I have enjoyed this summer to the max–due in large part to my June retirement from the working world.
Retirement and aging looks different for everyone – old(ish) age is where life choices, genetics, and personal histories converge and every path is different. Recognizing that it isn’t all roses (hello, arthritis!) I have compiled a top 5 list of the benefits of many birthdays:
- Eligibility for Medicare. In the USA, we have a terrible health care system. The deductible and co-pays are crippling – even for those lucky enough to have employer subsidized health insurance. Pre-Medicare I absolutely avoided going to the doctor. I didn’t like the HMO I was locked into and the out of pockets costs were ridiculous. Now, I can pick my own doctor (which is amazing!) and the cost is reasonable.
- Retirement-not working. For the most part, I enjoyed working, and was never someone who dreaded Mondays. A lot of my identity was wrapped up in my work, and I was a bit apprehensive as to how I would respond to no longer having a job. I needn’t have worried. While I do miss the people, I do not miss the daily grind and stress. Now, the only time I set my alarm clock is if I have an early court time!
- Retirement-More time for family and travel. My retirement kicked off with 12 days watching the grandkids while their parents took a much-deserved vacation. In July, we attended an extended family reunion in Colorado, Dan and I went to a couple Brewer games and are planning a longish trip to Europe this fall; and I spent a long weekend in NYC with my youngest. It has been wonderful to have more time to spend with the people I love.
- Retirement-More Time for ME! Most days find me on either the tennis court, the pickleball court and/or the health club pool. I take our mutt on daily long walks. When the weather cools, I have ambitions for household projects, volunteering, learning the ukelele, and other pursuits. I have always had an internal clock ticking away in my brain, aware of the list of things that need to get done. Now, that ‘clock is quieting, and I have the luxury of unstructured time.
- Being comfortable in my own skin. As I age, I find that I am less and less concerned with what others think about me, and more accepting of myself. I wear comfy shoes and no longer dye my hair. In our social-media saturated, appearance-obsessed culture, not caring what others think is something of a super-power.
My advice is to EMBRACE those birthdays–There is joy in having many trips around the sun.