No matter where they live, what they did with their lives, or how much money they have, there are ... [+] three things I have observed over my career that happy retirees have in common.

No matter where they live, what they did with their lives, or how much money they have, there are three things I have observed over my career that happy retirees have in common.

The good news is, these are things you can plan for.

Theyre debt free.

Reaching financial independence wont be easy until youre free of debt especially adverse debt. Not all debt is adverse debt, but consumer debt for car loans, student loans, credit cards and other personal spending is categorically bad. The best way to free yourself of debt is to avoid it completely, but of course, thats not always an option.

Starting as early as possible, make a clear plan for getting out of debt and stick to it, even if it means delaying or reducing some of your savings or investments for retirement.

They have their health.

Being happy in retirement is undoubtably tied to being healthy in retirement. But a healthy lifestyle is something that must begin years before you retire.

Taking care of your health throughout your lifetimethrough nutrition, exercise, preventative medicine and mental health careis key to preserving your wellness into retirement. Find an active hobby, like tennis or hiking, that you can continue as you age to keep yourself physically fit.

If you already have health issues, take whatever steps you can to improve or preserve your health now and make sure you have a plan for how you will pay for health care throughout your retirement and have a good understanding of long-term care options.

They have a purpose.

As our life expectancy increases, the length of our retirement does as well. Day time television and shuffleboard will only keep you amused for so long.

Have a missiona reason to get out of bed in the morningthat will keep you active and thriving for all the years ahead of you. This can vary for each person, and Ive seen it include grandchildren, consulting, part-time work, volunteering and traveling. You can do anything, just dont do nothing.

Of course, you can take breaks and take time for yourself. But you cant spend 30 years sitting around and still feel fulfilled.

The lesson:

Being happy in retirement is not a coincidence, and its not something you can expect to achieve with no effort. Your plan for fulfillment and happiness is just as important as your plan for sustainable income.

Before you hand in your letter of resignation, make sure you know what you want to be when you grow up.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regards to your individual situation. Comments concerning the past performance are not intended to be forward looking and should not be viewed as an indication of future results.

Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. Brotman Financial Group, Inc. and BFG Financial Advisors are not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS.

Read this article:

The 3 Secrets Of The Happiest Retirees (And How You Can Plan For Them) - Forbes