Do we retire at retirement age or keep going?

Do we go through life thinking we cannot wait to retire to do exactly what we want to do? Do we have enough planned to entertain us for the next 30 years? If we live to be in our nineties and retire at 65-67 years, that is almost as long as most careers. I have thought a lot about this.

I cannot tell you how many people have asked why I went back to school. I must admit that most of the classes that I have taken in person, there are few individuals that are close to my age. Let’s just say, at least ten years younger. It never really bothered me much. In fact, it was rather interesting. The art class had the most age difference. I was by far the oldest by a minimum of 30 years. It was such a fantastic experience. The class was interesting, and the students were fun. This was one of the first classes I took that inspired me to take more. I first took a computer class to help me with my excel and power point knowledge for work reasons. I thought it would be fun but useful. I enjoyed it so much that I signed up for art. I knew that I wanted to know more than just how to pick out the hottest new trend or know what the newest color of the season was. Both my boys thought classes were a great way to grow. Then, it just snowballed. After my position was dissolved, I enrolled full time into school.

I am almost finished with a psychology degree, after this semester, I have one class. Lately, have become fascinated with aging and education. This is a question that I want to explore but have not drilled down. Maybe you can help. I might can use this for my very last class; senior capstone, it which I need a research question. The retirement age is 65-67 years of age. This use to seem normal to me. Now, it seems a little strange. I am not sure. I know I do not want to retire. Now, I admit, I want my freedom. I do not want to work for someone. I see how my children’s careers are so much different that mine. I could not decide my time off, vacations, and especially the hours I worked. My two boys, daughter-in-law, a niece, a nephew, and several of their friends’ careers do. I find it extremely interesting how they have so much freedom. I did not. So, now that I got off subject, lets get back on track. Now, that we are living longer, most of us tend to spend time traveling and taking care of grand kids while aging. That is great. Traveling and grandkids are the bomb. But, why not do something completely for ourselves? Yes, that could be volunteering, or a fun hobby such as woodwork, or advancing cooking skills, but I am talking about a dream career. Now, if you are like my husband’s cousin that just told us over dinner that she did not want to ever retire because she loves her job. And, I must add that she is a nurse! I was ecstatic to hear! I told her that I am right there with her. I explained that I had a career for 37 years and was put into retirement and had not planned on. Although it worked out well, I am still not ready for retirement. Why? We can live into our 90’s. I have 30 more years. I like to travel but surely, I have more to give. I have never been a person who loved to go go and go. I was becoming sick of traveling when I was in the retail business. Are she and I in a minority? Are there others who feel the same? Is this not normal? Is this because we are both in our lower 60’s and have no grand kids? I am very curious.

So, the question is: Do the majority of aging adults think of either remain working (hopefully by choice) after the normal retirement age, maybe in a brand new field ? Or do they want to get the heck out and play with the grand kids and or travel.

I have become a health and life coach after 60 years of age and love it. I cannot express the joy in meeting others all over the world and all walks of life. I also cannot express the pleasure of how good it feels to complete a class in school. I think I am going to take a marketing class next. I know how things have changed in marketing and want to learn what is new. Just for you to ponder. Send me any thoughts that you have. I would love to hear them!

Have a beautiful day!

Janie