Life After Retirement Recreation or Re-creation?

There are many parts to a fulfilling retirement. These would include social, physical, mental and financial. What are some ways to incorporate them into your own retirement?

• Socializing. This can be tough. It’s been said that your relationships come from three areas: family, neighbors, and people you work with. Retirement will eliminate workplace relationships. Family can move away. You may have downsized into a new address and not know any of your new neighbors. You need to make the effort to be social and meet new people. One way is to take courses at the local community college. You will be learning along with others who share the same interests.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     There is also the story about a lonely widow who, on Sunday at church, was complaining to her pastor that she was isolated and didn’t know any of her new neighbors. The pastor said he couldn’t meet with her until the end of the week, but in the meantime, told her to make a batch of cookies and take them to each of her neighbors. When she didn’t show up for the meeting, he called her and asked if everything was OK. She told him she made so many new friends, she was happier than she had ever been in years.                                   
• Physical. You need to stay active. Some Medicare plans offer a free membership at the local YMCA. They offer exercise classes of all difficulty levels for seniors. If it isn’t convenient, at least walk regularly. Try to get in at least three hours weekly. There’s also many exercise lessons you can follow on TV or your computer. Try getsetup.io for a good selection. And yes, you can still get Jane Fonda’s workouts on YouTube                                      
• Mental. Courses at school can provide mental stimulation, as well as socialization. Learning something new; whether a language, a new computer skill or a craft will keep you sharp. A new game can be entertaining as well. Puzzles and card games will keep your brain active. When you’re alone, reading is a great source of knowledge and entertainment.                                                                                                                                        
• Financial. It’s been documented that the longer you work, the more likely you will add years to your life. Continued employment can also keep financial hardship away and contribute to all the other benefits discussed. It doesn’t mean you need to keep your old job or even work full time. You may be able to adapt the skills you have into another career. Were you a teacher? Be a tutor. A competent musician? Give lessons.                                                                                                                                                                                      There was once an accountant who, at age 55, was let go when the company he worked for was merged and downsized. After months of answering help wanted ads and getting nowhere, he had a revelation. He started his own temporary employment agency. He was the only temporary employee. He  contacted companies that were advertising accounting jobs and offered his services as a temp. His selling point was, that with the work being done, the company could be more particular about who they ultimately hired. Since he was a contract worker, he received no benefits from that company.  As a result, he was able to charge more for his services than he had been making as an employee. Ultimately, he was hired as a full time employee and was paid the same amount he had been charging.