5)
Know your boundaries
It
is inevitable that people will decide that since you are retired, you have
extra time, and extra resources. With
this in mind, understand that if you are willing to do whatever, someone will
let you. It goes back to
the old adage that your life will have an agenda… if not yours, then someone
else’s. Set your own agenda
and do so BEFORE you are asked.
Great! Help out. If what you want to do is watch the
grandkids while your kids work, that’s wonderful. You will help your kids, and both you
and the grandkids will build some incredible memories together. But remember that this isn’t your job
unless you choose to make it that.
Make
sure that you are getting what you need, and if you do watch the grandkids,
make sure that the kids have a backup plan so that you can get away or simply
take time off. A good way
to do this for the timid is to set a time period, “I will watch the kids for
you for the next 3 months to help you save some money.” Then do take some time off. It keeps the kids independent.
Above
all, learn to say “no”, and mean it. You
CAN learn to say it nicely and still get your point across. Above all,
don’t come up with excuses to say no for you. Excuses can be overcome, and it says
that you simply aren’t resolute in your opinion. When the excuse is gone, so is the
reason you cannot participate. Then
you either get stuck with it or are left floundering for another excuse. If you aren’t used to saying no, it
may sound a bit harsh to others to begin with. So be it. They will get over it.
6)
Get a hobby
This
is probably one of the hardest things for most retirees to get their arms
around. What to do
next? As a result, many watch television all day long, read every book
they can lay their hands on, increase the sleep to half the day, or sometimes,
just sit. There’s nothing
wrong with any of these so long as it is moderation. Taken to extreme, these can cause
depression. You need to be
productive and find something you enjoy.
You
might eventually end up with several hobbies to avoid boredom, but start with
one. Learn about it, take
classes, read books on it, research the subject on the Internet, and then
practice. Become an
expert. Whether you pick up a musical instrument, build wood projects,
create stained glass lamps, write, or build the biggest garden in the
neighborhood, enjoy!
7)
Keep the juices flowing
Very
few people who are working actually end up with dementia or slip into
Alzheimer’s Disease. Sure,
age is a huge factor, but the biggest factor in keeping away these
life-stealers is the fact that they are keeping their minds busy. It’s a fact – even youngsters who
vegetate will lose their ability to creatively think, analyze information, and
make well thought out choices.
You
are never too old to learn, even if you don’t learn as fast as you used
to. The amazing thing is
that you can improve your ability to learn once you start. Even if you
prefer to do nothing more, do at least one crossword puzzle a day, keep up on
your vitamins, and get a bit of exercise. Doing just these basic things can help
to eliminate confusion and avoid being robbed of your mental acuity.
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http://www.seniormag.com/caregiverresources/articles/caregiverarticles/personal- development/retirement-planning.htm
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