The Retirement Glass is More Than Half Full
This article looks at retirement from the glass half full perspective. There are enough doomsday scenarios out there. Let’s look at some positive developments!
We are Healthier than ever
Many of us are living longer than ever, and we’re staying active. There are sayings out there that 60 is the new 40, or 80 is the new 60, and there is an element of truth there. (Although as I personally approach 60 I don’t feel like I did at 40!)
Modern drugs and medical care, though far from perfect, are having a desired effect. There is a lot of good information out there on how to stay healthy. I’m sure we all have had the experience of meeting someone you think is in their late sixties only to find out they are in their early eighties!
More Opportunities than ever before
No longer are the choices to just keep working or retire to a life of the rocking chair and occasional trips to visit the grandchildren. Today’s retirees can do pretty much anything they want.
Work part time. Start a business. Volunteer or start your own non-profit. Run a marathon, hike through a national forest or go crazy with your favorite hobby. The only thing limiting today’s retiree is their own imagination.
Social Security isn’t going away
Rumors of Social Security’s death are greatly exaggerated. There are all too many articles about Social Security going broke but the bottom line is that although it may change, especially for younger workers, it isn’t going away.
Add to that the fact that many people can afford to take payments at an older age (like 70) in order to increase monthly payments, and Social Security is looking better than ever.
Plenty to do to fill our time
With all the opportunities out there the problem in retirement should not be having enough to do, but instead how to filter all the choices. The trick is to find what you really want to do, be it working, hobbies, activism or whatever.
Lots of opportunities to volunteer
Many volunteer organizations could not exist with retirees. Every type of person is needed from managers to ad-hock helpers. If an organization does not already exist for your particular interest then you can create one! Don’t forget the little things like giving a ride to the neighbor down the street to the doctor or picking up some groceries or just taking a few minutes to chat with a lonely friend.
Lots of Information is available
The sheer volume of information out there is mind boggling. The web is the storehouse for information on everything from retirement finances to hobbies and learning opportunities.
Definition of Retirement is changing
The retirement glass is more than half full mostly because the definition of retirement is changing. It is no longer retire at 65 after working for the same company for 30 years with a gold watch to life in the rocking chair. It can be anything you want.
Retirement is just the transition to a different phase of life. It is potentially the first phase in life where you have a lot of control. And it can be the best phase of life!
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