Retirement – Enjoy OLD-AGE   

Reaching old age is a privilege and much better than the alternative. Plan for long life and decide to make the most of it.

        It’s the time in your life to do all the things you have always wanted to do but have never had time, or the opportunity to do.

        It will be a rewarding time if you remain active and still feel you can help others. 

        Plan early. Set up a superannuation fund to meet your expenses when you have no salary coming in.

        The best way to predict your future is to create it.    

A handful of tips to improve your retirement years

* Keep busy

        Make the most of every day.

        Learn new skills or take up new hobbies. Consider cooking, painting, wood-carving or making things.      

        Do things that interest you. Listen to good music. Learn to play an instrument. Go to concerts, plays, recitals, lectures, or just go fishing.

        Read the books you have never had the time to read before. Use your Kindle, iPad or other devices to download books you cannot find in your library.

        Everyone has a story to tell. Write your life story or research your family history before it’s too late.

        Get out of the house. Visit museums, art galleries, follow a sports team, or take up a sport such as bowls or golf.

* Review your ‘bucket list’

        If and when it is possible, visit places you have dreamed about. Travel to new places. Explore your own country.

        I have worked in 16 countries,  most since retiring from a government job. I gave up international work at 82 – it’s been an exciting life and I have had fun.

*  Make new friends and renew old friendships

        Join clubs and chat with strangers, ask questions and learn to listen.

        Do not bore people by ‘living in the past’ and repeating stories about the good old days.

        Join volunteer organisations to help disadvantaged people.  Support good causes. You can make a difference!

        Locate old friends you have lost contact with over the years.  Contact people you knew at school or college, served within the armed forces or worked within earlier years.  

* Keep mentally and physically fit

        Do crosswords, puzzles and pretend to compete in quiz shows when watching television. Do blogs.

        Keep up-to-date with both the world news and new technology. Learn how to get the most out of your tablet with useful apps.

        Exercise, swim or walk each day. Enjoy bushwalks, smell the flowers and listen to the birds.     

        Keep your body in good shape. Get regular physical checks and maintain good health and nutrition.

        Keep in touch with your family and friends and chat with them on-line.

* Enjoy your hard-earned cash

        Enjoy the money you have worked so hard for.  You cannot take it with you. Spoil your partner, your family and your friends. Eat and dress well.

        If you find it hard to cope with all your tasks, such as housework and gardening, arrange for others to help.

        On the financial side don’t stress yourself by making investments that you will worry about.  Don’t take any risks. Put your savings into compounding deposits.

        But most of all enjoy life and have fun.

–Geoffrey Moss (mossassociates.co.nz)

“Life is too short to eat poor food and drink bad wine’

Source: “Rolling On.  Work adventures in many lands”  published by Moss Associates, New Zealand. Available FREE from mossassociates.co.nz.

        “Secrets for Success – This book could change your life”.  First published by Moss Associates, Ltd. then by  Cengage Learning, Asia and as an e-book from Amazon.com.