Life After Retirement - Looking Forward

We live out our lives in search of, and waiting for, our golden years of retirement, assured that all will be well, if we can just reach the age of 65. But, even if we sweat and toil for the financing to support our life of ease and leisure, how many of us actually plan on just what we will do, when our days are no longer filled with the 8 to 5 grind of work? After all, there's only so much one can stand of sitting on a porch, rocking away the hours. Sooner or later, you've got to get up and move.

And, let's face it, for many (most?) of us, no matter how hard we work in the pre-65 years, we still won't have enough money to see us through the so-called golden years. With Social Security becoming more insecure, and retirement money being spent on survival before 65, there may not be enough money to allow for even the basics of survival, once retirement is finally achieved.

There may be times in your life when you wanted to learn to play golf or wanted to write a book on your experience and learning, or wanted to learn salsa. But your desires where never fulfilled, because you were too busy at work or family. This is the right time to explore your hidden talents and fulfill your deepest desires.

Here are few ways to stay active and make money after retirement. Work is the important way of coping with the nagging worries.

Physical activity:

The best way to be healthy, independent and occupied is by doing some minor physical exercise such as walking and yoga. Get started with activities that will make you feel warm and breath deeply. It may not be some heavy stuff, but small things like walking whenever and wherever you can, taking the stairs instead of an elevator etc. You could also enroll in the neighbourhood yoga or laughter club. Being healthy will also help you be independent.

Meet friends:

Meet your old friends outside. There may be times when you missed out the most important events with your friend. Plan a picnic, as even he may be feeling lonely. Go out to play golf or any game you like.

Gardening:

Gardening is the best way to keep you occupied. This is also a great stress buster. Grow some flowers or vegetables in your garden. If you don't have a garden you can grow plants in a pot. You can even get the younger ones involved in this work. Decorate your house with these plants and flowers. Look how proud and contented you will feel.

Help grandkids:

If your grandkids are busy with homework and you have some time on your hands, why not help them with their work? Apart from homework, you can play with them, tell them stories, take them to the park etc. Thus you will gain a good listener and even build a healthy relationship.

Go on a holiday:

Go on a cruise with your partner. Visit a distant land, which you have always wanted to see. And remember there is no age bar for a second honeymoon. This is the age when you are alone most of the time with your partner, so make the best use of it. Discover those facets about each other left untouched and forgotten over the years.

Volunteer:

Be a volunteer to an NGO who deal with projects relating to the empowerment of women, child care or anything that draws your interest and is also of a major help to the society.

Use your skills:

You may be a businessman, a professional, or an accountant. Years of experience in that field will surely be of some help to the youngsters. Use your skills to train them. Start a course. This will fill your pockets and even finds you some work to keep going.

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