Year: 1994 - 95 AGM December 1, 1994 - SSAAM

WELLNESS IN RETIREMENT (con!)
In their late 50's and 60's people confront the fact, as never before, that there are time limits to their lives.
This is often prevents them from seriously looking at a new career or a major project in terms of whether it can
reasonably be completed at this point in life, or even whether they want to spend their remaining years working
on them. Some people begin to perceive themselves as much older than their chronological age. they see
people their own age die with some regularity, and other afflicted with progressive disabilities. The result is that
some begin to personalize death, to see it as something that can happen to them, because it's happening to
friends. So, their behaviour begins to change and they begin to act like old people, that can be the beginning of
the end.
Yet, others during retirement are able to make vital and objective choices. A new career and other long term
targets have their own rewards and the rocking chair no allure. These retirees find no particular dividing line
between their pre and postretiremen! years. Many just find another passion.
People need to pursue something that keeps them physically, intellectually and emotionally vibrant, for
some, work or a related activity is a tonic, an elixir. Ideally, by middle age, people should have an idea how they
will live and work in the last decades of their lives. Unfortunately, other than finances, many people either dont
plan for retirement, or are so resistant to the idea that they wait until it confronts them.
People should experiment with different activities just as some people do when seeking a job out of school.
You can connect with people whose skills or talents you admire by making contacts at career seminars, or
joining professional organizations. Volunteering for a few weeks or months in diverse areas is inexpensive and
risk free, and permits you to try out various interests before singling out a particular one. There is a
smorgasbord of choices; there is something for everyone who is willing to seriously begin the process of
investigating the unlimited opportunities available to insure a satisfying and rewarding retirement future.
The important thing is for people to decide, while they are still in their careers, what goals they wish to reach
at the end. Not just career goals, but those they wish to achieve when their first career is over.
Gufld A. Fetridge is a national consultant, speaker, and workshop leader specializing in programs for retirement
wetness.
(914)592-4477 ; (914)524-9412.
Something to think about ...... a handout from Pat Heuchert (EAP counsellor, MTS)
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Nadine Stair
Louisville, Kentucky