Volunteering and travel high on the agenda for retirees
VOLUNTEERING in their local community is top of the agenda after retirement for more than half of all older Australians, a survey by Nationals Seniors revealed on Tuesday.
About 3230 Australians older than 50 years were surveyed, revealing some 52% planned to volunteer once they retire.
The survey was part of a report from National Seniors and Insuranceline.
Among those surveyed, some 47% also said they hoped to travel overseas after retirement, while 69% planned to travel domestically.
Other post-retirement activities included were joining social organisations, at 46%, while 45% were considering learning a new hobby.
The report also found women were more likely to engage in voluntary work or charitable organisations, educational programs or community and political activities.
National Seniors chief executive Michael O'Neill said it was good to see older Australians planning to stay productive on retirement.
"We often hear of older people facing social isolation once they have left the workforce," he said.
"It's important that retirees remain relatively active and mentally engaged even after leaving employment."
The report also found the vast majority of people who have undertaken financial actions have superannuation, at 87% of respondents, about half owned shares (53%), and about one-third (35%) owned a residential property other than their own.
