For many seniors, retirement is a time of great transition from full-time work to suddenly having all the time in the world on their hands. The newfound freedom can be exciting, and it's important to ensure you take advantage of all the benefits available during this time. Here are some of the most common retirement and senior benefits that seniors make use of:

1. Social Security

Social Security is among the most well-known senior benefits, providing monthly payments to retirees based on their lifetime earnings. To qualify, you must be at least 62 years old and have retired or disabled.

2. Medicare

Medicare is another key benefit for retirees. It helps cover costs associated with medical care, including hospital visits, doctor appointments, and prescription drugs.

3. Pension

A pension is a type of retirement plan that pays out regular income payments to employees after they retire. Many employers offer pensions to attract and retain talented workers; you must have worked for the company for at least 10 years to qualify.

4. 401(k)

A 401(k) is retirement savings account many employers offer. Employees can choose to have a portion of their paycheck automatically deposited into the account, and the money grows tax-deferred.

5. IRA

An IRA, or individual retirement account, is another type of retirement savings account that offers tax advantages. IRA contributions are typically made with after-tax dollars, but the money grows tax-deferred and can be withdrawn tax-free in retirement.

6. Life Insurance

Many seniors keep their life insurance policies even after retiring. It can provide peace of mind in knowing that your loved ones are financially safe if something happens to you.

7. Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of extended care, such as in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home care. It's a valuable benefit, as long-term care costs can add up quickly.

8. Discounts

Many businesses offer discounts to seniors, such as on travel, entertainment, dining, and more. Ask about any available discounts when making purchases.

Despite enjoying the above benefits, seniors and retirees make the following mistakes that leave them financially drained:

1. Lack of Clear Retirement Plan

It isn't easy to know how much money you will need to support your lifestyle and what sources of income you will have in retirement. As a result, seniors and retirees waste their retirement money on unnecessary things and run out of money too soon. They should have a clear plan for their retirement years, specific goals, and a budget to avoid financial problems during their sunset years.

2. Not Investing In Their Health

Many seniors do not invest in their health, thinking that their age will automatically make their health decline. They can do various things to improve and maintain their health, such as exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, and getting proper medical care. It helps them save retirement benefits for other necessary items.

3. Not Taking Advantage of Available Technology

Some seniors and retirees think they are too old to learn new tricks, but that's not the case. Technology has come a long way, and many available resources keep you connected to loved ones, make life easier, and even improve your health. However, senior citizens who don't upgrade fail to access essential products, including those that can save their lives.

Some great examples of technology seniors should take advantage of include automatic pill dispensers, which can help manage medication schedules, and personal emergency response systems (PERS). The latter can summon help in the event of a fall or other medical emergency.

4. Not Clearing Debt Before Retirement

It's one of the most common debt mistakes people make, but it can be especially detrimental for seniors. Debt can be a huge financial burden, and it's important to try and clear as much as possible before retirement. It'll help you enjoy your retirement years without the worry and stress of debt hanging over your head.

5. Overconfidence Because They Have Money

Many seniors believe they don't need to worry about retirement because they have money. It couldn't be further from the truth. While it's important to have savings, seniors must be mindful of spending and ensure that their nest eggs will last as long as they do.

6. Lack Of Market Knowledge

Many seniors have little to no idea about how the stock market works. The lack of knowledge can lead to substantial losses in retirement savings if not properly managed. Also, those who invest their money without understanding other markets fail to prosper.

9. Not Understanding Inflation

Seniors must ensure their retirement savings will last, with the cost of living rising yearly. Many don't realize how much the cost of living can increase over time, leading to big problems down the road. They should work with financial experts to understand how to keep their money safe from inflation.

The above mistakes affect the lives of many seniors. However, they should leverage workshops, online courses, and books to understand how to manage their finances. They can make the best choices for their retirement with the right knowledge.