10/09/2026
I wasn't planning on retiring at 60. I really enjoyed my job, working with young people is rewarding, it was local, well paid with all school holidays off.
However, after much soul searching, I asked myself why I was going to continue for another 3 or 4 years and how that would benefit me.
Sure I'd have another few hundred thousand in my super but I'm mortgage and debt free so how much did I need?
So on my 60th birthday I pulled the pin. It was tje best thing I ever did.
So don’t work forever.
If you don’t have to work until 67 or beyond, seriously ask yourself why you are doing it.
Your healthy time left is a window — and that window gets smaller every year. Money is important, but there comes a point where time, health and experiences are worth more.
If you’ve got the means to retire earlier, consider doing it.
Then make your retirement count.
🥗 Eat well
Look after your body. Eat real food, cook your own meals and cut back on the junk. You’ve got the time now to learn how to make amazing food.
🍺 Lay off the alcohol
You don't need alcohol to enjoy retirement. Your body, sleep, energy and mind will thank you for it.
😴 Sleep properly
Get into a regular sleep pattern. Good sleep is one of the foundations of good health.
🧹 Stay organised
Keep on top of the housework, chores and the little jobs around the home. A tidy, organised life gives you more time and less stress.
🎸 Have hobbies
Retirement isn't about sitting on the couch watching TV.
Learn an instrument. Improve one you've already played. Learn a language. Paint. Read. Build something. Find things that make you curious.
☀️ Get outside
Get some daylight and spend time outdoors every day. Walk, garden, sit outside, get some fresh air and enjoy being alive.
🥊 Learn a martial art
The gym is great, but it can be pretty antisocial. You can spend an hour lifting weights without speaking to anyone.
A martial art is different.
You get fit, strong and flexible. You work on balance, coordination, mobility, bone strength and mental alertness.
But just as importantly, it's social.
You train with other people, make friends, challenge yourself and build confidence.
And you learn something.
📚 Read
Read a book a week.
At least.
Keep your brain working. Learn something new. Fiction, history, biographies, science — whatever interests you.
🚶 Walk every day
Don't underestimate walking.
Get outside and move every single day.
🌱 Garden
Grow something.
Gardening gets you outside, keeps you moving and gives you something to care for. And there's something very satisfying about eating food you've grown yourself.
🍳 Learn to cook
You've got time now.
Use it.
Learn how to cook properly and make yourself some amazing meals rather than relying on takeaway food.
✈️ Travel
Travel while you're young enough and fit enough to really enjoy it.
Do the big trips earlier.
As you get older, things can slow down. Don't leave all your dreams until you're 75.
🧘 Move every day
Yoga, stretching, mobility work — whatever works for you.
Use it or lose it.
Flexibility, balance and mobility become increasingly important as you age.
🏋️ Lift weights twice a week
You don't need to live in a gym.
Two good strength sessions a week can be enough to make a difference. There are thousands of excellent programs and demonstrations online.
Maintain your muscle. Maintain your strength.
───
Retirement isn't the end of your life.
It's the opportunity to finally start living it on your own terms.
Look after your body.
Look after your mind.
Stay curious.
Stay active.
Stay social.
Keep learning.
Travel.
Have fun.
And most importantly...
Don't save all the good stuff for later.
You might not get the later you imagined.
