Canadians work hard throughout their careers to one day retire and have the freedom to enjoy life’s pleasures.
Maybe you’ve been itching to travel the world, to engage in charity work, to spend time with family and friends, or maybe you look forward to simply enjoying a slower pace of life.
But for others, what lies ahead in retirement may be uncertain, sometimes even daunting. After many working hours, time spent saving and planning, some Canadians retire with the question “Now what?” The free time ahead of retirees can be intimidating.
This is more common than you may think. With the right planning--and by keeping your mind open to new experiences--your retirement can be anything you want it to be.
A palette of choices - adding some colour to your retirement comes in many different forms
We know the deep impact that art has on our clients and our communities. If you’ve been searching for a hobby or activity to engage you during retirement, consider immersing yourself in the arts. There are many different artforms to explore and classes can range from an online video a few minutes in length, to more formal classes over several weeks taught by professionals.
Getting started with anything can be difficult, especially when it is something new. Luckily, inspiration can be found all around us.
Here are three tips to help get your creative juices flowing:
1. Go for a walk
Sounds simple, right? This is probably something we do on a regular basis. But walks are also something we can make purposeful. Be mindful of the views, sounds, and smells around you. How do they make you feel? If you see something beautiful, eye-catching, or even odd that you’d like to try to recreate in your own way, snap a picture of it to save for your artistic consideration later.
2. Be inspired by other artists’ work
There are so many excellent examples of art all around us. You can find art scattered throughout different media platforms, in the community, or in more formal galleries. Did you know RBC has been collecting art since 1929? Explore the RBC Collection at rbc.com/visual-art.
3. Don’t plan too hard
Sometimes we don’t need to think and plot so much. Sometimes it’s about just starting. Grab your tools, find a nice comfortable spot, maybe even play your favourite song, and just get going.
Artistic pursuits can bring a unique joy to one’s life, while also opening doors to social activities that can keep one mentally and physically engaged to thrive as you get older. According to the National Institute on Ageing, studies show that older adults can reap several benefits by engaging in activities they enjoy*. These benefits include being healthier, happier, and more resilient – all things that support healthy aging.
After helping many clients make the most of their senior years, we recognize that you need to proactively plan for a long and healthy retirement. That’s why we’ve partnered with industry experts across a broad range of healthy aging factors, including physical and mental health, caregiving support and financial wellness, to help you do just that.
Aging well
Explore strategies, insights, and resources to help you plan for—and enjoy—a long and healthy retirement. Learn more here.
*https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/participating-activities-you-enjoy-you-age