Retired, consider working for fun?

The idea of “Working for FUN” as a retirement theme is fascinating. Retirement often comes with slowing down, relaxing, and not having to work. However, I would like to suggest that this approach to retirement is counterproductive and can lead to a boring life and a premature death.

Instead, we need to remember that retirement should be viewed as an opportunity to work for the FUN of it. It’s a chance to pursue activities that bring joy and fulfillment, even if they’re not tied to a traditional job or career. Studies have shown that continuing to work in some capacity during retirement can be beneficial for mental and physical health, providing structure, social interaction, and a sense of purpose.

Working for FUN can involve pursuing hobbies, learning new skills, volunteering, or starting a business or project. These activities can help retirees stay engaged, stimulated, and happy. They can also lead to new experiences, friendships, and opportunities for personal growth.

In conclusion, the idea of “Working for FUN” challenges traditional notions of retirement and encourages retirees to embrace a more active and fulfilling lifestyle. By finding joy in work and pursuing meaningful activities, retirees can stay vibrant and engaged, creating a more enjoyable retirement experience.

Are you an active senior?

 Musings on a Sunday 

There are a lot of active seniors. Retirement has been the next best thing for them. And, what they like about retirement is they can do what they want to do when they want to do it! No more alarm clocks, no more early morning or late night meetings.

The flexibility to pursue one’s interests and passions without the constraints of a work schedule can be a significant benefit of retirement. The absence of the daily stressors that come with a busy work schedule can also contribute to an overall sense of well-being and enjoyment in life. It’s essential to recognize that retirement looks different for everyone, and not everyone may have the same opportunities or resources to enjoy retirement. It’s encouraging to see that many seniors are making the most of their retirement years and that many seniors are leading active and fulfilling lives in retirement. Two of these activities are travelling and exercise. They  offer the following benefits for retired people:

Travelling can provide seniors with the opportunity to explore unknown places, experience different cultures, and create lasting memories. It can also provide mental stimulation, as seniors engage in activities such as learning a new language, trying new foods, or visiting museums and historical sites. Travelling can help seniors feel more connected to the world around them, and it can be a great way to stay active.

Regular exercise has many physical and mental health benefits for seniors, including improving cardiovascular health, strengthening bones and muscles, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Exercise can also help seniors maintain a healthy weight, improve balance and flexibility, and reduce stress and anxiety. Engaging in regular physical activity can help seniors maintain their independence, increase their energy levels, and improve their overall quality of life.

Travelling and exercise can offer retirees the opportunity to stay engaged, and healthy during their retirement years. These activities can provide a sense of purpose, joy, and fulfillment, as seniors explore unknown places, meet new people, and take care of their physical and mental health.

Women and planning for retirement

First up, it’s important to note that women live around 4.7 years longer than men. This means that women need to plan for a longer retirement period compared to men. But don’t worry, with careful financial planning, women can ensure they have enough savings and income to support their retirement goals and cost of living. It’s time to act and plan for the future by creating a retirement plan that considers their longer life expectancy. Women should explore various options for generating retirement income, such as pensions, superannuation, and investments.

Second, because of factors like the gender pay gap and taking time off work to care for their families, women often earn less than men over their lifetime. This means that most women have lower retirement savings compared to men. As a man, I encourage women to take charge of their finances and maximize their retirement savings earlier. Negotiate for higher pay, contribute more to your superannuation, and take advantage of superannuation tax concessions as early as possible in life to achieve financial independence and a comfortable retirement.

Lastly, as a woman, you are more likely to take on caregiving responsibilities for your loved ones. Although this is a beautiful thing, it can affect your ability to work full-time and save for retirement. So, it’s essential to plan for caregiving responsibilities. Consider childcare, eldercare, or other family responsibilities when planning your retirement goals. Explore options for flexible work arrangements or part-time work to accommodate your caregiving responsibilities while also achieving your retirement goals.

Bucket lists? Why?

I’ve never quite grasped the concept of a bucket list. When people say, “I want to do this or that because it’s on my bucket list,” I find it hard to relate. To me, having a list of things you want to do before you die seems like a waste of time. If there’s something you want to do and you’re able to do it, why wait? Life is full of unexpected surprises, and I know people who have missed out on experiences because they were too focused on checking items off their bucket lists. Perhaps I don’t understand the appeal of a bucket list because I’m not much of a list-maker myself. While my wife and a close friend both love making lists, I often find myself either misplacing or ignoring the lists I make.

Recently, I read a post about retirement planning that made sense to me. The author suggested that, in the ten years leading up to retirement, it’s a good idea to incorporate some new and exciting experiences into your life. Why? Because, as humans, we fall into routines that make our lives feel more predictable and manageable. But when retirement comes around, everything is up in the air. By breaking out of our routines and trying new things ahead of time, we can better prepare ourselves for the changes that retirement will bring. This is good advice for people of any age. So, for those who are retired or approaching retirement, here are some ideas to help you break out of your routine and add some excitement to your life.

To enjoy your pre-retirement years or your retirement years, consider travelling and exploring unknown places or hobbies. If you are working part-time or full-time, ask your boss for some flexibility to make it happen. Volunteering for a charity or non-profit organization can also give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Spending quality time with loved ones, being active, and researching your family tree can also enrich your life. Pursuing a passion project or taking on a new challenge can help reignite your spark. Prioritize your health by eating well, exercising, and getting regular check-ups. Reading and reflecting on your achievements and future goals can also help keep your mind engaged and focused.

I get it. We all love our routines. They’re like a warm, fuzzy blanket that wraps us up in comfort and security. But have you ever stopped to smell the roses? Or taste the chocolate cake? It’s time to unleash your inner party animal and show the world that you still got it and that means doing things, not making lists!