| Everybody looks forward to retiring, leaving the | | | | motivation to hang on and keep trying when things |
| work behind us, and then just doing whatever we | | | | seem bleak. |
| want. Unfortunately, retirement is not what we | | | | You don't have to work at enjoying your retirement |
| thought it would be. It's hard not to do the 9-5 | | | | years. Retirement can be a time to resume old |
| routine, especially after you've done it nearly | | | | hobbies and start new ones. If your fingers aren't |
| everyday for 40 or more years. Suddenly, there's no | | | | nimble enough to build small scale model airplanes, you |
| reason to get up in the morning and be somewhere. | | | | can build larger scales where less agility is required. |
| Some retired people give up on their post-retirement | | | | You've already learned the basics, now you have |
| plans. They settle down in their easy chairs and just | | | | time to hone your skills. Grandma Moses did not start |
| let things slip away. The lack of purposeful activity | | | | painting until well into her years. You can do the |
| drains away their energy and their mental acuity. | | | | same. Most communities offer low cost or free |
| Some become sick and many men die less than five | | | | classes for adult education. Find something you like |
| years after they retire. All they had was their work | | | | and go for it. |
| and, with that gone, and they have nothing. | | | | Active seniors can help their less active colleagues. |
| Life does not have to be that way. When you were | | | | They can organize trips, exercise classes, computer |
| working, you stayed sharp and took advantage of | | | | classes (it's surprising the number of senior who are |
| your experiences to help you through new challenges. | | | | interested in this), reading groups, hobby classes, and |
| You don't have to give that up when you retire. The | | | | on and on. The list is endless. |
| key is feeling that you are important and that what | | | | Scientists have found that a senior who has an |
| you do can make a difference. | | | | active mind and body lives longer than one who |
| You have accomplished much during your working | | | | doesn't. It is believed that the onset of dementia or |
| years and now it's time to pass on what you learned. | | | | Alzheimer's can be delayed when the mind stays |
| You can be a mentor to young people by visiting | | | | active and alert. Seniors who exercise, even |
| their schools and teaching them the ropes. No matter | | | | moderately, have more enthusiasm for life, including a |
| what you did, you know something they need to | | | | greater interest in sex. |
| know if they want to succeed in your line of work. | | | | Having arthritis does not have to be a major |
| You can help them overcome obstacles, advise them | | | | deterrent in a senior's life. Home Jacuzzis and |
| on how to apply for work, and how to keep a job | | | | community pools are available to help seniors |
| once you have one. | | | | exercise, reduce strain on joints, and build up muscles. |
| Many companies let their senior workers retire and | | | | Seniors can visit other seniors at home, in the nursing |
| take their skills and experience with them. Employers | | | | home or in the hospital. They can help revitalize them |
| are finding this to be a mistake. What you have | | | | by taking an interest in them and encouraging them |
| learned needs to be passed on. Some retired | | | | to get back into life. |
| workers come back as consultants or part-time | | | | How you can see, life begins at 65. Do what you said |
| employees. They can provide solutions to problems | | | | you were going to do when you retired. Stay active |
| or serve as additional manpower on a project. They | | | | and alert to be able to enjoy your twilight years. |
| can also provide younger workers with the | | | | |