Category: Resources For A Modern Retirement

Podcast Episode 5: Get Creative in Retirement: Become a Published Photographer!

5/10/2022

Episode 5 of Resources for a Modern Retirement focuses on getting creative in retirement and finding new passions.

How are you going to spend your newfound free time in retirement? Today’s podcast introduces you to Jerry Park, who I think you will find to be an absolute inspiration.

Jerry suggests:

Think about and plan for at least four areas of interest to pursue BEFORE you retire.
Don’t be alone. Go out and mix with people because there is always someone or something that will help you connect.
Allow yourself to be creative and most of all make sure you are having FUN!

WATCH PODCAST

About Our Episode Guest

Jerry Park
Jerry Park Photography
www.jerryparkphotography.com
jerryppark@comcast.net
615-969-6540

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A SENSE OF BELONGING - It's a Basic Human Need

3/2/2022

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I recently worked with an executive who was thinking about retirement. In one of our initial sessions, I asked him about his hobbies.

“HOBBIES? HOBBIES?
Loretta, do you really think I have time for HOBBIES?!” he ranted.

Rather than wait for him to work out why I was asking, I quickly changed the wording. “OK,” I said. “Let’s try it this way: What are you good at and enjoy doing such that you completely lose track of time?”

This made him pause. He knew he was good at a lot of things, but it had been so long since he had done many of them that he wasn’t sure he still could. He began to realize that he had been so steeped in his work and glued to his schedule that he rarely did what he liked to do. And…, if he took time for himself, he felt selfish!

Call them HOBBIES or PASSIONS or even INTERESTS, making time in your life for things you enjoy - whether you are 25 or 65 - is important.

It’s important for your emotional wellbeing; it’s important for your mental stimulation and…IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT FOR RETIREMENT.

Retirement can be lonely. Sure, you can find yourself newly retired and then decide to ‘do what I want to do when I want to do it!’ Your search may take a little longer and be a lot more difficult than if you had started years ago, but yes, you can begin after the Retirement Party.

If, on the other hand, you have already been involved in a few activities you enjoy before you retire, you have a head start on interacting with people who share your interests. Let me remind you, the feeling of belonging is one of our basic human needs. Yes, right up there with food and shelter.

When a person stops working, that sense of belonging, of being ‘included’ or identified as part of a team/company/title can slip away. Some people feel like outsiders in their own life. That’s why it is important – starting today - to make time for the things you really enjoy doing.

If you still need more convincing to get started now, here are three reasons that are backed by science:

1 - BETTER WORK PERFORMANCE

A study in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology finds marked differences between those who engage in hobbies and those who do not. This includes a better attitude at work and more creativity on projects.

2 - IMPROVED PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

A study of enjoyable leisure activities measured by Pittsburgh Enjoyable Activities Test (PEAT) shows “Higher PEAT scores were associated with lower blood pressure, total cortisol, waist circumference, and body mass index, and perceptions of better physical function.

3 - REDUCED STRESS

A study by Matthew Zawadzki, a health psychologist at the University of California, shows that leisure activity can provide immediate stress relief, which has been shown to have both health and psychological benefits, like improved focus, happiness and a longer life.

…and who wouldn’t be impressed by those reasons!

So, get started. Explore how to get involved in activities you’ve put aside or always wanted to learn more about. You will make new friends (outside of work), enjoy sharing an interest, and have fun being around others who like to do what you do. And Happy Retirement, whenever that is!

-Loretta
P.S. In case you missed it, recently the Mars Wrigley Corporation (owner of M&Ms) made some changes you can read about here. They decided their multicolored mascots were not reaching all of society in their ads. A change was necessary “to create a world where everyone feels they belong."

Photo from Today.com

Start planning for retirement NOW to avoid finding yourself spending your days at home in front of the TV - with a bowl of M&Ms!

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Retiring the Big-R - Imagine the Possibilities!

2/3/2022

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I had to smile this morning when I heard the TV anchor say, “Tom Brady is Retiring!!” OMG! Of course, the anchor wanted to interview several people about this breaking news. Then, when he sent the camera over to get more from an interview with a popular sportscaster, one of the first things the sportscaster said was,
“Tom Brady did not use the word ‘retirement’ in his press release!”
Here it is:

"I have always believed the sport of football is an 'all-in' proposition - if a 100% competitive commitment isn't there, you won't succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game," Brady wrote. "There is a physical, mental, and emotional challenge EVERY single day that has allowed me to maximize my highest potential. And I have tried my very best these past 22 years.

There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life. This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore. I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention.
I've done a lot of reflecting the past week and have asked myself difficult questions. And I am so proud of what we have achieved. My teammates, coaches, fellow competitors, and fans deserve 100% of me, but right now, it's best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes."

"Tom Brady is … what? "

Tom Brady refused to use that R-word because of its connotation which made me think of a blog I shared last year about a conversation I had with my friend Emily. I think he could have followed my suggestion about the Big-R and simply winked and said, "IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES!"
~~

My friend Emily and I were out walking last week. Suddenly she stopped short and said, “Did you hear that Bob did The Big-R?” I was puzzled. “The Big-R?”

“That which cannot be named,” she uttered in her best Harry Potter-esque voice. I smiled and leaned in closer and whispered, “Are you talking about ‘Retirement’?”

“Shhh!” she hissed. “Seriously, don’t use that word anymore. It conveys the wrong message!”

“What in the world do you mean?” I asked. She sighed, and I felt like she was searching for a way to say something nicely. “You, of all people, should know.”

“Look,” I said, “I know there is a lot of misinterpretation about the word ‘Retirement,’ but really, … comparing it to *Voldemort?”

Emily shook her head. “Misinterpretation? People hear the Big-R word and think the person is over the hill, incapable of anything new and fresh…, and, basically, A HAS BEEN!”

My mouth dropped open. “Ok, here’s proof!” she said as she pulled out her phone and pointed to a webpage. “Just look at the definition from the fancy Oxford English Language Dictionary!”

*Retirement (Noun)
1. giving up work, stopping work
2. seclusion, retreat, solitude, loneliness,
isolation, privacy, obscurity

I could hardly believe what I was reading

I looked in amazement as she continued. “I have no problem with definition #1 but check out #2! And, by the way, I’ve been thinking maybe you should stick with being called a ‘Life Coach.’ If this is how people are viewing The Big-R, listing yourself first as a Retirement Coach could put people off!”

Just like a Life Coach, a Retirement Coach helps people deal with life’s transitions.

“Oh, Em,” I said shaking my head. “Just like a Life Coach, a Retirement Coach helps people deal with life’s transitions. It’s like the change from being single and then getting married or going from being a couple to having kids. ‘The Big-R’ requires thinking about and planning for the next 20 to 30 years! A person will have more time and more choices for not just how to fill the day but also for how to feel fulfilled at the end of the day. Planning is how to avoid definition #2!” We decided to order coffee and sat down outside.

“If it was my dictionary,” I continued, “Definition #2 would be something like,

Retirement (Noun)
"The opportunity and time to energize lifestyle,
renew interests, and create new adventures.”

As Emily thought about it, I decided to have some fun and sound less like a coach. “Take Clark Kent, for example. He knew he was meant to use his superpowers to seek truth and justice, but he couldn’t just transition from Smallville to Metropolis without a plan to protect his identity! He got a job as a reporter at the Daily Planet and located a nearby phone booth.” She started laughing and almost choked on her coffee. But she was listening.

“Since he’d already mapped out his plan, when he was needed he rushed to the phone booth, took off his shirt and glasses, and he became SUPERMAN!!” She was wondering if I was serious, so I continued,

“Here’s another example - suppose you decide to get fit and enter a half marathon. You wouldn’t just get up that morning, put on a good pair of running shoes and join the race - hoping to get to the finish line, right?! You’d map out a training program to make sure you were prepared to succeed.”

She wiped some coffee from her chin and laughed out loud. “Ok, but what about other people’s reactions? I just saw Susan, and she was complaining that her neighbors think since she is around all the time, she can watch for their deliveries!” She paused, “And her kids think she is a full-time babysitter; they assume she’s always available.”

Today, more than 50% of retirees are working
part-time and others are volunteering or
busy learning something new.

I smiled and shook my head. “Stop worrying about other people! The fact is that it’s smart to approach retirement with a plan and an attitude of adventure and creativity.

Today, more than 50% of retirees are working part-time and others are volunteering or busy learning something new. It does not have to be solitude and loneliness!

“So,” Emily said. “What now? It’s obvious we need to do something about that word!” I smiled. “Well, you’re right and people have made lots of suggestions. But the Big-R word has been around a long time. Instead, I say we keep the word ‘Retirement’ and just add a tag line:

So YOU GO, TOM BRADY! And when interviewed next time, just smile and say
"Imagine the Possibilities!"

Loretta

*Voldemort, also known as 'The Dark Lord' in the Harry Potter series, was so evil that even his name was not to be spoken.
*Oxford Languages is the world’s leading dictionary publisher, with over 150 years of experience creating and delivering authoritative dictionaries globally in more than 50 languages.

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Podcast Episode 4: In Retirement, Be a Teacher, a Student, ... or Both!

12/3/2021

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Episode 4 focuses on being a lifelong learner.

What if I told you that you can take noncredit courses on university campuses with no assignments or grades?

In my conversation with retired Vanderbilt University Professor Dr. Ed Friedman, we talk about resources for retirees who love learning. Whether you want to be the student or the teacher, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers intellectually stimulating ways to fill your days in retirement as well as a chance to meet people with similar interests.

WATCH PODCAST

About our Episode Guest

Edward H. Friedman
Retired Vanderbilt University Professor & Osher Life Long Learning Program teacher
edward.h.friedman@vanderbilt.edu
Olli (Osher Lifelong Learing Institute)

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I've Got a (Second) Secret - a Tech Talk

9/24/2021

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Warning
This blog may offend you. In it I speak to you straight,
no beating around the bush.

Yes, I’ve got a second secret. Remember when I told you that one of the first secrets of dealing with adjusting to changes in life - including enjoying a successful retirement - is having a positive attitude? Well, that is absolutely right. (If you slept through that lesson, go back and read it again.)

But there is more. Regardless of how old you are, I’m pretty sure you do not want to face years of waking up wondering what you can do today and why you should do it. I’m pretty sure your goals do not include lack of curiosity and years of watching others enjoy their days feeling full of purpose, while you sit in front of the TV. If I’m wrong, skip this blog and check today’s tv guide.

That said, here is my second secret:

Learn How To Use Technology!

Yes, you read that correctly. It won’t help for you to whine or squirm or say things like, “I’m too old” “It’s too hard” “Leave me alone.” In fact, you won’t even have to say the “Leave me alone” part because that train will have already left the station.

Plainly speaking, if you don't attempt to learn the basics of using the computer and your smart phone, you will be left out...

... of both the virtual world and increasingly many IRL "in real life" events as well. I'm talking about activities such as booking and confirming appointments and events with friends, doctors, restaurants / listening to music and watching TV and movies / communicating with the world outside your home.

There, I’ve said it. So put on your big boy/girl pants and get ready to learn.

Let's Start By Asking the Right Questions

1. WHO?

Who needs to learn and Who can teach

WHO needs to learn? You do! Yes, you - along with anyone else who feels like they don't have a good basic grasp of current smart phone and internet technology or who simply does not want to be left out.

Who can teach? The first people I recommend for you to turn to is your family -

Significant Other
Kids/Grandkids
Aunts
Uncles
Cousins
Results of ancestry.com

If those come up empty, try friends and neighbors or a volunteer organization. You may have to pay some of these people but trust me, it will be worth it. Maybe you can barter - bake/consult/garden, or offer a skill in which you excel.

The point is don’t be shy or try to overthink it. Just do it.

2. WHAT?

What technology should you master first?

The basics of the computer hardware – keyboard/screen/mouse/video camera or touchpad/power, printer, etc.
Then, basic usage of those devices: accessing and searching the internet/reading and writing emails/ joining a Zoom meeting / accessing news or entertainment, etc.
I am assuming you already have some sort of phone to stay in touch. Ask for lessons on how to use it beyond dialing a number, including text and instant messaging. That is how much of the world communicates now.

My purpose is not to scold or belittle. My purpose is to get you in touch with what is out there today – sort of like my podcast, RESOURCES FOR A MODERN RETIREMENT – to help you help yourself enjoy every day to its fullest.

3. WHERE?

Where should I learn?

Wherever it is easiest for you. If you don’t have a computer, ask the person who will teach you if you can work on theirs. If you can afford it, then purchase a computer (desktop or laptop), tablet, smartphone, or other electronic device. If someone who cares about your future would like to buy you a gift, put it on the list. In the meantime, practice your lessons by going to the library or borrowing a device.

4. WHEN?

When is the right time to start learning?

Now. Today. Get Started.

5. WHY?

Why do I need to learn this stuff now?
I don't even need or want a device.

You need to learn this so you won’t be left behind. The reality is that the world is now more digital than not. Most individuals and businesses communicate via text message and/or email. Want to find a phone number or address? ... it's online. Can't find the manual for your vacuum? ... it's online. Need to access your banking information without going to the bank? ... it's online. Want to watch a movie? ... it's online. Especially in the age of Covid, everything you need can be accessed virtually, if you know how.

and

6. HOW?

How do I find the information I need to learn?

There are lots of ways for you to learn. If you already know how to get online to the internet, YouTube is a great resource for "how-tos". If you aren't comfortable yet searching online, take a trip to your local library or bookstore. Ask for the "Dummies" series of books on digital literacy. The National Institute on Aging has some helpful glossaries of computer and internet terms. Go ahead, try those.

If you are the one doing the teaching, here is a great guide to help teach tech to seniors.

I won’t give you homework like finding friends from high school or using Google Earth to walk down your street. (But you've got to admit those sound kind of interesting!)

Yes,I do understand that things like passwords and email addresses and saving documents and pictures can be frustrating and challenging, but getting comfortable with these technologies will lessen frustration and open a new world for you and a way to explore your curiosity and create new goals.

Go ahead – you have a new goal now. Have fun!

You're welcome,
Loretta

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Podcast Episode 3: Questions to Ask When Choosing a Financial Advisor

7/26/2021

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Episode 3 focuses on the types of questions you should be asking when choosing a financial advisor.

Maybe you don’t have a financial advisor yet. Maybe you’ve often wondered what questions to ask when talking about planning for Retirement. Do you know what fiduciary means? Should you have long-term care insurance? Join Carolyn Fleury, Wealth Management Specialist at Merrill Lynch, and me as we address eight important topics you do not want to overlook.

Watch Video

About our Episode Guest

Carolyn Fleury

Wealth Management Specialist
Merrill Lynch
carolyn.fleury@ml.com
402-496-5134

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Podcast Episode 5: Get Creative in Retirement: Become a Published Photographer!

Episode 5 of Resources for a Modern Retirement focuses on getting creative in retirement and finding new passions.

About Our Episode Guest

A SENSE OF BELONGING - It's a Basic Human Need

“HOBBIES? HOBBIES?
Loretta, do you really think I have time for HOBBIES?!” he ranted.

Call them HOBBIES or PASSIONS or even INTERESTS, making time in your life for things you enjoy - whether you are 25 or 65 - is important.

If you still need more convincing to get started now, here are three reasons that are backed by science:

1 - BETTER WORK PERFORMANCE

2 - IMPROVED PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

3 - REDUCED STRESS

…and who wouldn’t be impressed by those reasons!

Start planning for retirement NOW to avoid finding yourself spending your days at home in front of the TV - with a bowl of M&Ms!

Retiring the Big-R - Imagine the Possibilities!

"Tom Brady is … what? "

Just like a Life Coach, a Retirement Coach helps people deal with life’s transitions.

Today, more than 50% of retirees are working
part-time and others are volunteering or
busy learning something new.

Podcast Episode 4: In Retirement, Be a Teacher, a Student, ... or Both!

Episode 4 focuses on being a lifelong learner.

About our Episode Guest

I've Got a (Second) Secret - a Tech Talk

Warning
This blog may offend you. In it I speak to you straight,
no beating around the bush.

Learn How To Use Technology!

Let's Start By Asking the Right Questions

Podcast Episode 3: Questions to Ask When Choosing a Financial Advisor

Episode 3 focuses on the types of questions you should be asking when choosing a financial advisor.

About our Episode Guest

Carolyn Fleury

Author

Archives

Categories

Email or call to set up a FREE 15-minute introductory phone session!

Telephone

Email

Podcast Episode 5: Get Creative in Retirement: Become a Published Photographer!

Episode 5 of Resources for a Modern Retirement focuses on getting creative in retirement and finding new passions.

About Our Episode Guest

A SENSE OF BELONGING - It's a Basic Human Need

“HOBBIES? HOBBIES?​Loretta, do you really think I have time for HOBBIES?!” he ranted.

Call them HOBBIES or PASSIONS or even INTERESTS, making time in your life for things you enjoy - whether you are 25 or 65 - is important.

If you still need more convincing to get started now, here are three reasons that are backed by science:

1 - BETTER WORK PERFORMANCE

2 - IMPROVED PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

3 - REDUCED STRESS

…and who wouldn’t be impressed by those reasons!

Start planning for retirement NOW to avoid finding yourself spending your days at home in front of the TV - with a bowl of M&Ms!

Retiring the Big-R - Imagine the Possibilities!

"Tom Brady is … ​what? "

Just like a Life Coach, a Retirement Coach helps people deal with life’s transitions.

Today, more than 50% of retirees are working​part-time and others are volunteering orbusy learning something new.

Podcast Episode 4: In Retirement, Be a Teacher, a Student, ... or Both!

Episode 4 focuses on being a lifelong learner.

About our Episode Guest

I've Got a (Second) Secret - a Tech Talk

*Warning*This blog may offend you. In it I speak to you straight,no beating around the bush.

Learn How To Use Technology!

Let's Start By Asking the Right Questions

Podcast Episode 3: Questions to Ask When Choosing a Financial Advisor

Episode 3 focuses on the types of questions you should be asking when choosing a financial advisor.

About our Episode Guest

Carolyn Fleury

Author

Archives

Categories

Email or call to set up a FREE 15-minute introductory phone session!

Telephone

Email

“HOBBIES? HOBBIES?
Loretta, do you really think I have time for HOBBIES?!” he ranted.

"Tom Brady is … what? "

Today, more than 50% of retirees are working
part-time and others are volunteering or
busy learning something new.

Warning
This blog may offend you. In it I speak to you straight,
no beating around the bush.