The Best Way to Enjoy Your Retirement

The Best Way to Enjoy Your Retirement

Let’s assume that you are retired or nearing retirement. Let’s also assume that you are in your late 50′s or early to mid 60′s. Let’s further assume that by “retirement” we mean that you are leaving a regular job or company to make a radical change in your lifestyle. It can include anything from working part-time to not working at all. Of course it all depends on your financial situation, home-life, needs, and wants. There are a few other considerations such as your health, social interactions, and spending habits.

All of this will determine your direction. Having enough money to pursue your dreams is a foundation for success. That is, if you have dreams at your age. Which brings us to a final assumption; these coming years represent the last quarter or third of your life. With that in mind, what is it that will bring the greatest feeling of accomplishment and pleasure in your later years? Some of it doesn’t involve money at all. Spending more time with the spouse and grandchildren is an obvious choice. Learning to play an instrument or trying you hand at fishing or crafts might be another. Doing online crossword puzzles or simply reading some of those books you never had time for before, are all good preferences. It’s all about your priorities. The key is to recognize that they are final choices.

Why final? Because you are getting older and need to address the issues that can’t be put off any longer. Do you want to see the world? If you are 60, that’s entirely possible. But what about when you are 80 and in not-so-good health? How long can you afford to wait? Travel is terrific if you have the time and health. Or what about sex? Sure, it’s still pretty great, but how will you be performing 20 years from now? Maybe you should behave more like a 25 year-old now and not wait. Do all your experimenting in the present, while you still can. Viagra was inventing for us retirees. That’s right, I am one; nearing 60 and attempting to do everything I just described.

I took a lump-sum buyout at 55 and invested it. I was able to buy my house and cars for cash, which really helps the bottom-line. Today, I travel the world, I am learning to play the guitar, I write books and online articles, I enjoy time with my wife who is 50 and we have sex every time we can. Twice a day on vacation! She likes to make jewelry, sew, read, and watch old movies (anything with John Wayne). We have both joined a gym and work out whenever possible. She does Yoga and Pilates. I lift weights. We eat right, with no red meat, pop our vitamins, and get regular check-ups, both medical and dental. We collect art and run a small, web-based, business.

In other words, we enjoy our free time and both want to live a long and happy life as our grown children approach the time they’ll have families of their own. Our goal is too keep our spending to a minimum while still splurging when we really want something that might make life more pleasurable. The secret to our happiness is careful investing, searching for the very best prices for anything we buy, and loving each other and our family. Realizing that life has lots to offer and choosing those things that add richness and fulfillment, is crucial. Find those things that are important and satisfying and they need not cost anything at all.

For example, go for neighborhood walks, sing, dance, write poetry, draw, watch sports, visit friends and family, play games, go to church, join a hobby club, drive into the country or city (depending where you live) and watch the sunset. Get an online pen pal in a foreign country and discuss your world. Teach a child about life. And remember to have lots of sex with your willing partner. After all, I did say these were all free things you could do, remember? But do it now and while you are still able. Don’t retire from life, retire TO life, and rediscover the joy of living. It’s retirement at it’s best.

Jeffrey Hauser was a sales consultant for the Bell System Yellow Pages for nearly 25 years. He graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Advertising and has a Master’s Degree in teaching. He had his own advertising agency in Scottsdale, Arizona and ran a consulting and design firm, ABC Advertising. He authored a book about his directory years, “Inside the Yellow Pages” which can be seen at his website, http://www.poweradbook.com and he is currently the Marketing Director for http://www.menuelephant.com which posts restaurant menus on the “site you’ll never forget.”