Adjustment expected after retirement
You think you have your golden years planned. A little travel, a little volunteer work, rest, recreation, and just enjoying the freedom to do some of the things you haven't been able to fit into a busy schedule. So you and your spouse retire and accept the best wishes of your friends and co-workers. You begin a new routine and experience a surge of zest and enthusiasm.
After a few months of enjoying the new life, here are some of the unexpected unplanned events that may occur.
• You may miss the exchange, the stimulation of exploring and sharing facts and ideas.
• You may miss the authority and respect you had in your work.
• You may feel there is little challenge is your new routine.
• You may regret agreeing to volunteer for so many different agencies.
• You may regret giving up all the ties to your former associates.
• You may wish you could settle down to doing just one or two things that you really enjoy.
• You may wish you and your spouse could have some separate activities so that you would have different things to discuss.
• Are you feeling more aches and pains than you used to?
• Do you wish you had a little more income?
• As you think on this point, do you begin to think retirement isn't what you thought it would be? Do you think you planned it all wrong? If so, here are some suggestions for getting it right.
• First of all, realize that your period of adjustment is normal and that you could not anticipate all of the events that came your way.
• Strive for balance and a routine that is comfortable and easy to keep. Many retired people complain that the greatest adjustment is that of balance. They accept membership in too many clubs, volunteer for too many community and service agencies, or plan too many social events.
• Many retired people in relaxing their routine too much find that they neglect time for exercise.
• They begin to feel sluggish and unfit.
• Many retired people on the other hand do not plan enough activities following their idea of letting each day take care of itself. They become bored and restless.
• Many people have not adequately planned for necessary expenditures or little luxuries they used to enjoy and may need to find a part-time job to supplement their income.
Retirement days are simply another phase of your life, enjoyable ones and very positive fulfilling ones if you strive for balance and pattern those days to fit your needs. Retirement is not a static phase, but one that can be altered and rearranged as you wish. If you find that full retirement is not what you want, seek another career. If your health permits, your age should not be a hindrance.
