Don’t Waste the Youth of Your Senior Years-Strategic Living for a Fulfilling Retirement Journey 

Agree 100%

I have been looking at train trips after I retire this summer. I have been told the Coach seat is actually comfortable for sleeping. I just don't know if I want to pay big buck for the sleeping rooms. But I think it would be interesting to do the triangle from Chicago to west coast, south, then back east to Chicago.

@@tmoore1144 worth getting a roomette if you can afford it. I did it alone from NYC to Chicago - very pleasant (ala North by Northwest). I like to see the art galleries in each city, gives me a reason to go.

ThankYouForTrainTravelIdeas!!

I’m 48 single and forward planning for my retirement years.. if I’m fit I will work to retirement age, perhaps go part time from age 60. I want to clear my house, stock up my retirement funds and then I will be set to travel. Thanks for your good insight and advice.

Also 62 was a widow at 56

I’m 57 and this made me tear up, I’m going to make a point to make the rest of my life not about “things” but about enjoying the remainder of my days with experiences.

What a tragic story and a beautiful message. I believe your Dad was a wise man.

Wow. This post really spoke to me. Wise words of wisdom we all need to hear. Thank you ❤

Amen

Well said. You have to enjoy the life around you while you have it, also while you’re fit and able. Preparing for retirement is crucial however, to live comfortably you need to own your own home & have a bit of money saved. It’s a juggle to get the balance right of life versus looking after your long term self.

I think travel is overrated but then I worked overseas many years ago now so experienced the different culture thing.I think the answer is within whatever you wantt to do.For me it's my own private academic study, reading the classic novels I never did, exercising, walking outdoors in nature and finding the joys inside when reflecting on my past experiences. At 64 on a low pension, working isn't for me but others need more social contact and seem to get something from it that I never did. Good luck to them.

@@alanpatten468I use to work over seas I am thinking to go back again at this age

I get it! I retired at 50 and did the traveling in my 40s and 50s. Now in my 60s, I'm enjoying my dogs, my little home, and a converted van for camping. Everything in its season as an individual choice.

I was fortunate enough to be able to retire in my 50's. I traveled & pursued my interests full on. I am now 72, have a gorgeous small home in a wonderful seaside environment. People kill (figuratively 😄) to live where i am. I still train & compete my dogs. I am so incredibly blessed. Content. 100%. 🙏

Retired in my 60 s small teacher pension. Worked hard when I was young bought and sold.y houses to go on and build.y dream home when I was 40. Intimidated out of my home by the police local and went through a divorce so doesn't always work out as you plan. Endured a lot of hardship as an older person when I expected to be living in my dream home.mortgage paid 10 years ago. Working and doing whatever I liked with my money and taking it easy.

I’m in the same boat - just slightly younger. I’m 54 and hit every travel experience on my bucket list. Then, I made a new bucket list and finished that one too. I feel very lucky and blessed to have done all this traveling while being young and healthy with lots of energy. Now, I’m very content being at home. No need to travel anywhere. I feel happier than ever spending time in my garden, doing my hobbies, learning to play piano at 54 and spending time with my best friends - my 4 cats and my dog. Life is sweet.

Wonderful

I really love your comments. So honest and insightful. I can understand how empathetic you are, I can also relate to all you say. I shall be 74 in September (God willing or fingers crossed) and have lost a few along the way now. I am also creative and love my sewing and craft and while I do live with my lovely husband I lead a very modest and quiet life too. I am too sensitive to be very outgoing, I retired almost 14 years ago Not because I wanted to but they wanted to get rid of the older employees there. I was 60 then and full of beams and plans. I completed a textile course in construction and this has provided wonderful skills for me to refine over these years. My best wishes to you and that you continue a content and healthy life. Regards Eva

thank you for your open sharing, I relate.@@pennysewing9418

❤️

Thank you so much for your comment. I too am empathic and struggle with it. You've given me hope. I dream of a life like the one you describe

thanx for your caring response ... you have to be an advocate for it ... society and current culture conspires to wedge us into all kinds of boxes and unwanted situations that devour our time and energies. Then we resent others when it is at our own hand because we are not used to listen to our inner promptings. @@katiem867

I had 2 friends in their mid fifties pass away. One suddenly, it was shocking and devastating at the same time. Then a friend developed colon cancer, terrible 2 yrs. Thank God she overcame it. But these things put an urgency on my life that I have to live more and now. My husband and I are planning to sell EVERYTHING. Buy an 5th wheeler and find a nice RV park. We will live only on his salary and stash my salary, in roth, CDs and savings. Within 5 years we are planning to only work 6 months out of the yr. Until we can get early social security at 62, than we'll figure out where we are in life. I'm tired of the constant hustle, and bustle, the living just to work, and then die that is living in this country. I'm ready to be free and to do more with our lives.

sorry to read about the loss of your friend. Hope you're enjoying your retirement

Sorry to hear about your friend. Unfortunately, no one has a crystal ball. We could work and save and then pass just when it’s our time. We could live for now and run out of money and be in a bad situation if we live to be 80, 85, etc. Different people will be comfortable with different choices.

That story hits home since I’m nearly 66 and still working. I also ride a motorcycle.

Sleep well Dad and thank you. X

😅 me too.73 now I was think8ng 104.?

I am 75 and Hope to make it 25 years more🤗🤗🤗

Me too, 76 with 82 year old husband, about to set out on safari!

@@Catsrule7 Have a great time!

Retired at 61 & started travelling with my sister spending a month in Portugal, Malta, Padre Island Texas, China, England, Qualicum Beach, Okanogan etc. Sometimes doing house switches with other women as my pensions were small. I took CPP early & invested it whenever I could, bird in hand was my motto since my father died at 52. My sister didn’t & then died suddenly at 70 & her estate only received $2500. from CPP to bury her & the 1.5m pension was taxed at over 50%+ as we were single. When she was in hospice she thanked me for the adventures & left charities & family members her money. I am 75 now & really don’t want to travel anymore maybe just a warm break in winter & see more of my own country as I went to Newfoundland last June & Yellowknife this year. 75 is old in my family & I am tired but content & happy with my life decisions & will be leaving an inheritance for my children & grans.

So true. I had big plans...and in my late 50's had a knee injury that has led to bad arthritis in both knees. Things can change very quickly...which is why I'm thinking of retiring in my late 50's.

FAST --- it is the BEST THING you can do for arthritis better than any medication. Start with 36 hour fast and build. Arthritis is inflammation and fasting DOES THIS.

Keep moving Albert now is your time, look after yourself. don't be held back. I have arthritis and I must keep going.

Keep going Albert, my retirement with my husband was sad he didn't want to get out off his comfortable chair. This time is yours.

Another one for arthitis, once you have fasted, is taking gelatin daily. One spoon of rehydrated powder. Cost little to try, like fasting!

Living in North Wales sounds pretty good. Envious! Wishing you all the best. Cheers!

luvlee comment!!!

Such a lovely quote.

Wow - what a dreadfully difficult load you’ve had to deal with! My experiences have been no where near as physically severe as yours, but like you, I’ve learnt to appreciate moments more. Retirement has not been enjoyable in the way I thought it would be, but still there are things to be grateful for every day - no longer working in a job that was also incredibly demanding is one of the main ones! Wishing you continued improvement with your health and may you enjoy many moments of unexpected joy.

@@heatherjay8802 Thank you. Very much appreciated.

I direct command comple my body to heal its self, what ever I fill into my brain is what I am good or bad. Forget about the age of the body, you'll be glad you did. 😅

I retired at 60 and had a injury. It took me 5 years to crawl back to health. I'm learning to enjoy one day at a time progress.

"Be kind and patient with yourself." "Love everything life offers you." I love those sentences. I'm going through cancer treatment for the second time at age 43...I can retire early with a decent pension in 4 years and I plan to do so. I would look for something less stressful or a part time job to help me stay active but give my body grace. God bless you

Thank you for making that distinction because I feel the same way, they did not waste their time.

Thank you for this!

"rounds of golf?" Easily said by a Rich person.

I hear you, we can't all afford to follow suit nor would we want to. It doesn't matter what. For me its rounds of knitting on a circular knitting needle and dyeing my own yarn I find on clearance and creating beauty, lots of it!!! @@flyingthesails6801

Yes!

Overnight I turned old. It happened last year at 77. Until then I thought I was still young! 🤪 yikes.

Jealous…

Not for me! I have lost most of my strength and stamina by age 40! I didn’t have a car and walked everywhere - my feet literally wore out!

@gybx4094. I agree. I went out on disability at 47. So I don’t have the money to do a lot of things this lady on youtube suggests. I worry a lot about what will happen on my limited income since social security living at 47 didn’t allow for nest egg building.My check was decent though and I did fine until after covid inflation. I work hard mentally just trying to stay in the present moment because for now I have everything I need, Don’t have family or very close friends to do for me. All I can do is take life as it comes.

For sure. Life is for living to me. I know SO MANY PEOPLE, including my parents, who followed the "give up your life for a job, security and a pension" routine, only to be so sick (from stress and poor lifestyle choices) in retirement that their biggest social activity is doctor's appointments. Yikes. I have insisted on being self employed and lived at the poverty level, but not poor. I do what I want to do (aside from things that take money like travel), but I focus on the things I love and now at almost 60 I'm expanding my business, but for fun, not out of fear that I have to make money or I'll die! Everyone dies, but I take care of my health and a big part of that is not stress out about stupid stuff. I do have children, but did it unmarried because their dad was a nincompoop. Free from that drama too. We don't have to "conform" to social pressure to be a certain thing in life, thank God. We only get so many years, I can't imagine throwing them away to do what other's think I should do. Just ain't worth it. Peace!

I can definitely relate!!

I so agree ... buck society, be a rogue, be a renegade ... listen to your own drumbeat ... don't waste your energies on societal norms. Remember what Frank Sinatra sang us, "I Did it My Way"!!! thanx for your share reminder ... its so easy to get hypnotized by "shoulds" and "have to's". Many Blessings to everyone and everything everywhere.

I'm a woman who didn't have kids.

I have wanted this my whole life. I appreciate that we all need to do our bit but the fact we have to pay such a high price to be alive on this planet is ridiculous.

that's been my goal for the last 4 years lol. I have 4 or 5 more to go :)

For me it’s not just about the money, it’s more to have the time and brainspace for all my creative endeavors 😇@@Judep4237

Halfway through my 30’s I started longing for retirement. Since I became 50 I started doing more of the things I would like to do. Not so much focus on worklife but focus on my wellbeing. The next 15 years will now be more bareable 😊@@ebonywinn50

Thank you for your lifelong commitment to the medical field. You are appreciated.

My father could have retired when the factory that employed him closed down.He had a good pension at 62 but chose to work another twelve years in another job.Then found out he had cancer just as my mother had a stroke and he became her full time carer for the next three years till he died and I took over. He needed the social contact and never knew anything but work. However, I learnt my lesson from this . Life is more than work whatever your circumstances or income but few realise this for some reason.

that is so beautiful, but some of us spent our whole lives benefiting the others and did nothing for ourselves. So it can now be all about me because I paid my dues big time. And of course I would never turn my back on someone needing help and do rescue animals but not on a "mission" like I was before because I neglected myself and didn't even know it until a few years ago (81 now)

Agreed..

Which country(s) do you have in mind?

Indonesia is one of them. At least some parts of the country.

When will we ever have enough income? lol

@CynthiaAva it depends what you want to do. A lot of people waste money on silly things and then complain that they don't have enough.

Same age. I'm tired and don't feel I have the energy to do my job full time anymore...I am not sure what I'll do...No real debt, but this economy is not good and I live in big expensive city. Also, single mom to a college student, whom I'm helping with expenses. Tough decision.

Yes I think everyone has different circumstances, but I think you must try to think of yourself as well, because time won't wait for you, it's very difficult

@@CynthiaAva I’m tired too. Consider moving to outside a smaller city to lower your expenses, and possibly getting a remote job. Just the change alone (new place, new people, new things to do) could reinvigorate you to work for a few more years. We’re seriously considering a move from an expensive west coast city. Columbus Ohio actually looks pretty good. Also look into the side hustle industry for your kid, or you. There are so many creative things for young people to do that make money to cover some of those expenses. Just today, I read an article that over 50% of Gen Zers have side hustles (wow, had no idea). He/she/they might just need your motherly encouragement to get started. I have a high schooler and I’m already thinking up things for her to consider. There are so many good lessons to learn from starting your own business, and a small one, especially a passion project, is manageable to get started. I read of a young lady reselling thrift store items she finds, or the other young lady that refinishes used furniture (sometimes into completely new purposes), and even a guy that breeds crickets, yes crickets, because it’s cheap and people have bearded dragons as pets.🤷🏻‍♀️That guy makes 30k a year. Do you possibly live where people could rent parking space from you, or have a pool to rent out, or attic space for storage? All these things were ideas in the article. Anyway, sometimes a big enough change in our life is what we need to get that energy back.😊

I retired in 2020 too. I was 57. Had 34 yrs working for the federal government. All I do now is travel. Visit the museums in my home city when I'm not traveling and exercise. No stress. Life is great.

Girl, you could write a book! A travel book. You should! In fact, I'd like to insist that you do! Any tips would be welcome!

I like the idea of that separate bank account. Ake away some of the worry

You inspire me, thank you

THIS! I'm with you sister!

You should put some videos out there!

Sounds great...maybe...look up some tips for overnight train trips... I did that last year and wished. In little ways, I was more heads up on it.... very enjoyable...

@@jhmstagg9104 Thanks - I've been binge watching a lot of train videos - The Canadian has some fairly meaty travelogues - and reading a lot on the comments/questions on the VIA Rail subreddit, so feel like I'm getting a decent idea of what to expect, but I'd welcome any tips. :)

I know what you mean about having a spouse who sits and watches TV for many hours a day. It is as if he has no motivation and energy to do anything unless I nag.

go and live life, do things without the spouse. There are more than a few in our family who retired and the husband does not want to do anything but the same rounds or tv, and close to home. My SIL travels all over without him with her best friends, her daughter (and her family). She has been doing this for more than 2 decades. If you have grown children, let them check in on hubby. Go and live!

Understand the wanting to do more travel /adventure than spouse part. I think it’s OK to have some goals that are separate and live with no regrets. There will be some things together and some things separate.❤️❤️

Um the vaccinated are dying of the actual poke. Unbelievable how people are so ignorant and thinking for themselves.

Well said

I hope you can find happiness making new friends and acquaintances.

If I had caretaking to do over again for my dear mother, I would get more help and not feel so guilty when I had to leave her.

what about health insurance, if I may ask? Don't you have to pay that too? Dental/vision?

I opted out of anything that wasn't paid for. They took $173.00 from my SS account until I responded in writing to the IRS to NOT do so. I'm not a big Doctor person, so 1/4 of my income for visits was a no-go. As for dental/vision. If I need one I can save up for it. Screw alllllll those companies who want to take me by the hand and lead me to my death. Not one insurance company gave one shit about me before retirement. @@requinremembers

I cant see living today on $800 a month. Health insurance alone and dental......house repairs, food, medications, on top of taxes, home insurance, car insurance, car repairs, clothing......impossible. And utilities.

It's not easy, and I do get food and some reimbursement for wood. Also, got in on the free internet and discount phone during the pandemic. Monthly Breakdown: Elec: 60.00/ Phone/Internet 9.00 Water/Sewer 60.00 Car Insurance 50.00 - No dental, no doc visits, but hospitalization. Oh, and I have a horse on tribal land @ 90/year and she costs me $160.00/mo to feed also, but only 9 months out of the year. It can be done and sometimes I save. Pay your mortgage off #1. @@sussika1231

It seems your county prop taxes are much lower than mine, which are a crippling $800/month +. My SS is a mere 570.00, am squeezing approx 6k/mo out of savings interest. My adorable old house/garden need constant funds/labor etc.

Me too. I loved temping. Shame it is isn't as easy these days for younger people. I worked in some great places, interesting jobs, and in employment that made me realise that company was not for me.

Temping is a great way to find out if you like a place and if they like you. I encourage young people to try it while they are looking, and they might gain some experience! They won’t try it though, because the pay isn’t very good. But it’s TEMPORARY. I am 65; healthy, active- I work two part time jobs so that I don’t have “office politics” which is pleasant. I’m a widow now, so I really need to work until my full retirement age. The economy is rough so I will retire and only work one part time job. I DON’T want to be 100. I don’t want to outlive any of my children or grandchildren ( of course, no one does). My father in law is 99 and hopes to go past 100. He does complain that he has outlived one son ( my husband) and possibly a daughter who is now quite ill. So I will retire at my FRA which is coming right up! If I last to 72-75 in good physical and mental shape, I will be very happy with that.

Me, too. I loved temping...and it lead to some great long term jobs. @@pumpjackpiddlewick

Good for you. And do you go and with no cynicism ? I say that because I think it’s important to just make it clear how important it is to those of us who like to go and it’s OK if they stay where they are at but both get to do what we want. Best of luck to you. ❤

@@kathysheeran6589 nope no cynicism. He knows he is always welcome to come with me, and I understand he doesn't want to do the same things I am excited to do. For us it works well.

Think about weekend or one day trips to interesting places, museums, or classes in your area. I took several classes from a religious community about 2 hrs from my home. They teach, not religion, but the forgotten arts, like weaving, cheese making, beekeeping, carpentry, pottery, and quilting.

Well said!

How about some shorter breaks to lessen the time? They don't have to cost a lot. A weekend camping, or a girls weekend away. Even sleep over a friends house and hark back to those times of frivolity, but now with a glass of wine 🙂

That's a great idea. And actually, that's what I do. This year I'll have a short RV trip to experience the eclipse. That said, I still have this nagging feeling that I should be traveling sooner and more frequently.

@@dynac8012 I like that you 'do' ☺. And only you can quell any nagging sense. Which can certainly be tricky when life offers so many choices and so little time (no matter what age) 💙

When I was in my 20s or 30s, I had a girlfriend who had visited lots of exotic places, Africa, India, Nepal....I asked why she hadn't visited Europe? She said, "I can see Europe from my wheelchair!" Cheers from Australia.

Wonderful suggestions! I really love them. I'm not one for big travel so I love the shorter trips!@@pumpjackpiddlewick

That sounds self centred and hedonistic tbh. 50 cruises.. Never thought of helping someone out with the extra cash you had? No?

She is helping someone out..... herself. Thank God she cares for herself. All I did all my young life was help others. Now I help myself. Thank God.

@@denacollins352 There is such thing as balance though isn’t there.

@@Ikr2025, you have no way of knowing if that person has been charitable or not.

@@s0a1n2d3y4 No. But I do know no one needs to go on 50 cruises.

I'm so happy to learn I'm not alone in this thinking! Keep going sister!

I think this is what I want to do. It's time for a change after 27 years teaching. I'm wanting some rest and some free time...then I'd like to create a part-time gig for myself. I have some dreams of wanting to work part time in a nursery with children or for a church.

@@CynthiaAva I hope you find your dream ❤

I was in the military too ( canadian), lots of travel. Divorce was the best for freedom.

I'm 58 and going to retire this year. Many of my colleagues trying to convince me to continue...ahhh, but the body is tired. I have seen big changes in my energy level and health..arthritis suddenly set in both knees. I want to enjoy any time I am blessed to have. I've been at the same job 27 years. I want to enjoy some free time now.

Oh, funny you should mention that about the 1000 weeks! That was Azul. I just finished watching a video he just dropped less than an hour ago and he said it again in that one, lol.

Thanks!

Looking forward to seeing your numbers this Sunday.

Why not be a personal masseuse and tag along on group trips with old foggiest like me (65).

I agree. 80 is the new 60. 😁

Thank you. I feel the same way.

Toronto is the worst place to see in Canada. Try the West Coast - Vancouver Island - paradise.