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Our world
is rapidly changing, and we’ve got to be flexible enough to
adapt quickly. Years ago a job lasted a lifetime. When we
arrived at the ripe old age of 65, we stopped working, spent
more time with the grandchildren, and got to sit in the
recliner a lot longer listening to the radio. Life expectancy
was short, so after a few years, it was over. Today
retirement is simply a transition, an opportunity, and just
the beginning!
A
national temporary employment agency has kicked off a
“Rehirement” program directed at seniors. Other agencies are
following suit, and why not? Where else is there such a
wealth of maturity, education and valuable skills? MacDonalds
and WallMart have been acknowledging this for years.
The cover
story in one issue of Modern Maturity titled “Living to the
Max” featured men and women in their 60s, 70s and 80s, lifting
weights, rock climbing, and breaking Olympic records. Many of
them began fitness training only after they didn’t have to go
to work every day.
TOP
An
article in the Journal of Neuroscience reports researchers say
aging mice kept in a stimulating environment (tunnels, toys,
exercise wheel, etc.) grew more new brain cells than bored
mice. TOP
A
brilliant ad campaign for a major financial services firm
shows middle-aged consumers enjoying the good life with
expensive cars, watches and other toys. There appears a price
on the trinket. In one ad, it’s a $6500 watch. Suddenly an
announcer reminds you that $6500 could mean over $30,000 20
years from now, if it were placed in a retirement account
earning 8%.
TOP
It’s
never too early to begin planning for retirement. But
remember, retirement isn’t just about money. Retirement is
about how you’re going to get the most enjoyment out of a
third of your lifetime. The suggested ages listed here are
only a guide. What matters is that you get started.
TOP
Prior to
Age 40:
You’re
concentrating on your job, beginning a family, and providing
for your household. But be aware of opportunities that will
pay big rewards down the line.
-
Open
IRA Accounts. Every $1000 earning 7% will double in 10
years.
-
Contribute as much as you can to Company Pension Plans.
-
Stay
out of debt.
-
Set up
a “Future File”. When you read or hear about something
you’d love to try -- a class to take, a place to visit --
but don’t have the time or money now, clip the article or
jot down the idea. Someday you’ll have the chance to do it!
Between
40 and 50:
You’re
building your career, helping the kids through school and
paying down the mortgage. Don’t let all those preoccupations
keep you from your retirement goals.
Contribute the maximum to your retirement accounts.
-
Increase savings.
-
Develop
good health habits.
-
Add to
your “Future File” and discard things that no longer
interest you.
TOP
Between
50 and 60:
You’re
making good money, the children are starting households of
their own, the mortgage is nearly paid off.
-
Refine
your retirement portfolio.
-
Think
about where you will live throughout retirement.
-
Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
-
Consider new career choices or volunteer activities you may
want to pursue.
-
Check
your “Future File” and begin adding resource lists.
After 60:
-
Re-label your “Future File”. Now it’s your “Fun File!”
Never stop adding to it.
-
Revise
your schedule to include the new activities you’ve looked
forward to.
-
Enjoy
an exciting, fulfilling and prosperous retirement. You
deserve it!
ACTION
PLAN:
-
Contribute to all available retirement programs.
-
Keep
out of debt.
-
Take
good care of yourself: eat right, begin walking or join a gym,
keep balance in your life.
-
Start
your “Future File.”
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