One surprising aspect of the retirement years is the many varied ways that people use their time and money during this chapter in life.
Those of us who have lived long enough to retire from the jobs, professions and mainstay of our lives for the last thirty to forty years, have a number of choices to make. As I look around at many friends and family in this chapter of life, I notice the following categories of choice.
Where you live?
In the retirement years, people make a large number of varied choices when it comes to where they live. Some move closer to family members. Others move to more recreational areas. Still more stay in their homes or downsize into condos, smaller homes, apartments, or senior citizen communities nearby. As you consider where you live, you will consider the lifestyle you desire, the money you have, and the kind of place that will match your need for comfort and care.
What you do?
I hate the word "retire," since during the retirement stage, I don't know anyone who simply retires. Instead, the retirees I know have busy schedules that include new jobs, hobbies, volunteering, caregiving, and more. The best part of the retiree stage in my opinion is that it's an opportunity to have greater choice over your time and commitments.
Health care
No doubt that during this last quarter of life, health needs rise, and that rise translates into more frequent visits to health agencies and experts as well as more time spent on self care.
Who you care for?
More time and choice provides greater opportunity to care for others in significant ways. There's countless ways to commit to greater care, and caring for others in reasonable, healthy ways improves your health too.
Retirement provides an opportunity to re-look at the life you're living. It's an opportunity to live a good life. Onward.
