Almost all our working lives, we dream about retirement, however our expectations may not be fulfilled. When you think of retiring, have you ever had any of the following thoughts?
- “Retirement is the end of my working life.” In reality the last day of their career is the first day of the rest of their lives. For most people, there may be a period of transition from working to creating a new lifestyle.
- “Someone or something else will take care of me.” With the present economy, changes in pensions and investments and speculation regarding Social Security, it is unlikely that someone else will take care of you. In some instances, seniors are assisting their adult children financially, thereby decreasing their savings for their own future.
- “Retirement will be wonderful because I’ll spend my time with my spouse.” This can be very challenging!!! Many couples have only actually spent about 20% of their time with their spouse before retiring. Statistics now indicate that the highest divorce rate is couples over 55.
- “Once I retire, I’ll never work again.” This may not be true. Retirees work because they need the income, socialization or because working gives them purpose – a reason to get up in the morning. They may start a new career, volunteer or go back to college.
- “If I have enough money, I’ll be happy.” The old saying that money doesn’t buy happiness is all too true. Money doesn’t satisfy the most essential human needs of relationships, meaning, purpose or desire to leave a legacy.
- “You can watch your physical and mental capabilities decline.” This is true if you make it true. Through good nutrition, rest, exercising both your mind and body and having a positive attitude, you can influence how you age.
- “Everyone ends up in a nursing home.” Studies show most seniors choose to remain at home. Fortunately there are agencies that can assist them to do so and enhance their quality of life.
- “The best time to think about retirement is when I retire.” It‘s much more difficult if you wait. By planning your new lifestyle early you can have everything in place to make it an easier transition for you. You’ll know the direction you wish to take and have the resources to support those decisions.
Retirement can continue to be a productive, fulfilling time. Consider it a time to “re-fire”. Plan ahead and enjoy the possibilities!
