Some help with planning for leisure as you go on retirement

South Africans tend to think of retirement in terms of rands and cents only which ensures they have roofs over their heads and food to eat, as well as money for medical expenses and a few other necessities.

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What more could you want?

But wait. Research by Lulama Mabala suggests that what people do with their time after leaving work is just as critical as how they fund it.

Mabala is an expert in leisure, physical activity, wellness, successful ageing and community engagement at the North-West University's Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation (PhASRec) research entity.

She examined how employees approaching the end of their working lives think about this transition. Her study, Employees' Perceptions of Leisure and Retirement Prior to Retirement, draws on a combination of academic research, teaching and practical experience in health and education.

"The study explored how employees, particularly those nearing retirement, perceive leisure and retirement, not just financially, but emotionally, socially and psychologically.

"One key finding was that many employees lacked a clear vision of how they would use their time post-retirement, often associating leisure with passive rest rather than active engagement."

She added: "A significant finding was that those who had hobbies, social networks, or a sense of purpose outside work were more optimistic about their leisure and retirement also better prepared for retirement."

Misconceptions and myths

"Many believed they would finally 'relax and do nothing,' but when probed, they were not sure what that would look like long-term.