Retirement

A new research report finds many older Australians are deeply worried about the cost of care and don’t understand how it interacts with the aged pension. For most, the best solution is to remain in the family home.

It might not be an African safari, but local wildlife sanctuaries scattered across Australia have plenty to offer – and are much easier on the wallet or purse.

A little over an hour’s drive to Adelaide, this coastal town in the Fleurieu Peninsula region offers a mild climate all year round, making it an ideal destination for those wanting an idyllic retirement.

The UK’s Open University set the benchmark for distance education in the 1960s, followed by other academic institutions globally, thereby opening up myriad opportunities for older students to study. Picking up a degree along the way is optional.

Whether it’s contemporary or traditional works, this country has a rich vein of artwork to be enjoyed. While the big city galleries get much of the attention, their regional counterparts, social media and art fairs also play an important role.

Some books are timeless, having appealed to children across the generations. They offer the perfect opportunity for the older generation to enhance the relationship they have with their grandchildren by sparking a love of reading.

Such is the psychological hold that the family home has on many retirees, it prevents them from accessing the equity in this asset that could contribute to a far more economically secure retirement.

Private enterprise, health districts and universities have developed a tech-driven care model to optimise home healthcare – a model far less expensive than hospital or aged care.

With its sub-tropical climate, proximity to social, sporting and cultural activities, first-class healthcare facilities and convenient location, this Gold Coast suburb is proving a magnet to a growing number of retirees.

Financial planner Helen Nan is finding many clients want to stay in the workforce, either working part-time or taking up a new business venture. It keeps them involved with their communities while enhancing their mental and physical heath.

While taking up rugby or squash is probably off the agenda for most individuals in retirement, there are no shortage of suitable activities to enhance physical and mental well-being.

That old saying, you reap what you sow, is very apt when it comes to retirement, with an AustralianSuper study revealing that those taking a keen interest in their superannuation in the accumulation phase being more positive about their golden years.