Retirement
(n): removal or Thought Elevators System withdrawal from service, office, or business;
withdrawal into privacy or seclusion.WRONG!
With apologies to Webster's Dictionary, this is no longer your
father's (or mother's) retirement. Today's retirees, and those
approaching retirement, differ from their parents in a number of
important ways. Baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) are
living longer, perhaps spending 30 or more years in retirement. As a
group, they are healthier, more active physically and mentally, more
affluent, more educated, and more likely to relocate after retiring.
Although seemingly an oxymoron, more Boomers plan to continue working
in retirement and view retirement as a process, rather than an end,
with perhaps several forays into and out of the workforceThis truly
is a "new" retirement. In fact, many believe the word
"retirement" itself needs to be retired - the word no
longer represents the porch-rocking, shuffle-board playing,
early-bird dining, silver-haired stereotype of yore. So, how can you
plan for a successful, happy transition into the second half of your
life? I'd like to offer six secrets:
Secret
1: Have Strong Social Support
Who
would have known Barbra Streisand foreshadowed the results of a
scientific study when she sang her song "People"? But did
you know that those lucky people also live longer? A study done in
New Haven, Connecticut found that men and women who were socially
active lived an average of two and a half years longer than those who
were not. Other studies have found that social interactions have a
significant effect in maintaining mental health, regardless of
whether retirees live alone, live with someone other than their
spouse, or are childless. Satisfaction in retirement is strongly
correlated to the strength and number of your personal connections.
It would seem that investing in building and maintaining friendships
can reap far greater rewards than investing in stocks and bonds!
Secret
2: Have Something to Wake Up For
Intellectual
stimulation, structure, a sense of purpose, feelings of pride and
accomplishment - these are key ingredients to a happy retirement.
Sure, golf, fishing, tennis, and beachcombing are great, but can you
really do them 168 hours a week? Although the answer is "yes"
for some, for most of us, there needs to be more.According to
surveys, about 70% - 90% of boomers plan to continue working. Though
an economic necessity for many, for others, work provides the
feelings of engagement and self-esteem we crave (and don't forget the
built-in social aspects most jobs provide). When surveyed, the number
one reason people give for retiring is "to do something else."
But, if you are content with working (and your significant other, if
there is one, is okay with it, too), and there is nothing else you'd
really rather be doing, then by all means continue to work. If your
present career doesn't provide you with the emotional and
psychological plusses you need, or if you find yourself unable to
work, or you're bored with your retirement lifestyle, here are some
other options to consider so you'll be leaping out of bed every
morning eager to start the day.
In addition to volunteering, a volunteer or service vacation is a way to help others while enjoying yourself. Tens of thousands of people the world over are involved in constructing homes, improving public health, helping set up small businesses, gathering data on global warming, or building trails in National Parks. Examples of organizations that offer volunteer vacations include Habitat for Humanity, the Earthwatch Institute, and the American Hiking Society. Some of the costs associated with these volunteer vacations may be tax deductible - check IRS guidelines, or consult your tax advisor.
Rather
hit the books than a golf ball? Lifelong learning opportunities
abound - in fact, the mature learner is the fastest-growing
contingent on campus, according to the National Center for
Educational Statistics. Many institutions offer classes for free or
at reduced rates for seniors, allow you to audit courses (no tests or
papers - yippee!), offer distance education courses (curl up in your
comfy chair in front of a computer and go to it), have continuing or
adult education classes, or offer member-driven courses through
organizations such as the Lifelong Learning Institute. Contact your
local community college or university for programs available to you.
Give the Internet a try - you can take classes online through
QuicKnowledge, ThirdAge, or SeniorNet. The term "college senior"
can have a whole new meaning!
