The Best Retirement Advice I Ever Received

(Though I Didn’t Know It At The Time!)

 

Way back in 2008, I attended a pre-retirement panel discussion hosted by the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education – “Managing Transitions: Life After 50”. 

 

There were five panel members, each at a different “stage” of retirement (or transition) – i.e.: retired a decade; officially retired, but had gone back to work; retired but heavily into volunteering; newly retired; planning to retire by the end of the year, etc., etc. 

 

The overall discussion made such an impact on me that I actually kept the flyer.

 

 

(there are unreadable notes scribbled on the back)

 

Mainly, because at the end of the session, each panel member was asked – “if there was one piece of advice you would share with someone contemplating retirement, what would it be”.

 

At the time, all of the tidbits of advice sounded good and practical, so I dutifully scribbled everything down.

 

But it is only now, almost three years into early retirement, that I have come to appreciate how valuable and useful those five, simple nuggets of advice actually were:

 

If you are not physically fit, get fit.

Schedule your day.

Maintain social contacts, continue to network.

Get involved with something bigger than you.

Learn something difficult.

 

If you do no other planning for your retirement, memorize this list, because combined, it is the best retirement advice you are ever going to get  ….

 

If you are not physically fit, get fit!   If you are one of those perennial new year’s resolutions people who constantly pledge that this is the year you are definitely, probably, for sure, maybe going to get to the gym – and then never do – don’t make the same post-retirement resolution. 

 

If your pre-retirement excuse for not going to the gym was lack of time, suddenly having all of the time in the world, post-retirement, is not automatically going to turn you into a physical fitness buff.  You’re just going to look for other reasons not to go to the gym.

 

So just make this bit of retirement advice a pledge to stay physically active.  We all know that if you don’t use it, you lose it.  At the very least, make getting out of the house every day and going for a walk (to the nearest Tim’s!) a regular part of your post-retirement day.  Your knees, hips and general practitioner will thank you.

 

Schedule your day.  Sounds like a step backwards, I know, since one of the main reasons for retiring is to get away from schedules.  But again, from personal experience, I have come to appreciate the value of having some structure to my days, even if I am supposed to be retired. 

 

Knowing that today is laundry or grocery shopping day, or that you are supposed to be somewhere at a particular time gives purpose and momentum to your day – keeps you moving forward, gives you a sense of accomplishment. 

 

And if you really, truly have big plans for retirement, getting things written down and scheduled will make sure those plans actually come to fruition.

 

Maintain social contacts.  – Once again, speaking from personal experience, I discovered the hard way how badly I had under-estimated the amount of human contact and adult conversation I required to keep my sanity intact.  Bottom line, you need to be in some sort of contact with you fellow human beings on a daily basis. 

 

If you already have the required spouse kicking around the house, you’re half-way there.

 

But, if like me, you are single with no children, you need to work extra hard at arranging play dates for yourself.  You need to get, and keep, yourself out there.    Search yourself out a variety of people with a variety of interests.  Otherwise, you just end up talking to yourself!

 

There’s a reason food courts are full of seniors nursing cups of coffee and reading the Racing Form!

 

Get involved with something bigger than you.  Basically, find an organization or association or cause that shares the same values and outlook on life as you do.  Give them a call and find out what they need.  Became a full-time volunteer, fundraise, stand for election to the board, etc.  Offer up whatever career skills you have.

 

If you are already involved with an organization, get more involved. 

 

Or if you’re really not the “joining in” type, make it a point to attend as many events as you can for whatever group, or groups, that interest you.  It might lead to bigger and better things!  (Please don’t make me tell my bird watching story again!)

 

Learn something difficult. If you’ve already decided that you are going to learn to play the piano, or to fly a plane, or to go back to school, make sure you follow through once you actually retire.  Your gray matter will thank you.

 

But really, your retirement plans don’t have to be that grandiose. 

 

Just try to expand and extend your horizons in some way.  Whether it’s pursuing a new hobby or just amping up the participation level on an old one.   Or signing up for something new at the local community centre, just because it’s free of charge. 

 

Or try finally plowing your way through Edward Gibbons “The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire”.

 

All six volumes.

 

Before the start of the next millennium.

 

Just do (and keep doing) something that makes you think!  Finally put all those years of education to good use!