
• The NHS Direct Helpline Tel: 0845 46 47
• Your local leisure centre (listed in your phone book under the name of your local council or local authority).

Changes to your Relationships

Change can cause a great deal of stress in a relationship. It may be that you and your partner are spending more time together than ever before‚ or that a loved one has died or fallen ill.

For advice and information‚ contact:

• Relate - counselling for people in relationships married or not.
  Tel: 0845 130 4010
• CRUSE - practical advice and information for people who have experienced a bereavement.
  Tel: 0870 167 1677

Your home

When you retire you may feel tempted to move home in order to reduce your expenses. But
think carefully about what you might lose as well as gain by doing this:

• Does the area you like offer everything you need?
• Will you miss your family and friends?

You may be able to reduce your expenses by getting housing benefit if your property is rented or a reduction in council tax.

For advice and information on your new home situation‚ contact:

• Our free information line 7 days a week from 8am - 7pm
  Tel: 0800 00 99 66
• Your local council or local authority

Getting around

Price concessions are available on public transport for older or retired people. Remember to ask about these whenever you buy a ticket.

For advice and information on travel:

• Read our free travel information sheets
• Your local library may have details of travel concessions in your area
• Your local train and bus station

Further information

For more tips on making the most of your retirement please download our ageing well leaflet at the top right of this screen.