To Continue on Retirement

As I was saying, before I so rudely interrupted myself, one should check-in on retirement plans and ensure that you are on track and not falling into a lethargy. For many it may be easy to keep from being bored by seeing or even babysitting grandchildren frequently. That can always keep one young at heart but don’t forget that those kids will be teenagers soon enough and then where are you? Dumped like a sack of potatoes! You need a back-up plan, one that has been honed even as you were enjoying the grandkids.

In case you forget here are the six pieces of the pie:

        I.            Financial (and I never get into giving advice– it’s a given)

      II.            Physical – both ensuring you check in with your doctor and that you are exercising   your body

    III.            Mental – using your brain with mental activity, reading, studying, doing puzzles, etc.

    IV.            Social – ensuring that you are mixing with other people, keep in touch with colleagues, friends and family. The onus is on YOU, always!

      V.            Hobbies/Activity – find things you are passionate about and excel at them.

    VI.            Spirit – don’t neglect your inner self, your soul. If you aren’t a church type person then look at doing meditation. Spend at least 15 minutes a day in quiet reflection. It’s so healthy for your overall wellbeing. Trust me – it is.

Most of what you can do in the last 5 categories can be done for free or with almost no expense. Dollarama has lots of things a person can do as a craft for a few dollars – even painting (you can get a canvas, pre-printed and with paints, for $4.00). Walking is free, yoga can be done with TV programs, you can get dumbbells at Walmart for under $5.00 if some weight bearing exercises. There are online courses (Open Yale is my favorite) but you can also go to university or college for free when you are a senior (you won’t get credits for it but do you need that?).

I also want to reiterate that yes, it is necessary to check in with yourself and make your retirement as meaningful and purposeful as the rest of your life. It doesn’t need to be stressful, it needs to be HAPPY.

And may you all be HAPPY.