When I was in
my 20s, this is what I thought a typical day for a retiree would be
like.
Active retirement.
9 a.m. – Wake
up to a leisurely breakfast and a cup of coffee. Read the paper and do the
crossword puzzle.
10 a.m. – Go
for a walk, then take it easy.
11:30 a.m. –
Watch some TV and read a magazine or a book.
1 p.m. - Have
lunch.
Afternoon –
Go shopping, walk the dog, work on the house, and catch up with friends.
5 p.m. – Have
an early bird dinner and kick back the rest of the day.
9 p.m. – Time
to hit the hay.
This vision
fits a sedate retirement home more than the current active retirements in
which many retirees actually engage. Now that I’m older I know this is not what
people do in retirement. Many people stay quite active when they first retire
from their careers and put off the relaxed retirement until when they are much
older.
Active retirement.
An active
retirement is not just keeping busy, but engaging in quality activities that
make your life worthwhile. Here are some of the key ingredients of quality
retirement activities to help guide your planning:
Find
something you are passionate about.
Since retirement is your time to do what I want to do, it is the perfect time
to focus on what you am passionate about. Passions differ and can change over
time, but you know when you are passionate about something. Whatever that “it”
is for each of us, we need to find it and pursue it.
Find
something that challenges you.
If an activity is too easy, it will get done too quickly. Rising to meet a
challenge engages our capabilities and focuses our attention. Successfully
dealing with a challenge gives us a feeling of accomplishment and worth.
Retirement can be a time of discovery if we engage in activities that push us a
bit.
Find
something that helps others.
There is a satisfaction that we can realize by stepping outside of our comfort
zone to help someone in need. Heartfelt gratitude expressed for even little
things will warm the coldest heart. Some of us are courageous trail blazers who
travel to foreign countries to help those in need. Other people just take the
time to talk with a homeless person waiting on the curb and listen attentively
to their story, empathizing with their situation, and showing that someone
cares.
Find
something that is long term.
If we are fortunate, retirement will be an extended proposition lasting many
years. It is advantageous if retirement activities are not quickly completed
and require time and diligence. I think that something becomes long term when
it is more about the journey than arriving at the destination.
I am learning
that avoiding boredom in retirement cannot be accomplished by engaging in an
unlimited quantity of activities. Rather, a satisfying retirement will be
determined by the quality of the activities I choose.
I know most
people would rather continue to be active after they retire from their career
than relaxing around the pool all day.
Retirement
can be a difficult transition. Retirement
can be a difficult transition if you are not prepared for it. Many people
who were near retirement age were forced to retire during the recent downturn.
The loss of income coupled with the large losses in their retirement account
caused a lot of heartburn. Taking up a part-time job or freelance work could
help delay the withdrawal until the stock market recovers.
Have a fun
retirement. An
active retirement can mean part-time work, volunteering, freelancing,
coaching, and many other activities. Doing part-time work and generating a
small income after retiring is a viable way to reduce or delay withdrawal from
your retirement accounts.
Retiring from
a full-time job is a big change and many retirees often miss the structured
routine of work. Keeping an active retirement can be a bridge to a relaxed
retirement later on.
from an idea posted By Joe, August 23, 2012
from an idea posted By Joe, August 23, 2012
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