Retirement is life changing for most people - regardless of whether you are retiring with a partner or alone.

For people who have always worked, they may find that retirement gives them freedom and free time to pursue things they have always wanted to. However, many people miss the routine of work and the contact that they had with the outside world through working.

Days can seem long now you have all of this time, but with good planning you can ensure you do not begin to feel isolated from everyday life, and make the most of this time. A report by charity Independent Age has shown that there are certain things you should think about before retiring and even during your retirement that can affect your everyday life greatly. Listed below are some of these considerations.

Are you moving some where new? If so, what will you be doing when you get there? You should think of ways to fill your days in the new place you are moving to.

Are you leaving behind friends and neighbors to move for your new life in a different country, or out to the country side? If so, you should consider ways of making new friends and contacts. Moving house may also mean it is more difficult to keep in touch with friends and relations, however this is a very important part of everyday life as you get older.

How will you keep in contact with friends and family to let them know if you become unwell or have an accident? How will you get around, or fill your time if you become less active or unwell?

Do you have friends locally? Would you still be able to see your friends if you become less active or unwell? Will you be able to get about if for some reason you are no longer fit to drive?

If you live in a rural area, how will you get about if one day you can no longer drive?

Although many people like the idea of living in a quiet rural place on retirement, this may not be the best idea. Transport links are better in urban areas. Also libraries, shops, hospitals and doctors surgeries as well as social clubs and groups will be more readily available.

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