The World Economic Forum reports people are living up to 100 years, an aspect that requires individuals to change their mindset about later life to make retirement sustainable. Finances have been the greatest concern for individuals of retirement age. You have probably thought about your funds too. Are they enough to cater to your needs for the remaining years? Today, however, people are thinking holistically and adopting ways to achieve sustainable wellness while safeguarding the environment. Simple changes like recycling, eating plant-based meals, taking natural remedies (supplements), growing an organic garden, and living in eco-conscious homes make a difference. They can maximize your time, energy, save money, and influence future generations to be more eco-friendly. In this short guide, we’ll explore tips to approach sustainable retirement and later life.
Plan Ahead
Retiring sustainably involves proper preparation. You start by assessing your current lifestyle and identify your future needs. First, decide how you’ll use your time after retirement and in later life. Perhaps you want to stay active. Research green living hobbies you can do. This can be beekeeping, learning vegan cooking, or making jewelry from upcycled materials. Volunteering locally can help you maintain a busy lifestyle in retirement. You could assist in local park maintenance, tree planting, or garbage collection in your neighborhood. Once you know what to do with your time, create a schedule and budget that aligns with your personal goals. If you plan to travel, find out which options are environmentally friendly. Instead of flying when traveling to another state, why not use a train or hybrid vehicle? If you’re running errands nearby, walk or cycle- it helps you stay healthy.
Choose Sustainable Home Options
To make wise decisions, decide whether you’ll continue living in your current home, out-of-home short term respite care center, or in a retirement community. If you choose to age-in-place, a few changes like replacing old home appliances with energy-efficient ones and reducing waste by recycling and composting makes your home eco-friendly. You could also install solar panels, create a natural garden, and have low-flow water fixtures installed. If you opt for short-term supportive care (respite care) after a hospital stay or for individuals requiring professional care, check if they have energy-efficient lighting and appliances.
Find out if the respite home care source food and supplies locally. Does the community use solar systems, recycling programs, and green gardens? Switching to a sustainable home can help reduce your environmental impact and save money on utility bills. Improved health is another benefit linked to living in eco-friendly homes. According to a Harvard study, exposure to eco-friendly spaces may enhance cognitive function and reduce cognitive decline. You also experience improved mood and less allergic reactions. When you use organic cleaning supplies instead of chemical-based ones, for instance, eliminates toxics from your house, reducing sinusitis, asthma, and colds.
Go Green With Financial Investments
Did you know your money has the power to do the environment good- lower greenhouse gas emissions? Consider having an investment portfolio that features stocks and shares in climate friendly businesses. Your investment should meet the environment, social, and government (ESG) goals or have aspects of socially responsible investments (SRI). As a pre-retiree or retired senior, you can invest your 401k or IRA funds in investments that promote ESGs, for example. Creating a sustainable retirement portfolio includes buying stocks in a company that’s developing renewable energy. Alternatively, you could purchase green bonds to finance organizations that support eco-friendly projects, such as recycling plants.
Retirement is about money, right? You’re ever thinking of how much you need to survive later in life. But your retirement shouldn’t be all about money. With efforts to minimize climate change getting more attention, retirees and pre-retirees are thinking of how they can retire sustainably. Some green retirement approaches individuals are focused on are engaging in green activities (eco-conscious farming, recycling, and traveling consciously). You can also retire and live sustainably in later life by choosing green home options and sustainable monetary investments.