Having Trouble Adjusting
to Retirement? Check out these Myths!
Dear Marge:
Well,
here I am 66 years old, and recently moved into retirement. I don’t know how I got here so fast, and I’m
not sure I’m happy about this…so far I’m bored, worried about the future,
confused and feel as if my life is over.
I don’t know what to do, or where to go, or at least how to change my
attitude. Tips? Geri Basin
Dear Geri:
Yes,
I know, time does go by so quickly, it’s almost a shock to the system. I know, I just hit 80 last month (wow). I myself have had to do some big adjusting. Through my experience I discovered some
retirement myths that I don’t have to believe anymore. Also, here are some wise tips to help you understand
this next phase of your life. This
information has helped me tremendously in adjusting to retirement, and I hope
this information helps you as well in your new ‘retirement’ adventure.
Frankly, from my point of view, it’s just
another change (and I know you know about change). With all this in mind, I
know you can discover that even though it’s a new life for you, it can be your
best one. You just need to open your
eyes and mind, change your attitude, accept the new change, look for new
possibilities, and pick the path that fits for you. Good luck and remember you can have fun
while you figure it all out! J
Marge ‘Magic’ Powers
Tips:
Retirement
requires gradual psychological adjustment.
Proper financial, psychological and physical preparation can help you adjust
more easily into the retirement life.
Common Myths
about Retirement:
Myth 1.
Retirement requires no
planning: Studies show that those without positive goal and planning
for retirement would not adjust as well as those who have planned.
Myth 2:
Retirement leads to a boring
life: Studies revealed that
those who expect to have a satisfactory life after retirement have a better
quality of life than those without such expectations.
Myth 3.
Retirement means becoming a
useless and worthless person:
Studies prove that retirees who maintain active participation in
community activities find their life happier and more satisfactory.
Myth 4:
Retirement leads to health
deterioration: Physical health
usually deteriorates between the ages of 60 to 65. As retirement takes place at the same time,
it may be mistaken as the cause of the deterioration. In fact, an unhealthy life style would be the
main risk factor for health deterioration, not age.
The Gains and Losses from
Retirement: To
accept the reality of the losses and to make the best out of the positive gains.
Losses after Retirement Gains from Retirement
Stable
income. More choices in daily living without
time limitation.
Freedom
in spending. Freedom from work stress.
Career
identity &job satisfaction More flexible use of time. More leisure time.
Sense of
belonging at work. More time with new and old friends
and family
Self-worth and sense of value More choice for life-long learning.
from your contribution to Greater freedom to do what you want.
society. More
time to practice a healthy lifestyle.
Tips in Adjusting to Retirement:
These
tips should be considered in order for you to have a better adjustment to
retiring:
Finance:
It is important to plan well ahead for retirement. Once retired, income would stop or drop, so
plan your expenses. Make the ends meet by
cutting budget and making the best use of pensions or savings. Take advantage of discounts for the
elderly. In case of financial strain, be
open-minded to accept help from family, friends, or the government. Avoid high risk investments, loans or heavy
gambling behaviors. Do not re-mortgage
the house for loans or turn it into a gift to anyone. Watch carefully for scams.
Health:
Always practice healthy life styles, such as having regular exercise and
a balanced diet. Do not smoke or drink
heavily.
Family
Life: Value and enjoy family life but avoid making
extra demands on children. Also, do not
indulge family members, which may lead to their dependence on you and stress
you out.
Marital
Life: Cherish the opportunity to be with your
spouse more often. Communicate with an
open mind and be positive to strengthen the relationship. Be understanding to the changing needs of
each other. Respect and appreciate each
other so you can enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life together.
Social
Life: Never isolate yourself. Maintain existing friendships. Make new friends and extend your social
network. Take the initiative to develop
quality relationships.
Leisure
Time: Retirement can be your best ‘second
life’. With good use of the additional
spare time to participate in health-enhancing leisure, sports, cultural
activities or volunteer work, you can have a rewarding retirement life with new
insights and meanings for your life.
Summary: Retirement
can cause tremendous changes in your life.
It takes some time to adjust and requires proper planning. Retirement is a new stage in life. It can be as meaningful and productive – it
is all in your attitude.
Magic Morsel: You become what you
think.
CONNECT WITH US.
eMail me your letters, inquiries; Let me
know your opinions, let’s have your suggestions and ask your questions. If you’re ready to feel good about yourself,
then connect now!
Help
is here: Contact Marge “Magic” Powers for a free
consultation at 209.785.2042 or marge@discoverwinningways.com.
(Would you please call between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.)? Note: If I am with a client, I do not answer the
phone, so please leave a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as
possible. Thanks. ‘Magic’ Powers J
Marge
has written many books in how to improve your lifestyle, career plans, job
search activities and/or retirement issues. These books may be reviewed or
purchased on her website: www.discoverwinningways.com.
WINNING
WAYS is a Career and Life Coaching firm. We help you
bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be so you can reclaim your power, build your confidence,
commit to your destiny and keep your dignity.
Our mission: A strong commitment
to bringing about real practical changes with huge results in your life.
Note: I only work with people who can benefit most
from my coaching; such as those who are in transition, open minded, interested
in growing and viewing their world as an opportunity full of
possibilities. I enjoy working with
people who are committed and motivated to ‘win’ and want to be satisfied in a
life that actually works and fits who they are!
Good thoughts and Best Wishes!
WINNING
WAYS
Career and Master NLP Life Learning Advisor
209.785.2042
