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Been in this forum for probably 17-18 years first as a lurker and then as a frequent poster.
Most of my thoughts were on financial retirement and eventually outcomes with much debate as many of u know. Not been very active lately in fact hardly at all last year or so and Entering year what 16 of retirement and in our mid 70's. Our health is good, and our finances are really good and we focus on giving to those in need especially food.
At this point we have known many who have passed on many who are still thriving. We know those who are on the edge financially, those who are good and those travelling the world literally.
I can only tell you knowing the lives and decisions many have made that choices made have consequences and after a certain point there is no make-up. Make your choices wisely and yes you can also find yourself in your mid 70's with years ahead of you so be ready!
Any fellow retirees in their 70's or 80's with thoughts to share join in. As is normal anyone else who wants is welcome to share their thoughts.
My initial comment is to reiterate yours, plan wisely. Importantly be open to seeing possible plan negatives, and attempt to incorporate work-arounds for those negatives. Some appear to emotionally commit themselves to an approach, and once having done that may be reluctant to see possible difficulties ahead. Also, aging may well consist of two or even three stage. Immediately after retirement when the focus is on the financial and perhaps travel. Next, taking concrete steps (making changes) for 'old age.' Finally the stage for some when higher intensity caretaking is needed.
Another comment: it may be a mistake to count on the past when preparing for the future. Demographics, the pandemic, changes to younger generation life goals , and even altering immigration patterns almost certainly will impact (probably limit) caretaker availability. How that may play out, I do not know. However, in response there may well be governmental and institutional changes to current policies.
One thing that never fails to amaze me on this forum is wondering if they should retire. You don't have to work, you can do what you want.
Each person's situation is different. Some people worked hard to get ahead in their field of work and enjoy the accomplishment it brings. Others like working with people and interacting with those their work involves. Working requires concentration but sometimes has rewards.
Others work only to earn an income. Yes, if that is the only reason you are working it feels great to have enough set aside that you can stop and instead think of yourself for a change.
Still others quit their paying job and continue to work in some other context. Renovating their home for example. Fixing their own cars. Etc.
And then you have farmers. Their work is essentially never done.
on the other hand no words have ever been more costly then THIS TIME IS DIFFERENT
Ain't that the truth!
Quote:
Originally Posted by V8 Vega
One thing that never fails to amaze me on this forum is wondering if they should retire. You don't have to work, you can do what you want.
Exactly.
Good thread TuborgP. It is a great idea to kind of sit back and look at where you are and how you got here? I am glad I took this path, though it wasn't exactly a cushy Jetson job at Spacely Sprockets. But what I like to rethink is how far towards being the Jetsons we have come. I think back to building a radio that used no battery. That started me down the path to kind of this twisty windy road with dips to boot. I like many here came looking for answers but I didn't lurk, just jumped right in.
Thank you for posting Tuborg. My husband and I are in our late 50's, around the time that you retired, and it's good to hear and learn from those who have already BTDT.
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