Is retirement enhanced by the place in which we live?

by Graham Wright
(Encounter Bay South Australia)

"Retirement is a journey, not a destination."
Thank you Retirement Online!

How many people are worried or even afraid of retirement because they see it as an event that cuts off everything that has gone before and proposes a big blank void in the future.?

Your articles can help us to face, and potentially overcome their fears. The whole of life is such a process, from conception right through. The progression of that life process is marked by milestones: Birth, Starting School, Dating, Getting Qualifications, Finding that First Job, possibly Marrying, possibly Birthing Children, Having Birthdays, Seeing Your Children have Children, Etc, Etc.

Retirement is just another milestone. It may include some sadness brought about because you are leaving many familiar aspects of life behind, but it also opens up the way for other milestones - new and exciting experiences and milestones. It is natural to be nervous when moving towards any impending milestone.

If we have a few Hopes and Dreams and Plans on how we will live on the other side of this big and sometimes daunting milestone, then along with the natural nervousness, we can approach retirement with eager excitement and anticipation.

But my question is:
Is retirement enhanced by a destination – by the situation or place in which we have chosen to live?

I can’t help but wonder how much our retirement is enhanced (or not) by the situation or place in which we have chosen to live. Is it affected by geography or demography?

I think it is!

About 10 years ago, with those kinds of thoughts in mind, I moved to beautiful Encounter Bay (Near Victor Harbor, in South Australia).

The Bay, and the Bluff and the Islands - with the famous Horse-Drawn Tram - are all noted for their picturesque beauty and tranquillity. The exciting and modern shopping precinct impresses many visitors as well. During Australia’s scorching summer, Victor Harbour is often 10 or more degrees cooler than the capital City, Adelaide, even though it is only 80km’s away.

Victor Harbour is noted for its peaceful and relaxed lifestyle. Many of it’s people are retirees and so its pace is leisurely and its tone is convivial. It has the full range of services and activities that keeps us interested, healthy and active.

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