For many folks, reaching retirement is their life’s goal. They put in 30 or 40 years of work – usually in a job that they didn’t like very much – and then look forward to the day they can tell their boss to shove that job where the sun don’t shine
They may have some social security coming their way and possibly one or more investment accounts, a pension or rental property of some kind or another, or all of the above. But once they retire, they all of a sudden find themselves with not much to do, or at least, with not much they have to do. Then, pretty quickly, they begin to have health problems and it all goes down hill from there.
Does that sound vaguely familiar to some of you?
The usual story
I know it must, because we’ve all known people who fit that description. Heck, you may even be one of them! If you are, believe me when I tell you that I know exactly where you’re coming from. That’s why it’s important to take on board what I’m about to tell you…
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You see, too often, once people stop working, they lose their way in life – and in more ways than one. Even though they have extra time in their retirement, for many, they have less “life” in their lives. That is, they lose their purpose in life. With no reason to get out of bed, many people’s lives begin to decline rapidly in retirement.
Now, you might be thinking, “Sam, what in the thunder are you talking about? I can’t wait to retire and live the easy life!”
And, like I said, I get all that. Thing of it is, in order to keep your life runnin’ like a top, you’ve gotta be doin’ some running, too. Otherwise, decline sets in.
Why rush to declining health?
This decline shows up in various ways. For starters, when folks stop working, their minds often become less active. I know it sounds kind of harsh, but that’s the truth of it. That’s simply because they’re no longer engaged for eight hours a day the way they used to be when they were working. When the demands on our minds decrease, our minds tend to get lazy. That’s a simple fact, but it’s only part of the decline equation.
Another part of the decline equation is activity level. Too many retirees soon become watchers instead of doers, and that ain’t a good thing – but it ain’t rocket science, either. When you’re settin’ on the sofa all day with a remote control in one hand and squeezing a beer can in the other, day in and day out, negative physical changes set in pretty quickly.
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Don’t be a watcher
Not only are you zoning out watching the tube instead of working, but, by not keeping your mind active, you lose your enthusiasm for life. You build inertia into your lifestyle. Sometimes, that inertia means you see less of your friends and co-workers and even family sometimes get left behind. Basically, you’re letting your life get narrow and uneventful. That’s not good for you, it’s not good for the spouse, and it’s not good for those around you.
See, without mental stimulation, which includes a healthy social life, your reasons for hanging around disappear faster that dew on a leaf in July. What’s more, chances are good that you’re not physically as active as you used to be either. Staying physically active is actually one of the main factors to staying mentally active.
When you stop moving, your brain stops moving, too. This means your mental and physical wellbeing will be going from bad to worse, and that goes for your metabolism as well. Your body just won’t function as well as it should.
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A simple solution
But, lucky for all of us, there’s a real simple solution to all of these retirement symptoms and it won’t cost you a thing…except time. Of course, I’m talking about making a difference in someone else’s life.
Does this sound a little on the hokey side of things for some of you more “sophisticated” types? Well let me tell you something you may not know: studies show folks live longer, healthier and more fulfilled lives when they’re needed by – and helping – other people.
That’s right; you can keep yourself in shape, mentally and physically, by helping others. That’s because human beings need to feel needed. It’s a basic impulse that we all have to one degree or another.
Now, this doesn’t mean that you trade one 40-hour-a- week job for another, although I know some who have. But it does mean that you can give some of your time, and some of yourself to some people who need it.
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Giving of yourself means better health and happiness
Think about it; if you’re 50, 60, 70 or even older, you’ve lived life a bit, haven’t you? You have experience and wisdom to offer. But even if you feel as if you don’t, it doesn’t matter. Just having coffee with someone who doesn’t have anyone can be a big deal for them.
But if you have a desire to do more, you can volunteer for all kinds of organizations, from the Salvation Army sorting donated clothes, to building homes with Habitat for Humanity, or just serving in your local church. When you do, you will see what a difference you make by giving of your time, talents and attention to another person. You’ll also feel good, engaging your mind, your body and your emotions in improving the lives of others as you improve your own along the way.
So get out there, volunteer to help others, stay active and stay in the game of life!
