There’s more to retirement than money worries
Anytime you start looking into the topic of retirement; finances and having adequate insurance is the first thing that will reach your radar screen. These things are important of course but far from the only thing that truly matters.
Finances are usually the top priority on people’s minds as they seriously observe their own senior years on the horizon. However, in my mind while very valid it’s not the most important aspect. How you live, how you spend your time, how to bring joy into your life, having a community and making choices to create the best life possible at this stage of life is what’s really counts.
It’s not all about the money but you do need an income!
One thing that’s clear to most of us is that you can’t live on fresh air so you still have to consider that you need an income. And even if you plan to work until you drop you should know by now that the best laid plans can change in an instant. The unexpected happens and life can change in a flash. We have to learn to adapt and change, to take care of what is truly important. These things are important of course but far from the only thing that truly matters.
There’s so much more to retirement than worrying about money and I’m not going to try to give you financial advice. There are many others that can offer you financial and health care advice.
We’re all different in so many ways and we handle change differently. Many are content just living day by day and will fall into the next phase of life without getting too stressed by it, taking things as they come and dealing with issues as they arise. Others will worry themselves sick trying to fathom everything out so that they’ll know what’s in store and how they can handle it or they may feel that they have absolutely no control of what’s to come. The truth is we don’t know what’s in store so worrying about things out of your control is futile.
Most of your retirement adventure depends on your outlook and attitude, what you make of it.
Here Are 7 tips For A Better Retirement
Be a Trail Blazer
You don’t have to follow the rules of what old ways of retirement once looked like. What others before you have done may drive you crazy. It’s time to think outside the box and do something totally new. We’re a different generation and can forge new ideas for those that come after us too. Sitting in a rocker on the garden porch watching the world go by, or becoming a couch potato glued to the TV won’t cut it anymore. It’s more about finding new and different things to do. Take a few risks but don’t do anything stupid that will cause harm to you or others. Take the challenge and blaze your own trail.
Pay attention to your health
Without good health you can become quite limited so it’s even more important to take care of yourself as you age. Independence is something we all aspire to into our 80’s and beyond. So eat well, get adequate sleep, do some form of exercise and have some fun. Your mobility is really important especially if you enjoy an active lifestyle. This is a time when joint replacement surgeries, higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels are almost a given as a part of medical issues. It takes a long time to recover from some of the surgeries and it’s important to try to prevent medical problems in the first place where possible. By being responsible, more aware and following a healthy lifestyle you can reap the benefits for years to come.
Be part of a community.
Loneliness is a terrible thing and there’s a lot of it out there. It’s important to have friends, to belong to a group or groups where you will meet people of your age group and/or interests. People that you have things in common with, make life interesting. Some people have a large support system in place. They have family, friends, have stayed in touch with co-workers, they find it easy to connect with new people and join groups easily. Other people find it difficult to put themselves out there, to be a bit vulnerable but it’s important to do it anyway. Once you break the ice and realize there are others that are having just as much of a challenge as you, you’ll soon be more comfortable, and already you’ll see that you have things in common. Join a seniors center, take a class, learn a new hobby, plan coffee with neighbors, volunteer. Loneliness can lead to depression, other health issues and addictions. Make the effort it’s worth it!
Don’t let excuses stop you from getting what you want
How many times have you let excuses stop you? I’m too old, I’m not smart enough, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, I don’t have the time. Don’t let excuses hold you back from doing something that you know you want to do. It may be a new hobby, a new relationship, travel to a new place, whatever it is, if it’s possible go ahead. If not now – When?
Be up for the challenge
There’s little doubt that life will change, possibly your relationships, lifestyle, and emotions. You may re-evaluate and reflect on your life but keep in mind that the past is behind you. You can’t go back to do a retake but you can learn from what’s already happened. Now it’s time to move forward, make sure it’s in a direction you want to go. Be up for the challenge and build a better life.
Try something new
If you find that you’re not be able to do the things you once enjoyed doing, especially if it’s physically challenging find something else to replace it. Don’t dwell on what you are not able to do. Try new things…you may find you enjoy them just as much, maybe more.
Have no regrets
Whether we admit it or not once we reach retirement age we’re heading toward the later part of our lives and what we don’t do now may never be achieved. If we’re wary and putting things off now the chances are it’s not going to get any easier as time goes on so have no regrets. Don’t just wish you had, you may have already experienced some of those already. Go for it! Although challenges are inevitable do your best to live, love, laugh and enjoy whatever comes your way!
As you can see in this video the fun doesn’t have to stop even if you’re in your 80’s and living in a residential retirement facility.
