Some things to share with boomers turning 65 (part 1)
Beginning January 2011, the baby boomers start turning 65 at the rate of one every ten seconds. They will continue to join the ranks of New Seniors through 2030. That’s 4 million additional New Seniors a year for the next 19 years. But, as the 30 million pre-boomers know, this event does not always mean the transition is easy.
Image by SuziJane via Flickr
It is simply a fact of life that you don’t know what it’s like to be 65 until you get there. Certainly you have an idea. As you move toward the point in time of officially becoming a New Senior most people read more about the topic, talk to friends and advisors and try to prepare themselves in some way for the transition to come. To make this event more pleasurable, here are some thoughts from those who have already arrived at this point.
This is a milestone not a millstone. Of the key personal dates in life, turning 65 is an event feared rather than enjoyed by many. Becoming a teenager and turning 21 were big deals. Events to celebrate with great anticipation for the years that lay ahead. Reaching 65 is not the end of the line. However it is a defining moment that marks the beginning of the next third of your life. It’s up to you to decide whether to look at it as a curse or a blessing. A positive attitude will make being a New Senior more enjoyable.
Most people have less experience than you. No matter what level of education you achieved or the kind of job you had, you have a solid forty or more years of adult experience to draw upon. You’ve experienced good times and bad times and made it through, and the scars made you all the wiser. Having lived life on life’s terms provided you with real experience, the kind others need and want. Are you willing to share this with them? If so what are you doing about it?
You are not invisible. Just because you are retired, or are planning to, does not mean you will slowly disappear from sight. Sure, you had to, or will, give up control at the workplace; but with this comes a new freedom along with the opportunities that go with the freedom. Was work the most important thing in your life? Well, it won’t be anymore, so this is the time to determine what you want to accomplish in the years ahead.
It’s time to take an inventory. Get out a pad of paper and jot down where you are in terms of achieving your dreams. Chances are, no matter how much money you have accumulated, you have fallen short of your goals. That’s because money isn’t the only measurement of success. So make a list of what you want to pursue for yourself and for others. Find were there is a commonality of interests and pursue them with a passion. It doesn’t necessarily take money, but it will require a commitment of your time.
Priorities will change. Even if you are not willing to do an inventory, just start living life in your newfound status of a New Senior and values begin to take on a whole new look. Items that once were seemingly important fall from the top of the list and others take on increased prominence. Often the things your parents found important take on a new meaning and purpose. Then, maybe, you’ll discover a new path to follow.
You make a very good point about “priorities change.” And because they do, it’s impossible to anticipate exactly how life will unfold for the newly retired person. Instead of having perfect knowledge of how retirement will unfold, the newly retired person should expect a bit of “floundering around.” It generally takes some time before the newly retired person discovers “their true retired self.” Bill
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