Biggest Regrets When Retirees Get Rid of Their Cars
Many retirees think that selling their car is a no-brainer. After all, they will no longer need it to get to and from work. However, as many retirees come to realize, a car provides a wide array of benefits that do more than just make our work lives easier. Let’s take a closer look at 15 reasons retirees regret selling their cars in retirement.
Limited Mobility
Arguably, the most obvious limitation of not owning a car is the lack of mobility. Even though you no longer work, you still have errands and other responsibilities to get done. Simple tasks, such as going to the shops or visiting family, suddenly become more complicated.
Harder to Get to Appointments
As we get older, managing our health becomes more and more important. As a result, retirees usually have more appointments to get to - whether it be with a doctor, chiropractor, etc. However, without a car, this becomes tricky. Retirees often have to rely on family, friends, or public transport to make their appointments.
Minimal Benefits
Many retirees think that selling their car is an obvious choice, as they will make a lump sum of money to add to their savings. However, this unfortunately isn’t always the case. In this economy, used cars don’t sell for much, meaning that the minimal gains might not warrant the added stress of having no means of transport.
Isolation
Not having a car can be incredibly isolating. As a retiree, it simply isn’t realistic in many cases to walk or ride to your destination - especially if it is far away. This limits your movement and can make it difficult to maintain any sort of hobby. It even makes keeping up any sort of social life a challenge.
Unexpected Costs
You would be surprised by just how expensive the cost of transport can be without a car. Taxis, bus passes, and ride-shares add up quickly, resulting in a pricey monthly bill that many retirees don’t plan for.
Reliance on Others
After being independent for so many years, it can be incredibly difficult to suddenly have to rely on others for transport. Not only does it make many retirees feel incapable, but it can also place strain on relationships.
Reduced Spontaneity
Retirement is supposed to be a fun, stress-free period of our lives. Without a car, however, many activities simply become unrealistic, eliminating any sort of spontaneity from our lives. You will no longer be able to simply hop in your car and head off for a weekend getaway. Everything will require more planning and help from others.
Emergency Situations
In an emergency situation, a car is invaluable. It allows retirees to drive directly to an emergency center without needing to wait for assistance.
Impact on Mental Health
Not having the independence of owning your own car can have a massive impact on your overall mental health. Just imagine working your entire life, only to end up stuck at home for the majority of your retirement, as you don’t have a car to go on any sort of adventures?
Everything Takes Longer
Without a car, everything simply takes longer to get done. Even going to your local grocery store becomes a hassle, as you won’t have a car to help carry big loads of groceries.
Limited Access to Hobbies
There is nothing more draining and depressing than being confined to your home all day long. Without a car, simple things, such as maintaining a hobby, become almost impossible - unless it can be done in your home or back garden, of course.
Negligible Insurance Savings
While many retirees think that they will save a fortune on additional fees once they sell their car, this simply isn’t the case. In fact, when compared to the additional cost of having to pay for public transport, insurance savings suddenly seem negligible.
Feeling Disconnected
Without a car, retirees tend to feel disconnected from reality. Social outings and community events become harder to attend. More so, unless you are connected to family and friends through social media and other online platforms, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep up with their lives.
Loss of Independence and Identity
As an adult, independence is incredibly important. Without being able to do what you want, when you want, it becomes harder and harder to maintain any sort of identity. After all, you will no longer be able to pursue your passions or interests - unless they are easily accessible.
RV Regrets
Many retirees decide to sell their vehicle for an RV. However, while the RV does allow easy transport and travel, it is not convenient to drive and poses a number of logistical problems. It’s not very practical to go for groceries in an RV! Overall, cars are simply better suited to the laid-back lifestyle that many people look for after retirement.
