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Five thoughtful tips for retirement
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Retirement can be one of life’s most rewarding chapters - an opportunity to shape your days around what truly matters to you. Here are five thoughtful tips to help you create a happy and fulfilling retirement.
.......................................................................................... 1. Stay physically and mentally active
Maintaining your health is the foundation of a happy retirement. Regular exercise - such as walking, swimming, or yoga - helps keep your body strong, boosts energy levels, and supports overall wellbeing. Equally important is keeping your mind engaged. Reading, learning new skills, or taking up hobbies like puzzles or music can improve cognitive function and keep life interesting. A balance between physical and mental activity helps you feel vibrant and capable throughout your retirement years.
2. Cultivate meaningful relationships Strong social connections are essential to happiness. Retirement can sometimes shift your daily interactions, especially if you leave a workplace with a built-in social circle. Make a conscious effort to nurture friendships,
spend time with family, and build new relationships. Joining clubs, volunteer groups, or community activities can expand your network and create a sense of belonging. Meaningful relationships provide emotional support, reduce loneliness, and enrich your everyday experiences.
3. Find purpose and set new goals
Leaving a career doesn’t mean leaving behind a sense of purpose. In fact, retirement is a chance to redefine it. Consider what brings you joy or meaning - whether it’s volunteering, mentoring, gardening, or pursuing creative interests. Setting small, achievable goals gives structure to your days and something to look forward to. A strong sense of purpose not only keeps you motivated but also contributes significantly to overall life satisfaction.
4. Manage finances wisely
Financial peace of mind plays a big role in retirement happiness. Take time to create a realistic budget, monitor your spending, and plan for future needs such as healthcare or unexpected costs. Even if you prepared before retiring, it’s important to regularly review your financial situation. Living within your means and making informed decisions can reduce stress and help you fully enjoy your lifestyle without constant worry about money.
5. Embrace flexibility and enjoy the moment Retirement offers the freedom to live life at your own pace, but flexibility is
key. Plans may change, and unexpected opportunities can arise - embrace both. Allow yourself to try new activities, travel when possible, or simply enjoy quiet moments at home. Let go of rigid schedules and focus on what brings you contentment each day. Practicing gratitude and staying open to change can transform retirement into a deeply satisfying phase of life. A happy retirement isn’t defined by one single factor - it’s built on health, connection, purpose, security, and adaptability. By focusing on these areas, you can create a lifestyle that feels both meaningful and enjoyable, making the most of this well-deserved new chapter.
Life at The Falls Estate means spending time enjoying the things you love.
The Falls Estate isn’t just retirement, but an appetite for living. 94 Boundary Road, Tikipunga, Whangarei Phone 09 437 5844
Northland’s Trusted Legal Team
Wills • Enduring Powers of Attorney • Succession Planning Estates & Trusts • Relationship Property • Buying & Selling Property 09 407 7099 | www.lawnorth.co.nz
Stay healthy with fast and reliable care at Browns Community Pharmacy. We offer: • Vaccinations (Covid, Flu, Shingles, Measles) • Online Emergency Doctor Consults • Strep A Throat Swab Tests • Blood Pressure Checks • Glucose Testing • Ear Piercing Visit us at 89-91 Commerce Street, Kaitaia for quick, friendly service!
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Retirement living options L iving independently for as long as possible is the aim of most people, and planning for the future can be scary, but it makes sense to reflect on alternative living options as you age. Much depends on your health situation, lifestyle needs and financial situation.
As we age, help and support might be required about the house – home help, meals, equipment, housework and help with personal care. It could be that you could stay put with support. Many health and community organisations can advise on what’s available.
However, try to look on the positive side about moving or downsizing as ultimately you could have a simpler way of life with less clutter.
As we age, help and support might be required about the house – home help, meals, equipment, housework and help
with personal care. It could be that you could stay put with support. Many health and community organisations can advise on what’s available.
sentimental, but take the time to indulge in a few memories. Start slowly, work a room at a time and be realistic about what you will need in your new space.
If opting for a retirement village or downsizing living, think about what you actually need in the way of furniture and keepsakes and consider what can be sold or given away? How often do you really use an item? Try not to get too
Many retirement villages offer a continuum of care – independent living, assisted living and hospital care that could include dementia care. Masonic villages, such as those operated by Hastings District Masonic Trust, are another option to consider.
Options for seniors looking to downsize include: • • • • • •
Retirement villages offer many benefits, especially for those who enjoy company. They are safe and secure; many have sporting and dining facilities and plenty of opportunities to socialise.
buying a smaller house or apartment renting a smaller home moving in with a relative moving into a retirement community in-home care entering assisted living
Typically, but not always, you will pay a deposit and capital sum for an occupation right agreement and usually there will be a deferred management fee (a % of initial capital sum) and weekly fees to cover village services. You will probably be expected to pay for services like internet, power etc. Make sure you understand all the terms and conditions, and as always consult with your lawyer before signing any paperwork.
Other factors to be considered are access to public transport and how close you’d like facilities such as supermarkets and pharmacies to be. Factoring in proximity to healthcare and hospitals might also be a consideration, particularly as you age. Being close to established friends and family will probably be a significant influencing factor too.
Working together to promote quality of life KAITAIA far older people, kuia & DISTRICT and kaumatua
He Manaakitanga Kaumātua Aotearoa
WE OFFER A FREE CONFIDENTIAL SERVICE We work with older people, their family/whanau and their carers so that they can receive the information, support and advocacy they need to be happy, healthy and safe. Age Concern Kaitaia & DistrictElder Abuse Response Service -for all of Northland
Far North District Office: 16 Commerce Street Kaitaia Tel: 09 408 2997 or 027 598 5371 ageconcernkta@xtra.co.nz
Mid North Office: 120 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri Tel: 027 245 9253
Whangarei District Office: 98 Cairnfield Road, Otangarei Tel: 09 459 1928 or 027 706 7054
Kaipara District Office: 61 Victoria Street, Dargaville Tel: 027 234 9535
Senior Living at Its Best with The Palms Lifestyle Village
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Life at The Palms is designed to be as enriching as it is comfortable. The village boasts a range of facilities that encourage both relaxation and connection. Residents enjoy a luxurious heated indoor pool, a modern cinema, an on-site hair salon, and spaces for bowling, pool, and arts. These amenities not only provide convenience but also become natural gathering points for friendships to flourish.
Retirement is more than just slowing down- it’s about embracing a lifestyle filled with comfort, community, and connection. At The Palms Lifestyle Village in Whangārei, residents are discovering exactly that. Family-owned and operated by Daniel and Rochelle Skelton, The Palms has grown over the past 19 years into one of Northland’s most welcoming and vibrant retirement communities.
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he Palms was born from a simple yet powerful vision: to create a safe, supportive and lively community for retirees in Northland. Daniel and Rochelle recognised a gap for a village that not only provided modern, well-appointed homes but also placed equal importance on companionship and wellbeing. Nearly two decades later, that vision continues to shape everything they do.
What sets The Palms apart is the family touch. Residents aren’t just neighbours— they’re part of an extended community where the Skeltons themselves are actively present. Working alongside the Residents Committee, Daniel and Rochelle help foster a spirit of inclusion through activities, celebrations and daily interactions. From themed dinners and happy hours to exercise classes and creative pursuits, there’s always something happening to bring people together.
Every villa at The Palms is north-facing, welcoming natural light and warmth throughout the year. Spacious interiors, generous storage, beautifully landscaped surroundings, and private patios create an atmosphere of both comfort and elegance. More recently, newly built apartments have added a contemporary option for residents, combining highquality finishes with seamless access to the central Community Centre.
Looking ahead, the Skeltons are preparing to launch a new stage—32 luxury twobedroom apartments, all north-facing and overlooking the lake. What truly brings the village to life is the transformation Daniel and Rochelle witness daily. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see residents immerse themselves in the community—making new friends, engaging in activities, and discovering new joys,” they share. That spirit of vitality is what makes The Palms more than a retirement village—it’s a lifestyle. With its warm, personal touch, thoughtfully designed homes, and an ever-busy social calendar, The Palms Lifestyle Village offers seniors the opportunity to enjoy retirement in style and security while being surrounded by genuine care and companionship.
VILLAS AVAILABLE NOW at The Palms Lifestyle Village Enjoy independent living in a welcoming retirement community. We currently have a selection of spacious two and three-bedroom villas available. Each villa is thoughtfully designed for comfort, convenience, and easy living. Contact us today to arrange a viewing and discover the lifestyle waiting for you. Plus our world-class Community Centre extends your home life, offering a wealth of amenities to enjoy: Residents’ Lounge • Café • Dining Room • Library • Cinema • Gym • Spa Billiard Room • Hair Salon Indoor Swimming Pool • Activities Room Outdoor Chess • Landscaped Gardens & much more
45 Reed St, Tikipunga, Whangarei • Mon-Fri 9am-4pm • 09 435 4020 • www.thepalmslifestyle.co.nz
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Staying active, staying young
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ooking after health and fitness becomes increasingly important as we age, helping to maintain strength, mobility, and independence. Regular activity supports heart health, boosts energy, and improves balance, reducing the risk of falls. Staying active also benefits mental wellbeing, keeping the mind sharp and lifting mood, allowing older adults to enjoy a better, more fulfilling quality of life. One of the key benefits of staying active in retirement is the ability to maintain strength and mobility. As we age, muscle mass and bone density naturally decline, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Regular exercise, such as walking, swimming, or gentle strength training, helps to preserve muscle tone, improve balance, and support joint flexibility. Even low-impact activities like yoga or tai chi can make a noticeable difference, promoting coordination and reducing stiffness. Beyond physical benefits, staying active plays an important role in mental
wellbeing. Retirement can sometimes bring a loss of routine or social connection, which may lead to feelings of isolation or low mood. Engaging in regular physical activity releases endorphins, often referred to as “feelgood” hormones, which help reduce stress and promote a positive outlook. Group activities, such as fitness classes, walking clubs, or dance groups, also provide valuable opportunities to socialise and build new friendships. Another important aspect of staying active is maintaining a sense of purpose. Without the structure of a career, some retirees may feel uncertain about how to fill their time. Setting fitness goals, whether it’s walking a certain distance each week, mastering a new activity, or
simply staying consistent, can provide motivation and a sense of achievement. Activities like gardening, cycling, or even volunteering for community projects can also keep both body and mind engaged. It’s important to remember that staying fit does not mean pushing the body to extremes. The focus should be on consistency rather than intensity. Listening to your body, starting slowly, and choosing activities you genuinely enjoy are key to building sustainable habits. Consulting a healthcare professional before beginning a new exercise routine can also help ensure safety and suitability.
Mixing different types of activity, including cardio, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises, keeps routines interesting and provides more comprehensive health benefits. Simple daily habits, such as taking the stairs, stretching in the morning, or going for a short walk after meals, can all contribute to an active lifestyle. Ultimately, retirement offers the chance to put personal wellbeing at the forefront. By staying active, retirees can enjoy greater independence, improved health, and a higher overall quality of life. Rather than slowing down, this stage of life can be a time to move more, explore new interests, and truly thrive.
Variety is another helpful factor in maintaining long-term engagement.
Retirement is the perfect time to think about the legacy you’ll leave to the community that raised you. Sophie Lane, Chief Executive, Northland Community Foundation Somewhere between finishing work and retiring, most of us write a will, or dig out the old one. It’s usually about who gets the house and savings. But I’ve come to believe it’s one of the most overlooked chances we have to shape what happens to our home, long after we’re gone.
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ew research commissioned by Community Foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand, carried out by BERL, confirms something I’ve suspected for years. Of more than 3,000 New Zealanders surveyed, a group who already give (90.5% donated in the past year), 52.3% were interested in leaving a charitable gift in their will; 17.4% already had, and another quarter were thinking about it.
What held people back wasn’t reluctance, it was wanting to look after family first (72.6%), exactly as it should be. But a gift isn’t either-or: you can provide for those you love and still support the causes that shaped your life in Te Tai Tokerau. Most surprising: fewer than one in five people who see a lawyer about their will are ever asked about charitable giving. When they are, the answer is very often yes, because it aligns with their values (69.3% said so).
I’ve seen this firsthand. We’ve partnered with local law firms who gently ask clients revising their will whether they’ve thought about a charitable gift, and the answer is often “actually, yes, I’ve been meaning to.” People just need to be asked, and reassured their gift will go where they intend. When you leave a gift through the Foundation, we don’t spend it. We invest it permanently, and only the earnings go out each year to local causes. A $10,000 gift today becomes a fund that keeps giving, forever. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
And every dollar stays here: we’re Northland’s own foundation, not a branch of a national or overseas charity sending funds elsewhere. Retirement is the season when that invitation matters most, as we consider what kind of Northland we want to leave behind. An estimated $1.6 trillion is about to pass between generations across Aotearoa; even a small share directed locally would transform what’s possible here. This is already happening here: we now manage over $7.2 million in invested community funds, with $15 million in gifts in wills pledged for the future.
September is Wills Month, an annual nudge to make a will, or update one that’s out of date. If you’re retired or heading that way, treat this as more than paperwork: talk to your family, talk to your advisor, and ask yourself, is there a cause in Northland I’d like to still be supporting after I’m gone? You don’t need to be wealthy to leave a meaningful gift, just to be asked, and to say yes when you are. Sophie Lane is Chief Executive of Northland Community Foundation. Details on including a charitable gift in your will are available at northlandcommunityfoundation.org.nz.
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Getting your affairs in order before you retire Some of us know what it is like when you end up being the person having to sort out family affairs. It makes you more determined to make sure that you get all your affairs into order before you retire. Your family will thank you so much for it.
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orting out your affairs before retirement is crucial for easing the burden on your family and ensuring your wishes are honoured. Here’s a guide to help you get everything in order: •
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Review Your Life Insurance: Check your policy to ensure it still meets your needs and reflects any changes in your circumstances. Update it if necessary to make sure it provides the appropriate coverage for your retirement plans and family. Update Your Will: If you have a will, review it regularly to make sure it is up to date. Appoint an executor to manage the legal process and a trustee to manage and distribute
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your estate according to your wishes. Choose Power of Attorney (POA): Designate a POA for both health and property decisions. Having a backup for each ensures that your affairs will be managed if the primary person is unavailable or unable to act. Plan Your Funeral Arrangements: Although it may feel uncomfortable, consider documenting your funeral wishes in a folder. This can include specific instructions, preferred photos for service sheets, and other personal details to be followed. Organize Legal Documents: Keep all important legal, personal, business, health, and financial documents in a single, accessible location, such as a
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file box or folder. Inform a trusted person where to find these documents to ensure everything is in order when needed. Communicate Your Wishes for Organ Donation: Make sure your family is aware of your decision regarding organ donation to avoid any confusion or delays in case of an emergency. What needs replacing: Before you retire and while you are still bringing in an income, maybe you need to check if any appliances in your home or even your car needs replacing. They say that a major appliance lasts approx. 12 years and then starts showing signs of wear and tear.
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Maybe time to downsize your car or even decide if you really need to have that extra car. Your home: Does your home need any repairs, or anything replaced? Even if the jobs are small, better to get them done before retiring. Maybe retirement is a suitable time to decide if you want to downsize your home and spend more time catching up with family and do some travelling.
Taking these steps can significantly reduce stress and take some of the pressure off your loved ones, making sure your retirement years are enjoyable and that your affairs are well managed.
Your gift becomes tomorrow’s compassionate care A gift in your Will to North Haven Hospice helps ensure hospice care will always be here for people in our communities. Your gift will support people you may never meet, but whose families will remember your kindness forever. We promise to honour your legacy and use your gift wisely, so your values live on and continue making a difference for future generations. Connect with us in a way that will always live on.
northhavenhospice.org.nz/donate
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