Only Old on the Outside

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Looking at a child playing in the park we typically have a clear picture in our mind of the energetic, fun-loving, perpetually moving creature that lives within the little body.

Cast a similar glance on a senior citizen and what do you see? I would venture that based on external appearance you expect the older person to be a bit slow, set in their ways, occasionally grumpy, and far from energetic. I fear that you – and I – are guilty of an injustice if we do not strive to look beyond the wrinkles to see the person within.

Yes seniors face challenges ranging from the threat of falling to the many adjustments that come as we learn to accept our aging minds and bodies.

But inside most still burns the fire to live and love, to learn and experience life, and to share happiness and survive sadness.

We all hope to be recognized as the person we are inside instead of who we appear to be externally. As we prepare for retirement what a great exercise to look for the person within and go beyond the wrinkles. After all isn’t that the way we ourselves hope to be treated?

This week’s blog in US News & World Only Old on the Outside offers some additional thoughts.

Retire to a New Career

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Whether for financial reasons or to keep busy, retirement for many baby boomers will likely include a healthy dose of work. The retirement our parents and their parents aspired to when at 65 you left your working career for a life of leisure and relaxation is no longer the norm.

And it is not necessarily a bad thing. A job definitely has its good points as you engage with people each day and put yourself to the test to achieve goals and deadlines. Plus it is always nice to have a little additional money in our accounts although many have wisely come to realize that money is not all there is to a satisfying retirement.

With the reality that many boomers will be working into retirement, it becomes important to shape that retirement career into something that gives you enjoyment and satisfaction. This second act can be an opportunity to explore new interests and pursue your true passion.

Take a look at this weeks blog in US News & World Baby Boomers Plan Their Retirement Career for some additional thoughts on preparing for this important phase of retirement life.

Helpful Site: I recently discovered a site that provides a collection of eBooks with a focus on personal finance and retirement planning. Some books are free – including yours truly Navigating the Retirement Jungle – and others come at a nominal price. I recommend you take a look when you have a chance at Personal Finance eBook Library.

Insight into the Importance of Planning for Retirement

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Guest Post by Bob Lykke

At 76 years of age I’m in my 15th year of retirement.  After being in the education profession for thirty-five years I transitioned from the busy life of being a school principal to serve as a supervisor of student teachers and administrative practicum students
at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. I knew that I could not just retire with nothing to do, so I spent considerable time planning this first transition.

I believe planning for retirement is much like planning for a special trip you are taking.  This thoughtful preparation is critical for those early years after stepping away from a job you have enjoyed and treasured.

The other thing I’ve noticed about retirement is that it has been a series of transitions.  I spent eleven years at the university, but after eight or nine years there I began to scale back my schedule.  At this time I once again put careful and thoughtful planning on the front burner.  I asked myself what I wished to do after my second retirement.  During the last three years at the university, I studied what I wanted to do in the next stage of life.

Keeping busy in retirement

I am now retired and volunteer as a tutor in four elementary schools a week.  In addition to that I deliver meals on wheels one day a week, and am very involved in our local Kiwanis Club.  I volunteer in schools because I knew that I needed to be around children.

It is very important to know yourself, and think about how you want to spend the extra hours you have each week. I’m a firm believer in having a purpose and finding meaning, and working with children has fulfilled those things for me.  Each year, I
take some time to look ahead, and think about the next transition in my life.  My tutoring ends at noon each day which gives me the afternoon for golf, fishing, and other hobbies I have.

Retirement has also taught me the importance of balance and truly enjoying leisure
time. I’m still learning about this stage of life called retirement. I prefer to call it, “Finding a new life.”