Ahhh, retirement. Time to relax, play some golf, forget all about that daily commute. Take life easy, right? For some, perhaps, but the overwhelming evidence in multiple studies of the Baby Boomers indicates otherwise. Many don't plan to retire the way their parents did. Many more don't plan to retire at all. And then there are those who simply don't have a plan. Yet, as Bob Dylan promised, "The Times They Are A' Changin'" and this applies to retirement too.

The "retirement" years may now include ongoing or part-time employment, travel, volunteer work, caring for an aging parent or grandchild, a return to school, or training for and running that marathon. Or for most it will be some combination of all of the above. And each choice requires some planning.

Here are some things for you to consider if you are dreaming about crafting your own retirement years:

     Healthy Aging & Wellness: Quantity of life as well as quality of life. We can maintain healthy habits or learn new ones. It's never too late to work on your health, or to commit to maintaining your health. There are abundant resources to keep you fit for your older years.

    Personal Growth & Lifetime Learning: These are often stated as important aspects of future retirement plans. Opportunities abound to pursue - or continue - a life full of intellectual, spiritual and physical growth.

     Recreation & Social Activities: Because the nature of retirement is changing constantly, so are the plans of people preparing to retire. Check some of our options for staying active and having some fun.

     Support Services: Broadly defined, these organizations and individuals provide assistance and support to older persons in our community. Services range from in-home help with personal care, housekeeping or respite (for example), to transportation or legal assistance.  Whether you need these now or later, we can help connect you.