4 minute read
Explorers & Adventures
A Fulfilling
Life
Advertisement
Creating new chapters in retirement
BY » Jean Spangler
The word “retirement” means different things to different people. To some, the word invokes feeling “old and tired.” Others love the word retirement as it means they have retired the closet full of business casual clothes and the task of going to work on a daily basis. Regardless of how you may feel about retirement, the first thing is to develop an attitude of joy and gratitude if you are among those who don’t have to find a part-time job to supplement social security and investments.
Settle into new routines slowly
Retirement can be a significant adjustment for some who have had jobs that left them little free time to develop hobbies such as tennis or golf, painting, or volunteering. Psychologists say that new retirees often rush into staying busy and overcommit as a way of avoiding being alone. These experts recommend that the first rule of thumb for many retirees is to settle into a new routine slowly. That doesn’t mean sleeping until noon or looking at your Facebook page for hours a day. It means giving yourself time to develop a routine that suits and stimulates you.
If you’re married and are both retired, retirement may require dedicating the time so that each of you have your own space and that expectations regarding meal time and delegation of chores is clearly communicated and understood. Make time for “me time” and “us time.” It’s also important for singles and couples to agree on monthly expenditures so that, despite a paycheck, you live within your means. Explore new hobbies and interests
The primary benefit of retirement is that you now have the time to explore new things—even those you may think you have no ability to do. If you’ve ever dreamed of being a painter, but can’t draw a stick figure, sign up for a class anyway. The same is true for
Dream It. Plan It. Pursue It. SM Plan It.
Providing proactive solutions, personalized strategies, and
inspired insight that is forwardthinking, comprehensive, and considerate of your financial personality and risk comfort zone.
704.658.1929
www.karpfinancial.com
139 W. McNeely Ave, Mooresville, NC
learning a new language (always great for brain fitness), journaling and writing, taking a fitness class like Tai Chi or yoga, meditation or taking an adult education class in a subject in which you’ve always been fascinated. Dance classes, like ballroom dance, kill two birds with one stone. First, learning the steps challenges your brain, learning the moves help keeps you physically fit. Serving others If you find yourself with too much time on your hands, nonprofits are a great way to get your mind off yourself and onto others. Hospitals need volunteers to greet people and direct them to offices and departments. Hospice is always looking for volunteers to undergo training to help comfort those dealing with end-of-life issues. Nonprofits such as food pantries, affordable housing organizations, clothing closets and mentoring children in subjects in which they struggle, are just a few examples of ways to spend your free time with purpose. Have fun and get organized But don’t forget to put the fun in retirement time. Find a way to
make new friends and nourish those friendships. Establish a “girl” or “couples” night out once a month. For foodies, try a new restaurant or invite people over to cook a new recipe with each person or couple bringing ingredients. Book lovers can find one of many book clubs or subscribe to Audible books and spend an afternoon mesmerized by a great novel.
Many new retirees use their time to organize files and update wills and other personal matters they may have not had time to do. Make memories with your children and grandchildren and reach out to relatives you haven’t seen or spoken to in a while.
The main thing many therapists advise retirees struggling to adjust to post-life work is to do what makes you happy while incorporating a little daring into your day. Spend time discovering where you live and the out-of-the-way places you might have missed or never got around to visiting.
If all else fails and you miss working, then look for opportunities to work part-time. Retirement should be a time where you can find yourself in new ways. Now’s a great time to start!
Pursue It.
Helping you embrace your financial possibilities to pursue the lifestyle you desire now and throughout your lifetime filled with treasured moments and memories.
704.658.1929
www.karpfinancial.com
Dream It. Plan It. Pursue It. SM
