Thirty-nine percent of retirees describe their overall quality of life as “very good” or “excellent.” The experiences and behaviors of these thriving retirees differ significantly from those of retirees reporting their quality of life as “fair” or “poor.” Thriving retirees give themselves higher grades across all four pillars of retirement: health, family, purpose, and finances. 

There are proven course correction strategies in each of the four pillars: 

• Health: Habits including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and mental stimulation can dramatically improve health-span, lifespan, and well-being in retirement.

• Family: Spending more quality time with family and friends (and less time with toxic people) can be very fulfilling, and setting needed boundaries can be just as worthwhile. 

• Purpose: There are many personal paths to purpose, and people can explore familiar options, try new things, expand their social circles, and enrich their lives.

• Finances: Given the wide array of tools beyond the basics of increasing savings and minimizing debt, it is wise to seek trusted, holistic guidance.