10 ways to turn retirement into your best chapter yet

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With retirement comes the chance to unwind, relax, and savour the rewards of a lifetime of hard work.

Many use this time to travel and explore the world, downsize and enjoy a simpler life, plan their future, embrace a new passion, and connect with loved ones – the opportunities are never-ending.

Whether you’re currently retired or looking to retire soon, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your new-found freedom.

Roam like at home

Retirement gives way to more time to travel. But, whether you’re exploring somewhere new or visiting your favourite place, you’ll still need to use your phone as you would at home.

Fortunately, 1pMobile offers tariffs perfect for doing just that. The SIM-only mobile provider offers free roaming up to 14GB* in 46 European countries, so you can keep in touch with loved ones and access all of your phone functions away from home seamlessly.

1pMobile customers can use the same tariff on holiday as they do at home, meaning their one-pence minutes, texts, and MBs are just the same when they visit countries such as Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and many more.

This brilliant offering is supported by 1pMobile’s multiple roaming partner networks in each country so that you can access excellent coverage across the whole of Europe and more.

Plus, when you switch to a 1pMobile 4G and 5G SIMs, you can still keep your old number.

Visit 1pMobile’s website to order your SIM today.

*Terms and conditions apply. ‘Free’ refers to no additional charges up to 14GB. Subject to 1pMobile’s fair use policy. 1pMobile does not guarantee the availability of roaming in any overseas country.

Live a life of luxury

Residential parks provide a peaceful living environment – ideal for those downsizing, retiring, or looking for a community-orientated lifestyle.

Just a stone’s throw from Silloth Beach and a short drive to the stunning Lake District, Cove UK’s Solway Residential Park offers a luxury lifestyle in a sought-after location.

Its two stunning developments, Meadow View and Lido Village, have been exclusively designed for over 55s looking for permanent or long-term residence.

The park features everything from bars and restaurants to an amusement arcade, tennis court and swimming pool, while its homes combine space, style and function. Mod cons are effortlessly combined with homely touches to ensure you get the best of both worlds, giving you the perfect canvas to express yourself.

The team is there to help you every step of the way, even with selling your current home through part exchange opportunities.

Enjoy your retirement your way, with everything you need at your fingertips.

Find out more about Solway Residential Park on Cove UK’s website.

Get to the heart of the burn

For some, heartburn is an occasional nuisance, but for others, it can be a regular problem which interrupts day-to-day life.

Available over the counter, Pyrocalm Control 20mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets – containing omeprazole – can help provide short-term relief from heartburn symptoms, lasting up to 24 hours*.

Now also available in peppermint flavour, it can be used for the short-term treatment of reflux symptoms, including heartburn and acid reflux – when the acid from the stomach travels up to the throat.

Visit the Pyrocalm website to find out more.

*Pyrocalm Control 20mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets (omeprazole) are used in adults for the short-term treatment of reflux symptoms (e.g. heartburn, acid regurgitation, acid reflux). Always read the label. It can take two to three days for symptoms to improve. Talk to a doctor if you do not feel better after or feel worse after 14 days. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine during pregnancy.

Embrace a new chapter of your life

Enjoy the benefits of retiring in a stunning coastal location within a welcoming community. Exclusively for over 45s, Sandpiper Gardens is a new development on the outskirts of Clacton on Sea which offers the chance to start a new and exciting chapter.

The development’s new, fully furnished homes – each with a private garden and parking – are low maintenance, easy to manage, and single-storey to future-proof your lifestyle.

A safe, secure environment where everyone looks out for one another, residents can feel comfortable enough to ‘lock up and leave’ as they please, and can make new friends with like-minded people in the community.

Alongside the on-site bar and restaurant with live music and entertainment, Sandpiper Gardens is close to many local amenities, as well as Clacton on Sea’s picturesque shores and lively town.

With the support of the Tingdene Residential Parks team, you can downsize without compromise and enjoy a new lifestyle.

Book a park visit to Sandpiper Gardens to take a look around. 

Start your new journey

Retirement isn’t the end of the journey, it’s the start of a new one. One question sits at the heart of retirement planning – will your money last as long as you do?

That’s where Manning Gee Investments’ Lifetime Retirement Income Strategy comes in.

Believing your retirement should offer freedom, fulfilment, and financial confidence, the strategy is designed around your unique goals and structuring income to last – aiming to be resilient against inflation, tax, and market uncertainty. 

It’s about more than just drawdown; it’s about creating a plan that gives you clarity, control, and peace of mind for every stage of life after work.

Manning Gee Investments is on hand to guide you every step of the way. Retire with confidence and live the life you’ve planned. 

Download your Lifetime Retirement Income Strategy Guide.

Manning Gee Investments is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FCA No: 844546. The value of investments can fall as well as rise, which could mean getting back less than you originally put in. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Explore the world

Explore the world and experience once-in-a-lifetime adventures with The Travel Academy during your retirement. 

With more than 25 years of experience, the trusted independent travel company specialises in high-end luxury cruise holidays across the globe. 

Its carefully curated portfolio of voyages across ocean, river, and expedition cruising focuses on exceptional quality, personal service, and attention to detail. 

Offering unbiased, genuine advice, The Travel Academy provides a personalised, concierge-style service that extends far beyond the booking process, ensuring a seamless travel experience. Every journey is tailored to suit the client’s lifestyle, preferences, and pace.

Plus, The Travel Academy has access to unique offers, early booking savings, and upgrades to enhance the experience.

With a passion for travel, a focus on quality, and an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction, The Travel Academy is proud to be one of the go-to names in luxury cruising.

Subscribe to The Travel Academy’s mailing list for more information and offers.

Give hope for the future

Is your Will up to date? Leeds Hospitals Charity and its partner, Bequeathed, can help you write your Will for free. 

After making sure your loved ones are taken care of, you can leave a lasting legacy to support patients at Leeds hospitals – by pledging a donation.

The future seemed frightening for Dorothy and her husband Keith as her risky transplant surgery came with stark statistics. Fortunately, Dorothy survived the surgery and enjoyed another 20 years of life.

Dorothy’s experience brought up a vital conversation for the couple – could they help other families like theirs, facing devastating diagnoses? They agreed to leave a gift to Leeds Hospitals Charity to support a liver transplant research project. Without their generosity, the project wouldn’t exist. 

By leaving a gift in your Will, you too can help fund vital research projects, giving hope to people facing difficulties.

Visit Leeds Hospitals Charity’s website to find out more.

Feel supported in later life

Retiring from work marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in life. Whether you are planning retirement or already retired, becoming a member of the National Federation of Occupational Pensioners (NFOP) opens up a range of support.

Established in 1930, the not-for-profit membership organisation provides various services, including offers and discounts, travel insurance deals, informative helplines, a welfare fund, and more.

Committed to supporting the welfare of older people, NFOP is also a voice for people in retirement, campaigning for the rights of older people with its partner Later Life Ambitions and through direct communications with politicians and policymakers.  

Offering a sense of belonging, members can also attend events at its volunteer-run branches, of which there are more than 80, across the UK.

Join today from just £2.15 per month by visiting the NFOP website.

Enjoy coastal luxury living

If you are looking for an easier way of living and a change of pace, relocating to a retirement park could be the perfect opportunity for you.

A new development for over 50s, Beach Court Residential Park is situated in a brilliant location on the beach at Seasalter, Whitstable in Kent. 

The bungalow-style homes offer one or two-bedroom accommodation, ready to move in and enjoy. They’re fitted out to a high specification, are fully furnished, and have fantastic sea views.

As well as being near many amenities, shops, and a handy bus route, the park is close to Canterbury and Dover for easy links to the continent.

It is also situated on level ground with no hills or steep inclines and has parking for easy accessibility, is a gated community with CCTV for safety and security, and allows pets so that the whole family can enjoy park living.

Find out more on the Southeast Parks website.

Nourish your relationship with your four-legged friend

Dogs are an important part of our lives, providing connection, companionship, outdoor adventures, and unconditional love – all of which make them perfect for retirees with more time on their hands.

A great way to nourish this valuable relationship and strengthen the special bond you share is through food. With more than 50 years of expertise in pet nutrition, dog-loving company Forthglade can help you do just that.

Forthglade’s dog food and treats are ideal for health-conscious dog owners.  Made with natural ingredients, quality proteins, and no junk, this high-quality, nutritious food can help support your dog’s health and happiness through every life stage.

That means that throughout your retirement, you can make the most of your free time with the help of your four-legged family member. Explore the world, stay active, foster that loyal bond, and enjoy life.

Visit Forthglade’s website to explore its naturally nourishing dog food and use code NOURISH20 to get 20% off your first order*.

*Terms and conditions apply. Add code at checkout. Valid until 11:59 pm on 31/08/25. Limited to 1 use per customer. Valid on full priced items only. Valid for new customers only. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with other promotional offers or codes. This offer cannot be applied retrospectively to previous purchases. Forthglade reserves the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time without notice.