How to live a happy and purposeful life after retirement: plan early, take up new interests, meet new friends and spend time meaningfully

Kitty Wong, at the age of 54, made the decision to retire after a fulfilling 33-year career as a special-needs teacher and trainer in Hong Kong. An enthusiastic traveller, she relocated to London, England, to immerse herself in a different culture.

Kitty had prepared herself for retirement, so when the time came to leave her job, she wasn't filled with sorrow. She viewed retirement not as a conclusion, but as the commencement of a new chapter in her life. She opted to travel to the UK alone, leaving her family in Hong Kong. Now, she enjoys more freedom to explore and to work on personal growth. Prior to her move, she discussed her plans with her family who were supportive of her decision.

If there's anything Kitty misses about her previous job, it's the connections she established with her students and colleagues. However, she is significantly happier now. She continues to remotely train students with special needs, which makes her semi-retired. Since her relocation to London, she has formed many new friendships through a neighbourhood buddy programme. She is also pursuing a diploma, working part-time at a supermarket, and volunteering at a horse-riding school. Her retirement has been an exciting and rewarding journey thus far.