Bored in Retirement

 

Retirement offers the gift of time, but occasionally, boredom creeps in. We asked our readers how they overcame it. Here's some ideas from people who were in retirement for several years became bored and what they did to get out of it:

"I joined a garden club, took up painting and, also, learned how to windsurf. After a while I focused on gardening. I love the changing seasons and what I can do in my own backyard. Now I only get wet when it starts to rain."

"Keeping fit provided me with a sense of accomplishment and well-being. I walk a few miles everyday. I vary the route. I've made friends in a walking group I joined. We walk, talk, and see each other socially."

"I became a volunteer. Giving back really got me going. I explored some local charities, schools, and the hospital. I visited them. Met new people and then picked one to focus on. I find it gives me a sense of purpose and keeps me in touch with others."

"I learned some new skills. It can be a rewarding way to fill your time and make a positive impact on your life. I do carpentry now and help others in the neighborhood. The kids call me Mr. Fixit."

"Go on a new adventure. I did. I always wanted to see Italy. I went, got hooked and now go every other year. I love the vineyards and learning about wine. It's something I do at home, too."

"I learned a new language. It opened up a whole new world of cultural experiences."

I got bored. So I took up playing the guitar. My buddy was bored, too. He took up cooking. Our wives like to eat and be entertained. Now it's never boring."

Those are just a few of the responses we received. By embracing change and staying curious, you can transform periods of boredom into opportunities for growth, discovery, and fulfillment on your retirement journey. It is all part of REWIRING!

REWIRING! with Intellectual Stimulation

 

One of the concerns we hear from our readers is how do they keep their brains engaged after retirement. In fact, that's a big part of REWIRING! Challenging yourself intellectually, staying curious, and enjoying a fulfilling post-career phase of life is a great way to keep your gray matter stimulated and your understanding of the world around you current. Here are a few tips.

Continued Learning: Enrolling in classes or workshops that interest you can be just the thing. Many universities and community colleges offer courses specifically designed for retirees at discounted rates. Consider subjects like history, art, literature, or explore new skills like photography or cooking.

Reading: Make reading a daily habit. Reading fiction, non-fiction, biographies, poetry and other forms of literature or focusing on publications about current events can be immensely rewarding. Joining a book club can also add a social aspect to your reading experience. Maybe you want to work at Barnes & Noble or a local bookstore.

Staying Informed: Engaging in discussions with friends or participating in community forums keeps you thinking. These days politics is a difficult discussion with friends so be sensitive to the position of others and be selective with whom you speak. Not everyone has the stomach for it anymore.

Hobbies: Pursue hobbies that challenge your mind. Solving puzzles, playing musical instruments, gardening, or learning a new language, or pursing hobbies, new and old, can provide mental stimulation and fulfillment.

Volunteering: Volunteering not only keeps you intellectually engaged but also provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Make sure you find the right role, too. You may want to volunteer at a homeless feeding program, but don't want to work in the kitchen. How about being on the marketing committee or being a fundraiser instead?

Traveling: Traveling exposes you to different cultures, perspectives and experiences, stimulating your mind and keeping you intellectually curious. The nice thing is you don't always have to travel too far to learn something. Perhaps there is a learning opportunity in the next town or county.

Technology: This is so important today and tomorrow. Embracing technology opens up a whole world of intellectual opportunities. Using the internet to access educational resources, joining online communities, or participating in virtual events and lectures from around the globe offers exciting possibilities.

Creative Expression: Engaging in creative activities like painting, writing, or doing crafts stimulates different parts of the brain and fosters your problem-solving skills.

As you review the list, remember that maintaining social connections with friends, family, and peers can keep your mind sharp, too. Try a few or all of these ideas. You will be pleasantly surprised by the results. Happy REWIREMENT!!

Retirement isn't for Everyone

 The decision when to retire is a personal one and can depend on a variety of factors such as financial readiness, health, personal goals, and lifestyle preferences. It's important to consider your financial situation, future plans, and overall well-being when determining the right time to retire. It's recommended to consult with a financial advisor or retirement planner to help you make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances. That said we are seeing more and more studies showing that if you love what you do, keep doing it!!!

There are many professions where you can work as long as you want. That is particularly true if you have your own business.  We've seen financial planners, lawyers, doctors and a variety of other professions continuing to work into their 80s.  When we've asked them why they continue to work they pretty much say the same thing, "Why would I stop doing a job that I enjoy, am still good at, and where I am getting personal and professional fulfillment." We love that thinking.

Using our brains is so important as we age. Work gives us the opportunity to problem solve, exercise critical thinking, and use our social skills.  Staying connected to others is huge.  For many work is their principal social network and if that eclipses off the screen it takes a long time to build a new one.  Being part of a group or groups outside of work is a lifeboat of sorts.  If you aren't involved outside of work, there is no time like the present to begin. 

Many people would like to keep working, but are confronted with obstacles that channel them into retirement. Perhaps it is a younger boss, an ageist company culture, high levels of stress, and more demanding customers or clients.  It is understandable to want to get out of those type of circumstances, but it doesn't mean work needs to stop.  Powering back and doing a more flexible schedule might be a solution if your employer is flexible.  If your skill set lends itself to consulting, you can market yourself. Your former employer might be one of your clients.  Taking a new job, working part-time, or starting a business are other options.  The important thing is getting fulfillment from what you do and using your gray matter. Everyone wants to look forward to getting up in the morning and doing something productive.

The Positive Aspects of Losing Yourself in a Task

 Losing oneself in a task can be a great way to enhance focus and productivity. It's a great way to REWIRE your thinking. Here are some tips to help you achieve that state:

1. Choose a compelling task: Select a task that you find interesting, challenging, or meaningful. When you're engaged in something that aligns with your passions or goals, it becomes easier to become absorbed in it.

2. Set clear goals: Clearly define the objective or outcome you want to achieve with the task. This provides a sense of direction and purpose, keeping you focused and motivated.

3. Remove distractions: Minimize potential distractions that can pull your attention away from the task. Put your phone on silent, close unnecessary tabs on your computer, or find a quiet space where interruptions are less likely.

4. Create a conducive environment: Arrange your workspace or surroundings in a way that supports your concentration. Organize your materials, eliminate clutter, and make sure you have the necessary tools and resources readily available.

5. Break the task into smaller parts: If the task feels overwhelming, break it down into smaller, manageable steps or milestones. This not only makes it more approachable but also allows you to experience a sense of progress, which can be motivating.

6. Use a timer or schedule: Set a designated timeframe for working on the task. Using a timer or scheduling specific blocks of time can create a sense of urgency and structure, helping you maintain focus.

7. Engage your senses: By fully immersing yourself in the task, you can enhance your concentration and involvement. Pay attention to the details, use different senses if relevant, and try to connect emotionally with the activity.

8. Find your flow: The concept of flow refers to a state of optimal experience where you feel fully and effortlessly immersed in an activity. To achieve flow, seek a balance between the challenge of the task and your skills or abilities. This can lead to a highly engrossing and rewarding experience.

9. Take breaks when needed: While losing yourself in a task is beneficial, it's important to take breaks when necessary. Taking short breaks between focused work sessions can help prevent burnout and maintain long-term productivity.

Remember, losing yourself in a task requires practice and discipline. By applying these strategies consistently, you can improve your ability to enter a state of deep focus and engagement. 

Should I Retire at the Same Time as My Spouse or Partner?

Retiring at the same time as your spouse or partner can have both advantages and disadvantages. While it may seem appealing to enter this next phase of life together, there are some pitfalls to consider. One significant issue is that retiring simultaneously can create too much togetherness, which may lead to conflicts or feelings of claustrophobia. It's important to maintain a balance between spending quality time together and having individual space and activities.

Another potential pitfall is the financial aspect. If both partners retire at the same time, it can put a strain on your finances, especially if you haven't adequately planned for it. You should consider how retiring together will affect your retirement savings, Social Security benefits, and other income sources. It's wise to consult with a financial advisor to ensure you can comfortably sustain your lifestyle throughout retirement.

Additionally, retiring at the same time as your partner may lead to a loss of individual identity. Some people find much of their sense of self in their career, and when that is abruptly taken away, they may struggle with their identity and purpose in retirement. It's essential to have a plan for how you will stay engaged, pursue new interests, or maybe even continue working part-time if that aligns with your goals.

Lastly, health considerations should also be taken into account. If both partners retire together and experience declines in health around the same time, it can put a strain on caregiving responsibilities and lifestyle adjustments. Having open discussions about long-term care plans and contingency plans should health concerns arise is crucial.

It's important to weigh the pros and cons of retiring at the same time as your spouse or partner. While it can be wonderful to embark on this new chapter together, it's essential to consider these pitfalls and make necessary preparations to mitigate their impact. Communication, financial planning, maintaining individuality, and addressing health concerns are all key factors to keep in mind when making this decision.

Starting the New Year as a Retiree

As a retiree, starting the New Year right can be an exciting time to set intentions and priorities for the year ahead. Here are a few suggestions to help you make the most of the coming year.

1. Reflect on the past: Take some time to reflect on the previous year and think about what went well and what you might want to improve. This self-reflection can help you set meaningful goals for the coming year.

2. Set new goals: Think about what you want to achieve or experience in the upcoming year. Whether it's traveling, pursuing a new hobby, or spending more time with loved ones, having goals will give you a sense of purpose and excitement.

3. Stay active and healthy: Make sure to prioritize your physical and mental well-being. Engage in regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, and maintain social connections. Consider trying new activities or joining a club to stay involved and meet new people.

4. Plan for financial security: Review your retirement savings and make any necessary adjustments to your budget or investments. Consider consulting with a financial advisor to ensure your finances are in order and aligned with your retirement goals.

5. Give back: Consider volunteering or getting involved in your community. This can provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose while helping others.

6. Embrace learning: Retirement is a great time to pursue lifelong learning. Engage in activities that stimulate your mind, such as taking classes, reading, or exploring new interests. It's never too late to acquire new knowledge or skills.

Remember, retirement or as we say, REWIREMENT, is an opportunity to prioritize your well-being and enjoy the freedom that comes with it. By setting goals, staying active, nurturing relationships, and continuing to learn, you can make the most of the New Year and the years to come.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

What Rocky Says About Moving

 

Many people consider moving as a part of their retirement plan. Often it's a move to be near a parent or a child who needs some help. Caregiving for the old or grandchildren often falls to those who have the time and the willingness to do it. Others move for a better cost of living, to be in a place they loved when they vacationed, or to be near a venue where they can indulge an interest. Perhaps retiring to be near a place where they can hunt or fish, experience museums or concert venues that inspire, or a climate that is more conducive than the one they presently live in.  It used to be only about 5 percent of people moved after they retired. The number is up to 20 percent and growing.   A move to escape the boredom of a routine that you know and the sameness of the familiar is becoming a trend.

Sylvester Stallone, who we all know as Rocky or Rambo, has moved from California to Florida. Yes, the tax savings will be huge, but that's not the reason.  To put it in his own words, "It’s really easy to become complacent. I thought I gotta do something drastic. Everything’s getting kind of mundane, repetitive, I can feel myself withering a little bit, drying up like an old fig falling off a tree." He continued, wondering, "Jesus, how long am I going to be around, for another 20 years? I don’t want to be complacent for 20 years.""So I said, ‘Well, you really want to get the adrenals going? Leave.’ And that’s why I’m gonna move east. Nothing I think inspires you than taking your house or your history, balling it up and going [gestures blowing ball away]."

We can attest to his emotion. After 48 years we moved from Manhattan, NY to Florida. We blew off the familiar and challenged ourselves. All the familiar was gone. We had to learn everything new. The roads, the destinations, where to shop,  where to eat.  We had to find new doctors, dentists, and make new friends. It was hard.  The result has been excellent. We wouldn't have said that a year ago. It takes time to adjust to new surroundings.  But our advice is that if you decide to do it, don't be a quick quitter.  Give it time. Tolerate the frustrations. Risk getting lost.  Eventually, you will see the horizon.

For those of you who want a more daring move, one of our single neighbors who moved to Florida quickly decided it wasn't enough. She recently moved. She is going on a three year around the world cruise.  The exciting thing is that she has never been on a ship before.  Now that's adventure.