Read and Share Retirement Ideas

Don’t reinvent the wheel. That’s what Dad always said. We agree. What he meant, as you well know, is that we can all learn from others. We are pleased to present some stories and ideas from people who have already retired … and who are getting ready. Take a look. Pick up a pointer or two.

Your Stories

Is 60 the New 40?  I don't think so.

As I’ve been hurtling rapidly toward the beginning of my 7th decade, I’ve been struck by all the “spin,” hype, and attention devoted in the press and media to the first of The Boomers turning 60.  The headlines scream out “First Boomers Turn 60,” “Boomers to Bankrupt Entitlements,” etc., but perhaps worst of all, “60: The New 40.”  Is this anywhere close to accurate, or is it just the latest self-delusional and grandiose proclamation of Boomer Nation?

Advances in medicine and technology, along with, better understanding of fitness and lifestyle have clearly prolonged life expectancies beyond those of our parents, the “Greatest Generation.”  People reaching 60 in 1970 had a life expectancy of only 70.  Today it is 78.  And technology and other modern wonders clearly enable us all to work faster, better and even longer, as physical stamina no longer is as important a differentiator.  So should we “Boomers” turning 60 expect another 20-25 years of “productive” and “engaging” work as our parents did when they turned 40?

I think not.  Sure, technology changes, and medicine improves, but the human body – like human nature – still has its very real limitations.  At age 40 I could run for 20-25 minutes every day of the week, with a long run on the weekends.  Today, if my knees and hips hold up, I’m lucky to run twice a week.  The jump shots I could easily make at 40 are now just barely “jump” shots, as friends point out that my feet never really leave the ground, despite my best effort.  And “all nighters” are no longer what I opt to do when I have a crush of work to complete, but instead what I have to do when my g.i. tract is acting up.  Instead of working after dinner, I find my energy and attention flagging so that any “creative” thinking happens early in the day, shortly after waking.

Is this all bad?  Of course not – the diminished stamina and skills are more than counterbalanced by better judgment, clearer thinking, and more efficient use of time, even as nagging health issues crop up more frequently.

Do I want to be 40 again?  Yes, I’d love the energy and drive, but no, I can do without the accompanying anxiety, stress, and responsibilities of that phase of my life.

So should we despair as we hit the 60 marker, knowing full well that we’re entering, as a friend’s spouse remarked at his 60th, “the last third of our lives”?  No, of course not.  We should, for once in our charmed Boomer lives, cheerfully accept and enjoy reality and leave “denial” to that river in Egypt.  For most of us who enjoy relatively good health, life is fuller, more complete, and more robust than it was at 40.  But it is also filled with more aches and pains, more self-awareness, and more perspective.  So let’s use these last qualities to propagate less self-delusionary and grandiose “spin,” and more realistic and clear-eyed understanding of where we are.  The new 40?  I don’t think so.  But a new 60? Absolutely.

Marc Lackritz is CEO of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.

Retirement Ideas

Share Your Retirement Stories

“There are eight million stories in the naked city. This has been one of them.”

If you recall that line from the 1950s crime drama, “Naked City,” you are retired or nearing retirement … and there must be 80 million retirement stories in America.

Make yours one of them. Share it with others. Right here.

Are you retired? What are you doing? Is it what you expected? Are you learning new things? Still active? Did things pan out the way you thought? Any regrets?

Are you thinking of retirement? What’s your ambition? Live to be 100? Enjoy the grandkids (for short periods)? Travel? Volunteer for a worthy cause? Share your wealth of experience with others? Really spend time on that hobby? Or find a new one? Are you ready for retirement, financially or otherwise?

Send us your stories and your ideas. We will help you share them with others.

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