So, you have reached the ‘Golden Age’ of retirement. You have your health, your financial security and a great many of the benefits you have always valued. Understanding how these advantages fit into your new stage in life is of the utmost importance and is your next step.
Experts tell us that seniors value 10 things in retirement above all else:
- health
- relationships
- independence
- community
- routine
- respect
- exercise
- comfort
- financial security
- meaningful activity
These can be considered in whatever way you wish. Here is one way to prioritize them:
Health: For many people, good health comes first, since all activity stalls without your health. Common ailments such as osteoporosis, arthritis and incontinence may arise without warning, and will negatively affect your quality of life. It’s important to have access to consistent, high-quality care to minimize the negative impacts of these and other health conditions that may come with aging. Granted, in some places, with a shortage of doctors a reality, that support may not be easy to achieve.
Relationships: Strong connections to family and friends keep seniors from becoming isolated and lonely. Companionship is vital at any age, but especially as we age. Senior facilities and services that encourage social interactions enhance our quality of life.
Independence: Most of us value our independence and want to maintain self-reliance as long as possible. As we age, we inadvertently need more help with certain tasks. However, seniors who continue to do as much as they can for themselves have elevated self-esteem and a more positive view of life.
Community: Participating in activities in groups, sharing life with a partner or being a vital member of an extended family gives us a sense of belonging and connection that becomes even more critical as we age.
Routine A regular schedule provides stability and consistency for older adults who may need that sense of structure, and a feeling that they have some control of their day-to-day lives. With a routine of meals and activities, you know what to expect and avoid the confusion that can come with uncertainty. This is hard to provide if you live alone and is much easier if you are in a residence.
Respect: We can feel marginalized when, even after a lifetime of contributing to society, we are ignored or treated like children, and especially if we are addressed in a condescending manner. Treating seniors with respect and common courtesy is easy to do and should be practiced at all times.
Exercise: Physical activity and movement benefits the body, mind and spirit at any age. Low impact sports, walking or simple exercises are beneficial for maintaining our balance and coordination. Staying fit in this stage of life can prevent falls and other injuries as well as improve mindset.
Comfort: Both physical and emotional comfort are vital for seniors whether we are ‘aging in place’ or in long-term care. The ability to feel relaxed and at-home in your own environment relieves stress and anxiety and greatly contributes to your overall enjoyment of life.
Financial security: Stress over finances is common at any age but for seniors, managing our money wisely is especially critical. Having a trustworthy financial advisor is paramount.
Meaningful activity: Having access to instruction and materials for projects and the opportunity to express our creativity is important.
If you were asked choose three of the above, which would you choose? I know that for me, it would be health, relationships, and independence. Those qualities resonate most, and if I have them, I have a good level of happiness and satisfaction.
The golden age, is defined as the period in life after middle age, traditionally characterized by wisdom, contentment, and useful leisure. It is also suggested that it is the age at which a person normally retires and begins what some seniors describe as “the happiest time of my life”.
When all the elements are in place, and you have good relationships and a sense of community, adding routine, exercise and comfort go a long way to completing the picture. And if they add up to your ‘Golden Age’, more power to you! May you have many such years in your future!
All good points. My top three would be health, relationships, and financial security
Those choices are close to mine, with the exception of independence rather than financial security. Actually, having financial security would give you a certain measure of independence, wouldn’t it? I hope you are having a great weekend, Derrick!
I think retirement is the best kept secret ever. If people knew how wonderful it can be they would retire at 21.
So true, Anneli! But I know of people who are afraid to retire. They fear being bored, not being able to find anything meaningful to do. That had not been a problem for me, however—I am busier than ever!
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