Researchers of a new study found that retired people who manage their free time well enjoy a happier retirement.

For the study, the researcher examined 454 retired people to determine whether what they did with their free time had any impact on the overall quality of their lives. All participants were asked questions about the goals they set during their free time, there attitude toward having so much free time at hand and how they handled and managed their time.

Free time was defined as the time when the volunteers had no obligation to do anything and could decide for themselves what they wanted to do with their time. Free time, in general, is used by people to indulge in leisure activities, relax after a stressful experience or improve one's health.

Studies conducted previously found that leisure time was important for all people, especially older ones. It enhances the quality of life, promotes happiness and a sense of peace. Other studies showed that ill-management of leisure time can lead to problems like an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle and boredom.

Researchers of this study found that retired people who manage their free time better enjoyed a happier life.

"Quality of life is not affected as much by the amount of free time that a retiree has, but on how effectively the person manages this time on hand," Wei-Ching Wang of the I-Shou University in Taiwan said in a press statement. "Therefore it is important to educate people on how to use their free time more effectively to improve quality of life."

The author suggests that the government, community centers and guidance counselors can help retirees toward better leisure management.

This is the first study that looks at how free-time management among retirees can affect retirement, especially as people now have longer life spans with improvement in medicines and health care facilities.