Aging expert Ken Dychtwald says baby boomers are reshaping the concept of retirement by choosing “liberation rather than limitation.” We asked veteran corporate trainer Adrienne Hynes of Lakewood for some thoughts on how members of the 50-plus generation should approach this new life phase.
1. Put finances second
The key to a successful life is not money but achieving a balance of a healthy lifestyle, social involvement, personal growth and meaningful activities. Live below your means, but splurge occasionally to fill your desires.
2. Explore the possibilities
Whether your dream is new work with flexible hours, travel, lifelong learning, giving back or just plain relaxing, there are incredible opportunities if you get creative. Want to travel extensively? Teach English as a second language in the Far East. Rent out your house for six months and move to Mexico. Do a home exchange to live in a different part of the country for a while.
3. Use it or lose it
This applies to both physical and mental wellness. As much as half of the decline between the ages of 30 and 70 can be attributed not to aging but rather to a sedentary lifestyle. And recent studies on the brain show you can improve your mental functioning at any age. Exercise is considered a prescription.
4. Find new work-paid or unpaid
Most boomers expect to continue working in some form past age 65. Consider working with your employer to create a part-time, job-sharing, seasonal or consulting position, or use your talents in a new way for a different firm, or plow your wisdom and experience back into volunteer work in the community. A combination is key.
5. Plan some adventures
Think about how you feel when you can look forward to doing something new, whether it is taking a new job, going back to school, entering a triathlon or taking those piano lessons you’ve dreamed about. New experiences and new learning keep you vital. Keep an open mind.
– Jack Cox, Denver Post staff writer
Adrienne Hynes and her associates, Sherri Lancton and John Panasewicz, will offer a three-part life-planning workshop for people 50 and over 9 a.m. to noon Saturday and continuing 5:30 to 8 p.m. June 26 and 28 at the Carmody Recreation Center, 2200 S. Kipling St. The fee is $65, including a workbook, and pre-registration is required. Contact Hynes at 303-986-5276 or hejadrienne@msn.com.
