Retired? Almost Ready to Retire?

Thinking about Retirement? Not Even on the Horizon?

by Dick Blatt

It doesn’t matter where you are on the retirement ladder; it’s never too late or too early to begin planning. You’ve probably heard the quote that when you’re retired, “every day is Saturday.” In some respects that’s true. But, how often can you cut the grass, weed the flowerbed, wash the car, paint the walls, read books or magazines, sit at your computer screen, or organize your garage, workshop, or home office? (Ten years after retiring, my desk and workshop could still use some TLC).

The dictionary defines retirement as “to withdraw from active service.” Is that your goal? I might encourage you instead to take the advice of Rich Bimler, “Church workers never really retire. They reposition.” You are still active, not on a full-time basis, and engaged in activities that are both beneficial to you and help others. The following suggestions are ideas gleaned from personal experience and from talking with and observing other retired persons.

Are you fortunate enough to have GRANDCHILDREN living close to you? Time that you didn’t have before can now be spent attending music, sports, drama, and dance events. What a blessing for both of you!

CONTINUE WORKING. Research shows that 45 percent of retirees continue to work whether they need the additional income or not. An example: I was offered and accepted a part-time position with an educational travel company to accompany school groups to various historical or otherwise significant sites. Most of my trips have taken me either to Springfield, Illinois or Washington, D. C. Other trips have been to Cleveland, Milwaukee, downtown Chicago, or similar destinations. These trips afford an opportunity to make the site interesting, meaningful, and/or educational for students and, frequently, adults. (Parent chaperones have commented that “I didn’t know that.” After sharing the facts about Booth’s conspiracy to assassinate Lincoln, a teacher asked if that was true or if it had been made-up to entertain the students.) Other retirees work as players’ assistants at golf courses, in their local library’s children’s book section, or as docents at local museums.

VOLUNTEER: You will never have a problem finding work if you work for free! The opportunities are endless. Some retirees enjoy the interaction of reading with and to young children. Others serve at hospitals, senior centers, or food banks. Still others serve as leaders for men’s and women’s groups. Do you have writing or editing skills? Help your church or community with their communication. Many of the people I have seen when visiting hospitals are volunteers. Where can you best use your talents and abilities?

TRAVEL: If you are financially secure NOW is the time to visit the places that you’ve dreamed about. “See the USA in your Chevrolet” was a popular ad many years ago. Travel by car is affordable. Do you want to visit National Parks? Stay 40 to 50 miles away. Rates and food are less expensive. Seniors can also obtain a lifetime pass that is good at all of our National Parks for a one-time payment. Elder Hostel programs are also reasonable, educational, and affordable. Europe is an 8- to 10-hour flight away. River cruises are relaxing, informative, and filled with history and scenic memories. Can’t afford to travel by paying full fare? Investigate travel agencies that will give you reduced or free travel if you can get X number of people to take the same trip. (My wife and I have been able to do this on trips to both Europe and China.)

HOBBIES: Do you have something that you always wanted to do, but could never find the time? Now is the time. Do you want to learn about something new? Your local YMCA or community center offers classes for both beginners and experienced people.

EXERCISE: Most educators spent a significant amount of time on their feet. (Maybe administrators did not spend the same amount of time!) Becoming sedentary in retirement is NOT the way to go. SILVER SNEAKERS, a CHP program for retired church workers gives you an opportunity to exercise regularly at local YMCAs or health clubs at little or no cost to you. Experts say that brisk walking 30 minutes a day adds to your quality of life, and it’s FREE.

Don’t neglect your SPIRITUAL EXERCISE. Time spent daily with the Lord is a fantastic benefit, and it’s FREE.

These activities are not meant for everyone nor are they an exhaustive list of possibilities.
Whether you’re retired, almost there, or planning for the future, I hope that you will reposition yourself where you will continually be of service to the Lord and to others.

Dick Blatt served as a teacher and principal at St. Philip Lutheran School, Chicago, for almost 45 years. He was active in LEA and served as chair of the LEAD network and LEA president. He served on numerous Convocation committees. Dick continues to participate with various boards and committees of the Northern Illinois District. He currently serves on the EncourAGEnet board for LEA and the Foundation Board for Concordia University Chicago. Dick and his wife Janice have two children and five grandchildren.