Lately, the news has been full of reports on Social Security
benefits and proposed
”
privatization
”
: income issues important to seniors, Baby Boomers (like me), as
well as an up-and-coming workforce.
Lately, the news has been full of reports on Social Security benefits and proposed “privatization”: income issues important to seniors, Baby Boomers (like me), as well as an up-and-coming workforce.
Life presents constant opportunities to learn and grow, and assuredly, part of that process is coping with aging – financial considerations included.
At a time when security and comfort are coveted, the stark reality is many seniors get a plate full of worries instead: shrinking bank accounts, failing health, expanding waistlines, declining memories. Not to mention all the regrets tagging along with decades of living. (Did I mention depression?)
To help us enjoy the golden years, advice abounds: take zinc for your eyes, eat berries to keep away cancer, walk to reverse the aging process and safeguard your heart. Keep a healthy mind and spirit through stress management, personal growth, wise decision making.
In his “Survival Kit for Septuagenarians” Dr. Frank Safford – advocating the use of humor – states, “Humor, whether used as verbal weaponry, as a pain reliever, or a stress releaser, can be life-saving. It is probably the most versatile and creative of all our human defense mechanisms.”
He’s also the one who promotes a “So what?” philosophy in the face of problems.
Experts further tell us retirement isn’t the time to coast – mentally or physically. It’s a time to reinvent, redesign and refashion the future that’s desired.
Shift your focus from the struggle of life, to what you want to get from it. What gives energy is a clear vision of what you’re after; that’s when you’ll start to take steps to make things happen.
Warren Bennis, Founding Chairman of the Leadership Institute at USC, reports on five characteristics exhibited by leaders who transition to happy retirements: “The first is a strong sense of purpose, a passion, a conviction, a sense of wanting to do something important to make a difference. Second, they are capable of developing and sustaining deep and trusting relationships.
“Third, they are purveyors of hope. Fourth, they seem to have a balance in their lives between work, power, and family or outside activities. They didn’t tie up all of their self-esteem on their position. Fifth, they all have a bias toward action. They all were people who seemed not to hesitate in taking risks, who while not reckless, were able to take action. They love adventure, risk and promise.”
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) conducted a recent survey in which 3,500 American adults 18 and over were asked to name the number one barrier holding them back from achieving their life goals. The surprisingly candid answer: “their own laziness and lack of motivation.”
What are you doing to reach your goals? What types of relationships are you building? What are you putting into your mind? Are you strengthening your body through an exercise program?
Take steps to make the last years of life exhilarating!
Regardless of your age, there’s something you can do today to increase your enjoyment of life.
A nearly-80-year-old Zig Ziglar says, “Don’t worry about having lots of birthdays. Most of the sugar is at the bottom of the cup.”
