Work may be the last thing on your mind when planning your retirement but working more flexible hours, taking up part-time work or volunteering in your community can be a rewarding way to spend your free time.

You may decide you would like to take up part-time work that is completely unrelated to your current job. Not only will this broaden your horizons, but you'll be able to earn a bit of extra money.

If you feel you have knowledge and experience to share with others, or if you would just like to meet new people, why not volunteer? It is an excellent way to become more involved in the community, and will allow you to share your skills whilst picking up new ones.

Visit the do-it website to find volunteering opportunities in your area.

Your good health is essential to the quality of your retirement. By doing what you can now to stay healthy, it is more likely that you will be independent, active and healthier for longer.

Your retirement will provide you with the time to be more active, taking up a sport and going for walks, as well as continuing your learning and sustaining your mental health by reading and learning new skills.

Money is an important consideration for retirement to ensure that you can live comfortably once you finish working. After all you'll be funding the longest holiday of your life.

Make sure you are aware of how much your State Pension will provide, as although it will provide you with a regular income, it may not be enough to sustain your desired lifestyle. You should research your savings options such as personal pensions, company pensions and ISAs.

No one wants to think about the fact that they may need care later on in life, but one in three people will require some care, so it is important to think about practical and financial arrangements now. Make sure you are aware of all your options, including family support.

It may be difficult to imagine a time when you don't have to get up in the morning and go to work, but retirement will open up a new world that allows you the time and freedom to spend your time the way you wish. Some ideas for hobbies and social activities include:

• Going online and surfing the web
• Eating and cooking, either alone, with friends or as part of a cookery class
• Relaxing with yoga, meditation, massage or aromatherapy
• Getting into social networking, looking up old friends and keeping in touch with family
• Travelling wherever, whenever
• Learning a language. Join a class to meet new people and share your new skill
• Reading, either alone or as part of a book club
• Going back into education. Take full-time, part-time or evening classes in whatever interests you
• Exercising. Take up swimming, jogging, tai chi or join a local walking group