A PLETHORA of research and analysis has revealed that purpose, stress, physical activity, lifelong learning, significant human connection and, of course, financial security are factors most strongly corelated with overall perceived health of individuals over 55 years of age. A majority of people who retire in our country feel ‘useless’, irrelevant, lonely and more.
Many look to join resident associations, walking or yoga groups and fill their ‘office’ hours with inane chatter, to block the hours of ennui. Also, very significant – while there may be subtle variations by country – overall, analysis also reveals that stress and financial decisions, were high on the list of this cohort. These factors indicate a clear indication of diminishing mental, physical, social, and spiritual health.
So, my question is – and I ask this as a ‘sort of authority’, age-wise 71, experience- wise still creating and generating, activity-wise running, hiking, weight-training, and modelling – do you want to stop worrying about money and start having more fun? Do you want to live the life you always envisioned? Can you capitalise and monetise YOU, the advisor, subject-matter expert, senior consultant, mentor, coach, board member, and more? More noteworthy, work at your pace in areas you choose, you like?
Choices, opportunities
As baby boomers – born between 1946 and 1964 – we are currently between 57-75 years’ ‘young’, we are into the next stage of life of choices, of opportunity, reinvention, personal growth career emancipation, wholesome relationships, and financial freedom. Yes, you read it correct! Time to envision and embrace this new chapter of life!
Choices, because when we were in our teens, we didn’t get to choose what we wanted to study. Marriage, kids’ responsibilities just grew and personal choices took a backseat, pushed away so far we forgot about what we would have loved to do, experience or enjoy. Many of us did not get to choose our life partner, where we worked, working, and for women, we may not have had any choices at all.
It’s time to rediscover your life’s purpose, and discover a new balance between fulfilling work and enjoyable leisure
Thrive not survive in where you live, better still find that location of your dreams and go for it
Reawaken long-held passions and/or find new interests
Discover/rediscover and establish important relationships
Keep your financial life running smoothly by earning, generating more
Contribute to society and leave a lasting legacy
Enjoy without guilt
This time around enjoy without guilt or sense of responsibility. From staying connected with family and friends to going back to university for the fun and challenge of it, from finding new companions to volunteering, from exploring a new career to traveling the world, We baby boomers can have it all I’m creating a guide a roadmap of sorts to living our best possible life – right now.
Welcome to the stage of life where ‘busy’ is a choice and ‘relaxation’ is the main occupation. Retirement is when you swap your ‘must-dos’ for ‘want-tos’. Follow your heart!
