By Deborah Dittner
Ahhh, the golden years!
I find this to be an interesting phrase. This has typically been referred to as the later years in one’s life especially after you retire from your employment or end your career.
This is a time that has been considered to be full of leisure, travel, hobbies and the mere enjoyment of everyday life with friends and family. You have worked many decades up to this point, putting in long hours, sweat and tears and saving financially to be able to enjoy the long-awaited time doing whatever it is you may please.
At what age do you see the golden years beginning for you?
How many of you that have reached the golden years feel the above is an accurate depiction of what it actually may be?
Over the years, timing has changed as to when the golden years may actually begin. Some say it can generally start at age 65 but can continue until around 80 years of age or even further. As you can imagine, every situation will be different depending on a variety of circumstances such as health or financial security.
Once you have retired from the workforce, you may want to become more active in activities that you have long awaited to do, such as hobbies or sports. You may have plans to take that cruise or fly to a far-away destination that has been on your bucket list. Or you may just want to get up in the morning and have coffee on the porch with a good book. You may believe that this time will be enjoyable in whatever it is you decide to do that day, week or year with positive aspects of your life in health and wellness.
However, all of these possibilities seem to be shifting for many.
Living in a world of constant change means you too may need to change with the times. The retirement age changes from the earliest of 62 to 65 up to 67 depending on what year you were born. So many factors to consider including the state of your health, quality of life or job loss due to downsizing or agism. You may be finding the need to continue to work for financial reasons as life continues to become more expensive and pension plans seem to be dwindling.
The golden years for many include continuing to work, especially if you are healthy, enjoy what you do or have the financial need. You may decide to delay retirement for as long as possible as your work may be a big part of socialization, necessary especially as you age. For you, this could simply be a personal decision in not wanting to give up the communications with others.
Throughout your golden Years, you need to maintain outside connections. A variety of possibilities may open up as you have more time to explore ways to fulfill your life. Consider old or new hobbies. This could be anything from dancing (take a lesson or two or join a semester session), needlework (from embroidery to knitting to sewing with many classes and workshops available), cooking (at home with friends and family, lessons or workshops on different cuisines), book clubs (picking up that book you’ve wanted to read then discuss with others) and so many other options. Social activities can boost your health too.
You may want to continue to work for as long as you want as this is not only a source of revenue but also socialization with the outside world. You may not be in the same career you started out decades ago but you now may be able to explore other possibilities of a different kind of enjoyment.
If finances are not the main reason to continue, consider volunteering. There are many possibilities for this as well from animal rescue facilities to delivering meals to those who may not be able to get out as they once were.
Whatever you decide for your golden years, make the most of them with as many families and friends as possible. Enjoy life to its fullest with kindness, gratitude and positive affirmations. Remember to breathe. Reach for the stars and listen to your heart. There’s so much being said during the golden years!
Deborah Dittner is a family nurse practitioner and health consultant. Her mission is to transform as many individuals as possible through nutrition and lifestyle changes. www.debdittner.com