Retirement: The good, the bad, and the unexpected

For most of our working lives, we have learned from various investment professionals the importance of saving our pennies so that they will grow into valuable dollars – the goal being financial security before we unchain ourselves from our careers and head into our golden sunset years. Another concern is deciding whether or not to stay is our current home and location. Would it be prudent to downsize, or perhaps relocate to a new community where the cost of living is more affordable? Perhaps moving closer to family is an option to consider (or not). Maybe its best to stay within reach of a solid circle of friends for companionship and support. Thankfully, there are professionals to help us with these decisions. People from my parents’ generation looked forward to receiving their gold watch and retirement party. They worked hard. They saved well. But then what? I question how much attention they spent to planning their new lifestyle. Our working lives provide us with structure and reason to get out of bed each morning. What happens when you no longer have that purpose? And what happens to the spouse of the retiree? My aging neighbour shared the dilemma she faced when her husband retired. She suddenly found her free time and space cramped by her newlyretired husband. He roamed the house aimlessly, looking to fill the void left by his former career. His retirement disrupted her daily routines and schedule. They were happily married for over 35 years, but retirement presented a challenge for which neither of them were prepared. Was the phrase “lifestyle coach” even a part of the vernacular in those days? When seeking advice on investing, you seek an investment professional. When seeking to move or downsize, you seek the wisdom of people in that field. Then who do you seek information and experience from when determining this important next phase of your life? Perhaps it would be enlightening to learn from the experiences of those that have gone before you.

In pursuit of such sage advice, Lyndsay Green, bestselling author and pioneering sociologist and researcher, has written such a book about the psychological implications of retirement. Her findings are based on interviews with over 60 people, ages 56 to 88, who live in cities, small towns and rural areas. Lyndsay Green discovered that the story of men’s retirement is mostly one of adjustment – revitalization and reinvention. Her book, entitled Ready to

Retire?, is an inspiring portrait of the emotional lives of men who have retired or are considering retirement, and of the women (and men) with whom they live.

Goward House Society and Revera Retirement Living invite you to enjoy lunch and meet:

Lyndsay Green Thursday, Oct. 6 at 11:30 a.m. Admission is $30, and includes a copy of Ready to Retire?

During this informative fundraiser luncheon, best-selling author, Lydsay Green will share findings from her latest book: “Ready to Retire? What you and your spouse need to know about the new reality of retirement”. Proceeds from this event benefit Goward House Society. To register, call: 250-477-4401.

Goward House, 2495 Arbutus Road is a non-profit society that operates as an activity centre, for individuals over the age of 50. www.gowardhouse.com