NHS West Hampshire CCG has launched a new 10-part guide aimed at people approaching retirement. The guide highlights the importance of planning for retirement and is split into 10 key areas, such as:
- Keeping in touch with friends and family
- Getting finances in good order
- Staying active
- Being healthy and well.
Dr Sarah Schofield, Chairman of West Hampshire CCG, said: “If you are going through any major life event, and we are talking about retirement, then being prepared will help reduce stress and possible illness.
“It’s about things that might impact on your health – like finances, being creative, and how you keep you social life busy and remain part of the community. If people are lonely or inactive or if they are not planning for the future then people are potentially vulnerable and may become unwell.”
For each of the 10 points we’ve produced a short 1-2 minute video featuring GPs, charities and local people highlighting some of the key points.
For instance, there is a contribution from Marie O’Brien, the musical director of Winchester Fusion Choir, who outlines the benefits of being creative into your retirement years. She said: “Everyone is welcome here. Come to a choir like ours and you’ve got instant community and it can really lift your spirits. Singing is a wonderful way to express yourself and you get to meet so many fabulous people.”
The guide was developed in collaboration with clinicians at Lymington Hospital, and includes prompts and ideas as well as links to useful organisations to help people prepare for their retirement.
Here are some useful links:
Find out more about the Winchester Fusion Choir
Some useful links from Age Uk
- How to look after your mental wellbeing in later life Your mental health is just as important as our physical health. AgeUK are there to help with tips on looking after your mental wellbeing and what to do if you are struggling with your feelings. Here are some more tips.
- How to stay fit and healthy in later life In this clip AgeUk discuss how to stay healthy as we get older, through diet, staying active and setting achievable fitness goals. Click here for more tips and advice on what you can do
- How to stay sharp in later life Age UK shares 5 tips on what you can do to keep your thinking skills and stay sharp in later life. Read more about how to stay sharp in later life
- How to boost your income in retirement @AgeUK gives tips on how to boost your income in retirement, including advice on tracing lost money, lowering your energy bills, claiming benefits, and direct debits and standing orders. Here is some more free money advice.
- How to save energy and pay less Watch AgeUk tips on practical things you can do to lower the cost of your energy bill, while staying warm and comfortable at home. For more energy advice click here
- What is Pension Credit? This short video explains what Pension Credit is, and talks through the many extra benefits which come with Pension Credit, such as free dental treatment, help with the cost of glasses, council tax and rent, as well as an extra payment when the weather is cold. Here are some free tips on how to claim Pension Credit
- How to reduce your risk of falling Watch AgeUk tips on practical things you can do to avoid falling in later life. Here is more advice on avoiding falls
- What is power of attorney? Find out what Power of Attorney is, and why it’s important to set this up to ensure your wishes are respected in the future.
- How to arrange care at home Find out how to organise extra support at home if you need help with day-to-day tasks. Find out more about how to arrange care at home
- Let’s talk about death and dying Why is it we find it so difficult to talk to each other about what worries we all have about dying? Download a free booklet to help you have those difficult conversations