ENJOYING RETIREMENT

" Whatever it is -- work, family, faith, hobbies, or just puttering around the yard -- retirees need to find those things or something new that matters most to them to sustain themselves in retirement.  There is a lot more to retirement than putting together a portfolio. It is more about putting together a life. It's important to 'know thyself', have passions to indulge, and be prepared for the unexpected." from US News and World Report, "Retirement Realities", 6/3/02

 

The entire concept of aging in America is changing. People are living longer and generally healthier lives and wish to spend their retirement years in good shape, being active, and staying connected with others. There is a concern for quality of life as well as quantity of years. And there are more options than ever for aging individuals.

"To say boomers expect to stay young forever isn't just a figure of speech, it is a statistically verifiable fact. Baby boomers literally think they're going to die before they get old," says J. Walker Smith, president of the polling company Yankelovich Partners. In one study, boomers defined "old age" as starting three years after the average American was dead."

      Healthy Aging & Wellness: Twin concerns, both of equal weight for aging persons: staying healthy and addressing or minimizing the high cost of healthcare. We all know the basic instructions for health maintenance: get exercise and eat right. Yet in older individuals, this may require a greater degree of commitment as our bodies change. Nutritional requirements are different for older bodies, and chronic conditions may place increasing demands on our energy. However there are excellent wellness and fitness opportunities in southern Arizona. In addition to feeling better, your mental health will benefit. The important thing is to get going.

"While the medical community is good at fixing acute conditions like heart attacks, it still doesn't have the solutions to those chronic conditions that can rob you of satisfaction and joy in old age." from The New York Times, "Training To Be Old", 4/10/07

   Personal Growth & Lifelong Learning: "Personal growth" can take many forms. It is not limited to traditional classes or training. It has much more to do with interests and passion, with inquiry and curiosity. It is not the choice for everyone, yet many happily retired individuals report great satisfaction and renewed enthusiasm for life when they try -- and learn -- something new. And some people use their retirement time to actually pursue a formal degree, finish an education, or explore new academic areas. The point is that if you wish to learn, opportunities abound.

Retired persons need good reasons to get up in the morning. Gerontologists say that boredom and a sense of uselessness are still the biggest problems of retirement, but paradoxically, the easiest to solve. "We're all trained to think of skills as things we develop for the workplace, but think of them as strengths and they open a huge number of opportunities," says John E. Nelson, writer on the non-financial aspects of retirement. from The New York Times, "Training To Be Old", 4/10/07

   Recreation & Social Activities: Those Boomers may just be right. Geriatric experts remind us that healthy aging involves staying physically and mentally active and keeping or building social networks. Physical activity has the added benefit of keeping bones strong which can prevent injuries or falls. And stimulating mental challenges can potentially slow or prevent age-related cognitive impairment. Socializing with family or friends keeps people involved in human networks and community activities. Southern Arizona has a wealth of organizations and locations where
you can play, be creative, connect with others or just enjoy some contemplative quiet.

"The New Retirement Survey: A Perspective from the Baby Boomer Generation: predicts that the traditional model of leisurely retirement is giving way to "cyclical retirement" in which boomers blend second careers, advanced degrees, volunteerism, and travel. The study also found that the new retirement model is defined by continued engagement and purpose." from "The New Retirement Landscape", Dychtwald & Ameriprise Financial

      
      
Volunteering: Serving your community: For individuals with the time to make such a commitment, volunteering is a most gratifying activity. Volunteer responsibilities range through a number of interesting organizations, and the experience can be invaluable for those who participate. Unlike a traditional job, you get to choose your hours and days and most volunteers find themselves aligning with a like-minded non-profit. Many organizations rely on a volunteer "staff" to help them provide enhanced services to their clients. Volunteering allows persons to stay directly engaged and connected with their community. And you get to put your unique skills to good use.