Retirement: What does it mean to you?
Last week I looked at attitudes of people planning to retire within a year. Some had plans and an attitude that will probably increase the chances of productive, happy years ahead. Others had plans full of pitfalls – they thought retirement would take care of itself.
Let’s now look at comments from some long-time retirees.
1. My days and nights are filled, for the most part, with things I enjoy doing and can do at my own pace. I don’t feel obligated to meet other people’s expectations the way I did in my career, but instead can pick and choose what I want to do. I feel it is important to remain active. I try to continually broaden my circle of friends because maintaining close relationships is important to me. I treasure time with my children and especially with my grandchildren. I see these vacations together as ways I can instill in them the values I believe in. I want my children to live their own lives. Certainly they would respond if I needed them in a crisis, but for everyday living, they need their space and I need mine.
2. My main focus in life is avoiding ruts. Boredom and loneliness are two of the deepest ruts I know. If you focus on doing things for other people, you will avoid one deep rut, that of feeling sorry for yourself. Retirement is what you make it; don’t assume you won’t have to work to make it successful. I found early in my retired days that a full calendar is better than an empty one. At first I tried things I knew nothing about. Some clicked and I acquired new friends and new knowledge. The others I let go, but not without being grateful for time to explore new interests.
3. Retirement is not all it is cracked up to be. Getting old and being retired go hand in hand, just one last stopover before they bury you. There’s not much you can do about it, it’s just that way. People don’t care about the elderly. Life in the ‘90s and beyond is going to be strictly for the young.
4. Retirement for me has become a life of fear and worry. I worry about my health, my decreased income and what will happen to me if I become physically or mentally incapacitated. My children are grown and are too busy for me now. The things I used to enjoy doing seem either too expensive or too tiring. Life is not interesting or satisfying. I stay at home and watch television by myself.
Research shows that individuals like Nos. 1 and 2 remain involved, interactive and have a realistic understanding of the necessary elements for successful retirement.
Obviously, Nos. 3 and 4 need an attitude change and need to make plans to reach out and help others. As long as they maintain the health and stamina to be productive and don’t take advantage of the gift of a long life, they will continue to feel anxious, fearful and resentful.
Those who want to share their experiences and their time and make the necessary plans to do so are the happiest in their retirement.
