The Flexible Retirement: Body and Mind

Over these first three years of my retirement, I’ve come to realize how important it is to keep your retirement evolving.  We all have an idea of what we want our retirement to look like, but getting locked into a strict regimen is not the way to a fulfilling retirement.  Whether it’s because circumstances change or simply because of boredom, you’ll need to keep your retirement evolving as you do.

Alan Spector and Keith Lawrence share this advice in their book, Your Retirement Quest:  10 Secrets for Creating and Living a Fulfilling Retirement.  In my post at U.S. News today,”4 Reasons to Deviate From Your Retirement Plan,” I share their advice about why it’s so important to go with the flow in your retirement.

Co-author Alan Spector has generously agreed to send a copy of the book to one of my lucky readers.  If you’d like a little guidance on how to create your own plan for a happy retirement, leave a comment or send me an email, and I’ll draw a name on Tuesday, November 2^nd.  (But don’t get distracted and forget to vote!)

There was a great article in the New York Times a couple of days ago, “What to Do Now to Feel Better at 100,” that addresses the physical part of this equation.  You actually have a significant impact on how well your body will carry you through your retirement years.  Make sure you do all that you can to ensure your body keeps up with your plans for an active retirement.  My favorite quote from the piece:

“It’s not like we’re prescribing chemotherapy — it’s walking,” Dr. Lachs said. “Even the smallest interventions can produce substantial benefits” and “significantly delay your date with disability.”

Ram recently posted another on-topic article from the Times, “Taking Early Retirement May Retire Memory Too.”  It seems continuing to work may aid memory in ways that crossword puzzles and Sudoku just can’t match.  My recent foray into the world of part-time work is certainly spicing my life up in new ways, although it seems it’s making it harder for me to remember things, not easier.  But I won’t try and argue with scientific studies.  Perhaps it’s an impact in the long run that can’t be observed in the short run . . .

Related Posts:

Retirement-Onset ADD

Working to Appreciate Retirement

Is Youth Wasted on the Young?

 

This is a post from Retirement:  A Full-Time Job 

Comments

[Matt Baxter]

So far this retirement (at 48) is working out. I am writing regularly online and in local newspapers, and substitute teaching just for fun. Turns out I really liked teaching and being a sub I get to do all the fun stuff--like teach--without the dull stuff--parent conferences, meetings, etc.

Here's the problem: the wife still likes doing what she does for a living! As a speech therapist for a middle school she has a lot of breaks when we can hang out, but I am having to fill too much time while she is off at "work." Sometimes I show up at her school with some sushi just because I can.

So I need to get her to work less. Hmm, hard to do when we have so many options and she is already doing what she likes!

[Jessica-Jean]

Eight years into retirement, I have come to love NOT hearing the alarm clock daily. Other than for doctor appointments and airplanes (to vacation spots) to catch, my alarm clock is just about retired, too!

[Bridget]

I am 45 yrs old and very recently decided I will retire at 50. I'm tired. I am implementing a new financial plan to ensure this happens. Simultaneously, I know how important it is to maintain mind, body, and soul. Retirement will not mean anything if I do not have the physical or mental capacity to enjoy it. In the midst of working 40+ hours a week, I do my best to maintain an active lifestyle.

[J295]

We bought the Retirement Quest book after you mentioned it in a prior post, and are working through the materials. It is excellent. Take care.

[deegee]

I hit the 2-year mark for my early retirement at the end of this week. It has been a great two years. Hardly a week goes by when I see something on TV which would have annoyed me if I were still riding the trains to work - delays, and fare hikes lead the pack. Not having to haul myself to work in the extreme hot weather, cold weather, or rain/snow is very gratifying. My lunches are better at home or at the local pizza joint once in a while.

No more alarm clocks, EVER!

I am a happy camper.

[Canadian Dream]

Good tip and thanks for the draw. That sounds like a book I would like to read.

[Steve Skinner]

When I was working, I did everything to avoid change and when it happened as it always did, I usually accepted it grudgingly. Doing things differently has been a major part of my personal retirement plan.

[Janette]

I'd enjoy a copy of the book. Three months into retirement, I am keyboarding from the basement of my daughter's house. I could never have enjoyed a Halloween with the grandson if I were still in the classroom.

[ronaldj]

enjoying the blog and enjoying retirement

[Chris]

9 months into retirement and i am so glad I stumbled across your website. Your posts have been a blessing when fear and uncertainity threatened. Every passing day confirms that I made the right decision. Life at 58 is better than I ever believed it could be! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[savvy]

I'm not retired yet but would love to have the book to ensure I start out on the right foot!