Carole Spiers

once independent individuals, they may now need your support.

Grandchildren may be demanding of you as grandparents.

Retiring early:

You thought you would retire at 65 but circumstances — economic or otherwise — may decree differently.

Bereavement:

unexpectedly, you may be left alone, leaving you to manage financial affairs for the first time.

Learning new skills: Being computer literate is no longer an option.

These are just some of the new challenges that one who is 50 plus may have to face and manage during life’s ‘second-half’, that will need strength of character not to let the world push you around. Your mindset will determine how successful you are during what should be an exciting period of maturity.

Going forward into an exciting new chapter

This may be a period when you have the joy of grandchildren. A time when you can really appreciate the wonders of nature: a time when you can travel to Africa, Europe or America.

A time when you can sit back and reflect on the past and the learning that has come from them. A time of great potential opportunity and personal growth.

So grab each and every moment; value every hour for what it can bring to you and ‘carpe diem’ — seize the day, for this period of discovery will not come again.