WRAPPING IT UP

So you are looking forward to retirement. Roll on 65, you say. Over the six previous issues in this series we introduced this topic and looked at the Big Picture, Health, Finances, Changing Environment and Wounds of Life. This final article summarises our discussions on what can be a scary season of life for many men and women. As with any season of life you need a life plan, and the third age is no different. This season of life should be the most influential and rewarding.

So to WRAP IT UP:

LIFE PLAN. Make a life plan for the third age which may (should) include a budget (maybe the first time for many years).

FINANCES. You will probably never be as wealthy as the day you enter the third age, so plan your life well according to your income and savings.

SWALLOW PRIDE. There are many changes and potential challenges in the third age of life, but also great reward if the season is well-lived. To make this season the most influential and rewarding of your life, do not be slow to seek help or the wisdom of peers. Swallow your pride.

TIME. Use your increased free time wisely. Review recreational activities.

HEALTH. Monitor your health at least annually. Be proactive and have any concern checked so that you may grow old and full of years.

PHYSICAL. Increase your level of physical activity. You will need to do more to maintain your current level of fitness.

ISOLATION. Avoid becoming isolated from family and friends. Watch for any pattern of depression and be proactive in getting help.

ADDICTION. Deal to any area of addiction.

CHANGING ENVIRONMENT. Be prepared for changes. Be proactive in making necessary life changes including reviewing your location of living.

WOUNDS OF LIFE. Deal to the wounds of life so they do not control and define you in the third age.

RELATIONSHIPS. Leave a legacy in your relationships. Restore broken relationships. Invest in people as a prime focus of your third age years.

PREPARE TO DIE. Make sure you have all your affairs in order and tidy. Your Will, Power of Attorney, and Wishes.

WORLD VIEW. Review your world view beliefs. Make sure you are at peace with your choices, that you know who you are and where you are going. It will define why you are here and how you live out your third age years.

DON’T GO IT ALONE. Loneliness and isolation is a dangerous place to be. Making decisions without input from others can also be dangerous.
 
If you are in your fifties, now is the time to start thinking about your third age of life. If you are one to three years away from retirement (entering the third age) then plan for the third age. If you are in the third age and have drifted into it with little planning, it is never too late to review where you are at and where you want to go, within the limitations that are part of your reality. It is never too late to life plan.

Live the third age well. Plan to ‘grow old and full of years.’ Invest in relationships and build a legacy. Make this season of life the most influential and rewarding.


QUESTIONS
1. Am I having annual health checks?
2. Is there some area of concern that I should get checked out now?
3. Am I exercising enough? Do I need to get some advice?