I actually didn’t retire until I was 68 – that is, I didn’t apply for Social Security until that time. I continued to work until I turned 74. We decided it was time to downsize and moved into a house half the size of what we had. It’s funny how much stuff you accumulate over 24 years of living in the same place. It’s even funnier when you think you can’t part with some of those things. If you want a less complicated life, you do so and soon realize that your hoarding days continue even after you’ve gotten rid of all the excess baggage.
I stayed retired for a year and almost died of boredom. I found a theatre that was reaching out to all areas of the population and that included senior citizens. I began a time of visiting nursing homes and doing improvisation with some of the memory care patients. I also began teaching active seniors some of the basics of acting. This evolved into a separate entity which continues to grow. Three of us seniors got together and established an outlet for our creativity, by collaborating and writing a series of episodes regarding aging. There’s a ton of humor in the aging process which we share by laughing at ourselves.
When I was young, I thought retirement meant a life of ease – time to kick back and relax – a time to do some of the things you could never do when you were working. In my case, working is a necessary commodity and probably will be until I die. Not only does it provide a small supplement to Social Security Income, but it keeps my mind active and keeps me from vegetating on the couch.
Your mindset may change once you’ve retired. You might realize you didn’t plan well enough for this time. Your checkbook balance doesn’t match your desire to see the world or travel to exotic places. Your body is wearing out and you’re no longer capable of the things you once accomplished with ease. Keeping a positive attitude will give you the stamina necessary to get up each morning with purpose. Maintaining a good sense of humor will also help. Instead of dwelling on your aging, think of the alternative – kicking the bucket.
The fellow in the meme attached to this post, still has a certain amount of mischief in his being. Although it isn’t up to us beyond the age of 70 to enrage those younger than us, it makes for a good laugh once in a while. Life doesn’t end until God decides it’s the right time for us to come to our eternal home. While we’re still living, we can be sure that He’s going to remain with us through our time here and beyond.
“Even to your old age, I will be the same, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4
atimetoshare.me 
Excellent post – Thank you.
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Thank you too😀
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Is there anything more beautiful than the inspired words of the Holy Spirit coming to us through the eloquence of Isaiah? I will be 76 in a few days and have been retired since 1/31/14. I have been fortunate as in many ways these have been the best years of my life, a gift from God. I finally have had the time to write and publish either in my three books of memoir or my blog. That writing, our children, our grandsons and my wife sticking by me have been the joys of the seven years.
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It sounds like you’re living the dream. May God continue to bless you and your family❤️
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Thank you. We struggle but on balance these have been wonderful years for which we are grateful.
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We’ve been blessed by this time as well. The key is putting God first and sharing the same faith. My husband and I have been in love for most of our lives. We’ll celebrate 57 years of marriage this year.
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I love he meme and I have helped prevent people from getting to work on time, but they should have left earlier. As for youthful thoughts on retirement, I would watch the retirees playing golf and dream of endless golf. I have not played golf once since retiring. I could not afford to spend four hours of free time playing a game. I am too busy.
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That is my life as well. There’s no time for the things I thought I’d be doing in retirement. When there is time, there’s no motivation. I don’t think I’d remember which golf club to use anymore.
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It changes as to the golf club. I guess I cannot swing the way I used to and I will have to change my thinking, if I ever go back to it. And if that means I have more strokes per round. That means you had more fun?!? Right!?
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When I viewed the caption and the opening photo, I had to laugh. Being a “newbie” to the retirement chapter of life, I understand the necessity to keep my body and mind in some resemblance of its former glory days. They remind me when I don’t walk quite as fast on my four-mile trek, but God gives me a sense of humor.
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I know God has a sense of humor and he loves it when we’re happy. He must chuckle to see us moving slower, taking time for him and sharing our faith with others.
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