How do you want to spend your golden years? Odds are good that you have spent at least a few idle moments imagining what retirement will look like.
A recent report from Voya Financial and the nonprofit Easterseals looked at the major retirement goals of what the report calls “employment extenders.” Those are folks who are working past the traditional retirement age or who were retired but have now returned to the workforce.
More than 1,000 of these people participated in the survey. Here are the top goals they have for their retirement.
8. Volunteering
Survey respondents who cited this as a major retirement goal: 14%
As we recently reported, research has found that those who volunteer more than 100 hours annually feel less lonely during retirement. And volunteerism is associated with numerous other mental health benefits.
For more, check out “Is This the Best Way for Retirees to Beat Loneliness?”
7. Traveling abroad
Survey respondents who cited this as a major retirement goal: 25%
The world changes, but one of the primary goals of retirement — more travel — does not.
Ready for adventure? Check out “20 Great Ideas to Help You Travel in Retirement.”
6. Spending more time pursuing hobbies and interests
Survey respondents who cited this as a major retirement goal: 41%
During our working years, there are so many things we would love to try if only we had the time.
One of the best things about retirement is the newfound freedom to explore things on your own schedule. For starters, check out “17 of the Best Things to Do When You Retire.”
5. Focusing more on health and fitness
Survey respondents who cited this as a major retirement goal: 45%
It’s no secret that Americans are not as fit as they should be. It’s also well-known that many people say they don’t exercise because they lack the time to do so.
That all changes during retirement. If you’re ready to become more active, explore the “5 Free and Cheap Ways to Exercise at Home.”
4. Traveling in the U.S.
Survey respondents who cited this as a major retirement goal: 48%
During retirement, you will have plenty of time to travel across this great country of ours.
For tips on saving money during your explorations, learn more about “Where to Find Travel Discounts for Seniors.”
3. Spending more time with family and friends
Survey respondents who cited this as a major retirement goal: 58%
Few things are more important in life than time with family and friends. If you did not fully understand that truth when you were younger, you surely do now.
Retirement is the ideal moment to make up for lost time by catching up with loved ones and creating new memories.
2. Relaxing/having peace of mind
Survey respondents who cited this as a major retirement goal: 73%
After a hectic lifetime of school, work and childrearing, retirement is the time to get lost in the wonder of life. Nearly three-quarters of respondents to the survey say they simply want to relax during retirement.
1. Having enough money to live on without worry
Survey respondents who cited this as a major retirement goal: 90%
The goal of not having to worry about money during retirement is virtually universal. We all want to feel confident that the cash will always be there when we need it.
If you are looking for ways to build a solid nest egg that will last, check out “5 Simple Ways to Invest Your Retirement Savings.”