Reality Today: Stop then Get Ready to Start

Many pre and post retirees are talking about having their futures postponed by the Covid-19 epidemic and the uncertainty of the protests and violent riots occurring across the country.  This year has been an extremely difficult time to REWIRE when everything has become so unpredictable and erratic. The major impact of job loss, furloughs and financial stress has created a landscape that we have never witnessed before in our lifetime.  We have been forced to stop our normal routines. Now we are waiting for our lives to start up again.

Many Boomers who remember the strife filled years of the late 1960s are comparing them to today. They are similar in many ways. While there was no pandemic there was a flu epidemic that killed over 100,000 people; there was a space launch; and there was tremendous civil unrest do to the racial divide and the Viet Nam war.  Sounds and scenes of the past look familiar today. Yes we were younger then, but like now, filled with hopes and dreams.

Some of us were using our time of quarantine to reflect, to get organized or to just ponder possibilites. Some of us were actually getting serious about making some changes. Change can be daunting and anxiety provoking. and now the reality of our collective circumstances is forcing us to step back and perhaps deal with some of that change.  The plans many of us had in place may not be valid anymore or have become so altered and distant that they lack clarity and a slim chance of becoming a reality. It is one thing to decide to change our timetables for life; it's another to have forces beyond our control change it for us. It's a good time to remind ourselves that not being in control doesn't necessarily mean you are out of control.  Because our forward progress has been stopped doesn't mean it won't start again.

Rewiring has no expiration date, since it's based on your desires and needs. However some of the things you want to rewire might have time frames. You need to consider incorporating any revised schedules into your plans.

Making time to reflect is always valuable. Self discovery can be confirming or disruptive, and its up to you to rethink your priorities, timetables, even new activities that will fulfill you. Once we get back on track and through this terribly unexpected disruption you may discover that you have different needs than you did back in March.  The adage that tough times don't last, but tough people do is often the case.  Winston Churchill's famous line of Keep Calm and Carry On! has become our motto.

The White Space Blues

Last month we had the pleasure of being part of an excellent all day program on retirement in Sarasota, Florida hosted by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College.  Our host was Executive Director, Janna Overstreet.  The attendees were a combination of retirees and those who are still working including some that took a day off from work to make sure they get a fulfilling next act.

One of the areas of concern was the FEAR  of the White Space.  This is a condition that affects many retirees. The white space we refer to is the amount of empty space on a person’s calendar once they retire. Some people love their new-found calendar freedom, but not everyone.

Before retirement, people dreamed about the day they no longer had to attend meetings with demanding clients or boring customers, not to mention endless sessions with the boss and the team. The idea of retiring sounded very appealing. Many call the initial stage of their retirement-- the honeymoon phase—and they live in the glow of free time and fantasies. After a few months, however, retirement bliss can change and send retirees into panic mode. Some retirees complain of being bored even feeling rudderless. The natural instinct is to immediately fill up one’s calendar with activities.

Many retirees, unsure of what they want, start to commit to anything and everything just to be busy. Very quickly the fear of the white space is replaced with a new condition which causes frequent outbursts of “now I’m too busy.” Some people admit that they have even committed to things that they really don’t care about! The remedy for this condition is to unearth interests, identify what really motivates or drives you, and then use this knowledge to select new undertakings that fulfill and energize.

Check out OLLI in your area for more great ideas.

Announcing the 3rd Edition of Don't Retire, REWIRE!

Over the past two years we have been conducting research and tracking retirement trends of pre and post retirees around the globe. We discovered that much has changed financially, socially and globally since 2007, when the Second Edition of Don’t Retire, REWIRE! was published. What has not changed is the universal need for people to better understand themselves as they plan for the future. 

We have also created a new and streamlined interactive website with downloadable quizzes for couples and individuals. 

Going forward, we will do a twice monthly blog which will include posts on what we’ve heard, what we’ve read, and what we’ve seen from longevity and leisure to financial planning and friendships, to transitions, travel, and the test marketing of new ideas. Our goal is to inform and inspire you as you plan for and live your future. 
If you want to reach out with an idea, a question or comment, click on the Contact Us on the website.  

Knowing Yourself is the Key to a Positive Retirement

Our book DON’T RETIRE, REWIRE! 5 Steps to Fulfilling work…was first published in 2002; the second edition in 2007. At the time of publication our editor at ALPHA, a division of Penguin, called it an “evergreen” book meaning that the message would stay relevant for years…and it has! The first Baby Boomers who turned age 70 in 2016 got insights and ideas from the book, and now the biggest group of boomers, the 4.3 million born in 1957, and are in their 59^th year, are now finding answers to their questions within the pages of the book.

Although we have discovered that the title can be deceiving for some, we are not telling people notto retire, but rather to take the time they gave to their traditional work, and put it into new activities that will fulfill them. We are not saying stay working, but yet we don’t want people to go from 95 mph to 10 mph. That can have a bad effect on peoples' minds and bodies too.

In our work we have discovered that “rust out can be as bad as burn out!”

So what is the secret in DON’T RETIRE, REWIRE? To know yourself. Pretty simple, huh? This is the time of life to discover what/who/where and why things or people turn you on.   Over the past several years we have traveled the globe from Saudi Arabia to Salt Lake City, sharing our rewiring process with people at all stages of health, wealth and age who are afraid of what the future might or might not hold for them!

The Drivers exercise that is in DON’T RETIRE, REWIRE! is still the best way to discover what motivates you. To identify what gives you your buzz!  We live in crazy, competitive and demanding times, and often we put our own needs at the bottom of the list. Well if you want to be happy in the future, however you define your next act, take the Drivers test and get some self knowledge. Our five step process takes some of the guess work and fear out of the future…the personal insights that you learn at 59 will still influence you at 70, or 80 or yes maybe 90! We really don’t change that much.

Get a rewiring attitude. Don’t be in denial about the future; and don’t leave everything to chance. You could have a long runway in front of you with plenty of time for new dreams and desires. Don’t leave your future on the sidelines by failing to take the steps required to realize those dreams.

Feeling confused and anxious, and excited and joyful, are all emotions that one person can have at the same time! So if you are having them, you are not alone.

Because people are busy we’re going to use our Facebook page to give new ideas to our readers and we hope you will follow us and like us there!

Having a Pet May Mean a Healthier Retirement

It may not be a new trend, but we are hearing from a quite a view readers that as part of their plan to REWIRE they have added a new pet to the family.  Not that it should be surprising, after all, recent surveys show that 68% of U.S. households have a pet.  Of course, that includes all pets: snakes, lizards, gerbils, alligators (yes, alligators), and other exotic beings.  Most are opting for the more traditional route: a dog or a cat.

The benefits of having a pet are multiple and hold great appeal for retirees.  Pets are great company.  You may live by or be home by yourself. If there is a pet in the house you are never alone. They make good company and take your mind off of yourself.  As one person said to us recently, "Yes, I admit it, I talk to my dog. He listens. I feel better. He doesn't feel worse. The day seems a little brighter.  Then we go for a walk."  What could be bad about that.

 

Don't make light of the "going for a walk" part.  Getting out of the house and walking is a great way to exercise with a purpose.  It is also a terrific way to meet new people. Ask anyone in NYC who goes to Central Park with their dog.  Strangers talk to them....the pet that is.  Eventually the conversation extends to the pet owner as well!  Social engagement via a pet has great possibilities. Some of our single friends say it can be as effective as Match.com.

 

Having a pet requires care and cost. It isn't fair if you are always traveling to leave them home or in the care of a stranger.  Grooming an animal can be time consuming. Taking them to the Vet can be a financial challenge for some people. Cleaning up after them is not so terrific.  If they get hair or fur over everything, vacuuming takes time.  There are no guarantees that you and a new pet will bond. For that matter, you may get the pet, but the pet may love someone else in the household more.  Now that all the disclaimers have been said.  Let's end on the one great truth of pet ownership: They are fun, distracting, lovable, and exciting to be around.  Sounds like a winning combination to us.

THE INTERN: Planning to Work in Retirement

There is a new film coming out this week called THE INTERN. Based on the preview we saw, we have added it to our list of  films to see.  Robert De Niro plays a recent retiree who REWIRES. He wants to be doing something he enjoys: work.  His character gets an opportunity to be an intern at a start up.    The film gives humorous and factual insight into today's work environment.  It's still competitive, challenging, and more complex than ever. Technology requires learning something new almost daily.  However it is also becoming more intergenerational.  People of all ages are learning from each other.  Now that's a novel idea!

If you are thinking of going back to work in some fashion, there are some things you need to consider.  Working in retirement today means you can become an intern, a part or full time employee, be a consultant or start your own business....finally doing something you love.

It’s key for you to think about some basic questions before you jump in....half of the time people say they want to work or want new work options, but don't know what it is they want; can't tell others who would like what they want to do, nor do they have an elevator speech ready to go to explain what they want to do.!

We need other people to help us uncover opportunities so we need to make sure--- coming out of the gate--- that we have our act together! We need to be mentally and physically prepared to help others, so they can help us!

Here are some tips to get you thinking. Many of them are pretty basic…in fact you may think they're so obvious that they should be second nature, and you'd be right! But the obvious is often overlooked.

1. Know WHY you want to work in retirement. (For pay, intellectual stimulation, community, for driver fulfillment?)
2. Think broadly about possible work options (for wages, for a fee, for free by volunteering, being a consultant, starting your own business, working for someone else?)
3. Determine how you want to work: Part time/full time/flex/seasonal
4.Visualize your "dream" job or situation. What would it look like
5.Keep your technology skills up to date
6. Review past accomplishments to get a sense of work you like
7. Identify the skills you want to use and needs you want to fulfill
8. Test market a work idea.  Start with an internship or shadow someone doing the job
9. Create a concise, short 2 minute elevator "job you want" speech (This tells your network what kind of work you want to pursue)
10.Stay RELEVANT physically, mentally, socially.

How old do you think you are?

How we see ourselves in the mirror is often misleading.  If you are having a bad day, you think you look older than you really are.  If you are having a good day, you think you look younger. Makes sense, doesn't it. We have a friend who has created a formula that he uses when he looks in the mirror.  Here is how he describes it: "Up until I was 45, every time I looked in the mirror, I saw myself as 28.  But once I hit 45, I saw myself as 35.  When I hit 50, it jumped to 40.  At 60, it went to 45. I just turned 70, so now I see myself as 50.  I guess when I reach 100, I will see myself as 75. It makes perfect sense to me."  In reality he doesn't care what anyone else thinks how he looks, and he readily acknowledges self-delusion. But his formula simply makes him feel better. A new study shows how people of different ages define older age. It confirms what we hear most often about the perceptions of aging.

Our faces often reflect are lives. Each wrinkle a decade of experience.  Some decades are harder than others.  It also shows how much time we spent in the sun without sunscreen.  Remember the home brew of baby oil and iodine many of us used in our teens and twenties? The sure way to tan. But it was even better if you used a reflector.  What were we thinking?  Skin cancer was hardly on the screen then.  The other factor is our DNA.  Did our ancestors win the tight skin lottery or did they have to run around in skin looking older than their age.

Whether you look young or old, the key is feeling good about yourself.  Take care of that skin.  Lotions, vitamins, exercises, sunscreen, hats, etc. all help.  It only takes a little effort to make a big difference.  After all, don't you want to look 75 when you hit 100?

Rewiring also means taking care of yourself as you age so you can look your best.  Projecting energy and vitality can lead to opportunities that can make a big difference, especially if you are looking for a new job, part time work, being selected for a great volunteer assignment, or if you are out in the dating market again.

If you Hate to exercise, Read this

No matter where we go in the world and talk about Rewiring Your Future, exercise seems to be top of mind.  Sometimes it is scary to hear people say they are going to run a marathon, but haven't done any exercise in years.  Yes, we have actually heard this.  We always tell people to STOP and GO SLOWLY.  The only people who benefit from strenuous exercise like running a marathon without significant preparation are doctors and undertakers. 

No matter what age you are, creating an exercise plan for yourself should be a thoughtful process and include input from professionals including your doctor.  The goal should be to improve your health, your life expectancy and the enjoyment of doing something positive for yourself.     Improper exercise results in pains, strains, torn ligaments, and other more serious injuries.  No pain, No gain may work for some, but we don't recommend it..

We tell people if you have an exercise routine that works for you, keep it up.  If you are bored with your routine, add some new exercises that make it more interesting.  Trying new things makes it a lot less boring and new challenges can be very rewarding once you master them. Not addressing exercise boredom  leads to no exercise at all.

Now for the good news: there is a great article out this week in the New York Times by Gretchen Reynolds.  We love the title: The Right Dose of Exercise for a Longer Life.  The article talks about several new studies that gathered information on over 600,000 middle-aged adults They analyzed 14 years of death records for this group and came up with very interesting findings about exercise and fitness.

For those who hate rigorous exercise, there is hope.  You don't have to run a marathon, swim the English Channel, or climb the stairs of the Empire State building to get and stay in shape.  All you have to do is have a modest plan and stick to it.  According to the studies cited, "The Sweet spot for exercise benefits, however, came among those who tripled the recommended level of exercise, working out moderately, mostly by walking, for 450 minutes per week, or little more than an hour per day.  Those people were 39 percent less likely to die prematurely than people who never exercised."
That sounds good to us.

There is no time like the present to get rewired.  Now that winter is behind us, there is no excuse that it is too cold to go for a walk.  Even if it is cold and raining, there is always the indoor mall or the gym.  Put on your headset, listen to the music that motivates you, and strut your stuff.  You will be glad you did and so will those who love you!!

Open Your Eyes: Possibilities Abound

We are an odd nation of individuals; there are those who make things happen; those who watch things happen and those who after everything has happened say: “WOW! What happened?”  At this point, you should be asking yourself…Which one am I?

We hope you are in the first category, or at least can get yourself there. Why? Because your life will be more fulfilling…and fun…if you can make things happen for yourself.  There are thousands of self help books out there…and maybe you have read some but stop reading and let’s get into action. 

First, identify a real goal or something you are ready to pursue or at least investigate.

A recent retiree who we have been working with to rewire decided it was time to get some fitness into her life. She now had the time, freedom, flexibility and desire to “get in shape."   She had a gym in her apartment building, but didn’t like going there so our question to her was…why not?  What do you want to get out of a workout? What do you want to do and where do you want to do it? This may sound really simple and obvious but it isn’t always and it is a part of a person’s rewiring.

At our suggestion she “talked to herself” and through her own assessment discovered:

·        She didn’t want to work out alone.

·        She didn’t want the pressure or to pay for a personal trainer.

·        She wanted to try a variety of classes like Spinning and Zumba.

·        She thought she also might like to learn to swim.

·        She wanted a convenient friendly gym that wasn’t too glitzy but still “cool.”

…and then she started throwing up roadblocks. And that’s when we said STOP!

Get on Google; put in your desired neighborhood; identify your desire for a pool or fitness

classes and see what happens!

She is now a member of Asphalt Green on the Upper East Side in New York City.  A non profit community center that is 20 blocks from her home, where she had gone by hundreds of times in the last 20 years but never visited, and in the end she even joined during a special promotion!  The point is….she never opened her eyes and looked around to see what was right in front of her!

Lesson: At this stage of life particularly open your eyes and your mind to new possibilities! 

We've met several fishermen, who love their sport, and have found a way to expand their interest to make lives better for others.  We know a dynamic Texan who is volunteering with Reel Recovery (www.reelrecovery.org) a national non-profit organization that conducts free fly-fishing retreats for men living with all forms of cancer.

Another individual we met is with Project Healing Waters, www.projecthealingwaters.org)  which offers services and programs to injured military service personnel and disabled veterans throughout the country.

We have also seen situations where people took their passion, made a real business out of it and it wasn’t so much fun anymore because it had become work.  On the flip side we have seen successful passions become great businesses where owners say,  “This isn’t work…I’m living my dream!”

Of course as with any idea…only invest what you can afford to lose.  It can be a great way to create a next act that makes life very interesting and as well as fulfilling.

PART 1: USING YOUR PASSION FOR PROFIT OR PURPOSE

As the authors of Don’t Retire, REWIRE! we continue to travel the globe “preaching” the importance of rewiring yourself after all major life transitions. The retirement boom is on and eager audience members are trying to figure out how to get the most out of their futures! There isn’t one pathway for the future, but many. You just need to choose what you would like to pursue.

Some people told us they only want a future of fun, fun, fun…until they either get bored or they run out of money! Others say that they want to work but in jobs with less stress and less responsibility. Some want to try the entrepreneurial route but don’t have any ideas, and a good number are viewing their hobbies as possible pathways to new businesses or volunteering opportunities(look for blog number 2 on this subject coming soon.). The possibilities are numerous but to capitalize on them you have to use your imagination, and your curiosity needs to be in gear.

To give you an example of what we are talking about…look what happened when some mahjong players looked at the game with a new set of eyes! I took mahjong lessons several years ago with a group of friends, having never been exposed to the game before. We did it for fun; the bonus was seeing our friends with more regularity.  We thought it would be great for the brain! And it has been just that on all counts.

 But something else emerged from our playing mahjong.

Two of the women, who have always been interested in art, became intrigued with the artistry of the “tiles.” They started collecting antique mahjong sets and I am thrilled to report that they have just come out with their first book from Tuttle Publishing, MAH JONGG, The Art Of The Game. The book is a collector's guide to mah jongg tiles and sets, and the photography is sensational. They are speaking on the topic to a range of audiences, both experienced players and beginners (or want to be players as well as art afficianados).  A third player in our group has started teaching the game, with the goal of teaching mahjong on cruise ships!

Remember… we were just playing mahjong and look what happened! Let your imagination go wild!

But lest you think that this is just one group, I discovered that there is a club of avid mahjong players in the Philadelphiaarea (almost 120 at the time of this writing). Several of these women created a training/members site entitled mahjonggmentor.com/. The site includes over 50 videos and is a supplement to teachers as a standalone teaching tool, and as a great info resource for beginners and players alike.  

Remember …what was first and foremost an interest and hobby for these women has now turned into much more. It’s a business.

In both of these scenarios these women rewired and are working, just differently.

The Age Busters Power Summit for Boomer Men is Coming!

It’s always a good thing to get insights on topics that are near and dear.  There is a great opportunity coming which will provide important information to Boomers.  The Age Busters Power Summit for Men is a virtual event broadcast on the internet Beginning October 17 and running for 2 weeks.  The cost is exceptionally good:  It’s free.  This very unique program will offer tips and strategies on retirement, health issues, wellness, relationships, social security, lifestyle changes and financial issues for men over 55 years old.  They have already done a successful event for women.  This should be another good one.

Jonny and Jodye Friedman, a husband and wife team, are co-founders of Age Busters.  They provide information, advice and services to help people “dazzle within” as they call it.  They have taken it upon themselves to interview experts in a variety of areas important to the over 55 set. Rick was interviewed on the subject of finding a new job when you are a mature worker.  Jonny did the interviewing.  Jonny is exceptionally passionate about getting good information into the hands and ears of Boomers who are either looking forward to retiring, already in it, or looking to cycle back in to new work opportunities.  He has selected and interviewed some great experts in the field.

Each interview lasts about 45 minutes to one hour and will be available on line by going to the following link:  The Age Busters Power Summit

You can tune in any time 24/7 during the offering period to get valuable strategies, insights, and reflections on the things that matter during this key life stage.  It will be well worth the time investment!!  You don’t have to be a man to listen.  Anyone who has a guy in their life: father, brother, son, husband, partner, etc.  may get some very helpful info to pass along.  Don’t miss it. 

 

 

Is Globetrekking For You?

Overseas travel is a huge topic for retirees.  Everyone's Bucket List, or whatever you call yours, seems to have several places they want to visit.  Forbes.com recently published an article by Judy Martel titled: Globetrekking: the new retirement. The article features our friends and fellow authors, Tim and Lynne Martin.  Their new book, Home Sweet Anywhere, highlights their retirement, and it isn't what you would typically imagine.  They had a dream for adventure.  After selling their home in California, they have been living in a variety of cities around the world.  Their retirement is not for the faint of heart.  They are very flexible, adventurous, and are inspirational for anyone who has a travel bone in their body.  The book is a great read, but a lot more than that.  It is full of insights on how retirees (or anyone with courage) can cast off the lines and head for parts unknown.  Globetrekking has become another way Boomers are breaking the mold.

We were interviewed for the article because as authors of the book, Don't Retire, REWIRE! and as "rewiring experts" to get our views on how people execute on their dreams.  We think that not only do Lynne and Tim know themselves well, but they know their drivers---what motivates them.

We highly recommend you read the article and apply it to the many aspects of your life...not just travel.  Yes, packing it all in and leaving the country on an adventure is extreme, but you have to have some idea what's there when you arrive that will give you driver fulfillment.

If you read the article with an open mind, be prepared to have it stretch your thinking and to be challenged to dare to imagine different things for yourself.  Ask yourself..."Do I envy Lynne and Tim, or do I think their retirement choice is too extreme? Or am I somewhere in the middle."

It takes courage to do what they.  All we can say is BRAVO!!!

When a Vacation is More than a Vacation

Travel can become a big part of any retiree’s life.  Whether you are a current retiree or about to become one, you probably have some travel destination on your TO DO or BUCKET LIST.

Recently we met some retirees who said they weren’t sure where they were going to travel next, because they had already seen most of the places they had longed to see. We were a little surprised because some of these people were only in their late 60’s and early 70’s, and could have a long longevity runway in front of them with no place to go.

We decided to turn the idea of travel on its head and challenged people to REWIRE their thinking and attitude when it came to seeing new places and experiencing new cultures. …and we are happy to report that it worked! People began to use a new set of eyes when they looked at their vacations!  

A retired engineer told us that he was not eager to visit another beautiful cathedral (or ABC to seasoned travelers) but after visiting Chartres Cathedral he decided that he was going to figure out how Chartres Cathedral was built! One day it just hit him that rather than just look at beauty, he would turn the cathedral into a project for himself when he got back home. A fellow traveler suggested that he begin by reading Ken Follett’s book, PILLARS OF THE EARTH, to jumpstart his interest.

Or how about the couple who took an unplanned food tour in Parisand couldn’t believe how much enjoyment they got by learning about a culture through its food. They decided that looking at a city through a “food lens” was going to be their new travel criteria.

Other examples included a woman who visited Vienna, attended an opera against her will, and loved it! Or the person who saw a Santiago Calatrava bridge in Seville, Spain, and said “when I get home I’m going to Google him to learn more! Maybe we’ll visit his other works around the world!” Who knows….maybe there are architectural tours for non-architects? If not…maybe there should be!  There are countless stories of people traveling the world…Asia, South America, Africa…..who discovered new interests   simply by being curious and asking questions.

Travelling and acquiring new experiences and making new memories are powerful ways to be engaged in life. Rewiringhow you look at travel can make your future trips more fulfilling and rewarding in ways you never dreamed.  It will be no surprise that you will also meet new friends along the way who may even become traveling companions.

 

 

Reconnecting With Your Past Through Basketball

When you saw the title, Reconnecting With Your Past, you probably thought that we were recommending that you visit Classmates.com to look up old friends, or go to Ancestry.com to check out your family tree. Many people are checking out those great sites especially as they may now have more time or interest to do so, but that is not what we are talking about here. You might have noticed the words….Through Basketball in the title?  This is about a recent experience I had and relates to some of the topics we write about in our book, Don’t Retire, REWIRE!

 I’m a graduate of Michigan State University, and admit to having no real involvement with the university since graduation. With no family, and few friends left in Michigan, I haven’t walked the campus for many years. Yes, I would randomly support my college when they called for a donation but for whatever reason my heart really wasn’t in East Lansing; college was a point in time. Maybe some of you can relate to what I am saying; others may be shocked because you are strong alums. The point is everyone’s experience is unique, then and now.

During the last few years I had accepted a few invitations from MSU to attend events in New York City, but again my attendance didn’t result in any commitment. Maybe this is sounding familiar to some of you? All that changed last week however when I attended a pre-game MARCH MADNESS event prior to the MSU-Virginia match up at Madison Square Garden.

Surrounded by Spartans in green and white attire, I was treated to remarks by MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon, a tremendously effective leader, and Basketball Coach, Tom Izzo, who inspires and entertains, and is one of the great human beings of college sports and a legend at the NCAA.  Was it cool to be there? Absolutely! Did I have a sense of belonging to something bigger than myself? For sure! Was I proud? Yes. And things took a very positive turn when I introduced myself to the man standing next to me who turned out to be very involved in the alumni program. His pride, his stories, and his enthusiasm for the new horizons that MSU plans to reach to inspire current and future generations in and outside of Michigan and the United States was infectious.

What I learned from my research on Don’t Retire, REWIRE! is that two of my personal Drivers or motivators, as identified in the book,  is to have new experiences, and to belong. Sometimes we don’t know what hidden treasures associated with our past can be found, until we start showing up at events, asking questions, listening to stories, making new acquaintances who may turn into friends.  The key here is to show up.  I asked a lot of questions that night and just joined the MSU Alumni group today.  I am looking forward to meeting the 7000 MSU alums in the New York area….well not all of them, and going back to East Lansing to see a campus that has become a beacon to the future in a state that is rising once again and headed back to greatness. 

As I always say, when the student is ready the teacher will appear.  Moral of the story?

When you Rewire make sure you show up at activities and ask questions! And know what your Drivers are!

National Womens History Month

Jean Chatzky, Financial Expert for NBC's Today Show and blogger for the website, Retailmenot.com, had a great idea for Women’s History Month.  She reached out to sucessful women and asked them to remember the best finanical advice they got from afemale role model. I am so pleased to be included with others such as Barbara Corcoran from ABC's The Shark Tank, Gerri Willis from Fox Business, Jane Bryant Quinn from the Dailyvoice.com, and of course, Jean, who I think is terrific.  The advice is varied and will hopefully make you think back to where you got and get your financial advice. This is a good blog to send on to daughters, sisters , nieces, granddaughters

Why is REWIRING So Important?

One of the biggest fears our readers have is that they will eventually be faced with memory loss.  Alzheimer’s disease & Dementia looms in the back of our collective minds. For that very reason we have been beating the REWIRING drum since the first edition of our book, Don’t Retire, REWIRE! was published, encouraging people to continue to be active and involved in life.  We know that for many people retirement can be deadly.  If you stop work and go on a permanent vacation, you run the risk of letting your mind and your body atrophy.

We are not medical doctors or psychologists, but we are always looking for news that will be useful to our readers. We are happy to report that the news isn’t all bleak. Alzheimer’s & Dementia Weekly cites an article in The New England Journal of Medicine that reports that the rates of dementia and Alzheimer’s are going down.  How can that be?  While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are lifestyle adjustments people are making around the globe to postpone memory loss. It is all about rewiring and how you look at and what you do in the future.  Exercise is the number activity recommended.  Forty-five minutes, four days a week of aerobics…..walking, jogging, biking, etc. is the number one thing you can do to help your body and your mind.  Exercise goes hand in hand with having a healthy diet.  Maintaining your optimal weight is another important aspect to consider at this life stage.

Having an active social life and staying engaged with others is mandatory.  Social interaction keeps the brain stimulated. Having fun, doing volunteer work, attending religious services and activities with others can all have a very positive effect.

Don’t forget your annual physical.  Find out if you have high blood pressure…..today it is easily treatable.  High cholesterol is also very treatable.  A healthy diet helps, but there are medications available to lower it, too. And for heaven’s sake, STOP SMOKING.  That is the worst self-inflicted injury that can be avoided. 

Stay working as long as you can.  The seduction of early retirement is one of the most negative things you can do to yourself.  Having a schedule, using your skills, solving problems are all ways to keep your brain running smoothly.  If you are forced to retire, get rewired quickly.

Not everyone will avoid Alzheimer’s or dementia, but doing the above will slant the odds in your favor.

 

 

 

 

 

Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving, 2013 is upon us.  Where did the year go?  We just received a phone call from a reader who has become a friend wishing us a Happy Thanksgiving.  We hadn't talked since last Thanksgiving, so our conversation covered year's events and the many things we are thankful for: family, friends, work, etc.  The list for the fortunate can be quite long.  But that is the beauty of living in the United States.  Even with all the political madness, we have opportunities that are unavailable in other countries and cultures.

Our friend pointed out that her response to Thanksgiving 2012 was to go and find a volunteer opportunity that would enable her to give back and give thanks.  When we congratulated her, she said not so fast.  I am on my third charitable involvement.  The first two didn't work out and this one is presenting some challenges.  We let her know that this is a familiar refrain from many of the people we know.  They wanted to give back but no one would let them!

We suggested to our friend that she go back and re-read the section on volunteering in Don't Retire, REWIRE! There are some things about yourself that you must factor in before you select a charitable endeavor. 

Here are a few things to remember:
1. Whatever volunteer gig you select make sure it aligns with your own Drivers.  Drivers are the emotional fulfillment your receive from the work and activities you perform. For example, If you have a leadership driver, you probably want visibility and a decision making role. Serving soup in a homeless shelter won't give you the driver fulfillment you seek.  Get on a Board or Executive Committee instead.  Both jobs are important. If you don't get the fulfillment you need chances are you will leave or be very unhappy.

2. Find a volunteer opportunity where you will be appreciated.  If you end up doing volunteer work for people who are thoughtless or rude (yes, even they can be volunteers) you will quickly tire of the lack of respect and not receiving positive reinforcement or a simple thank you.

3. Select volunteer work that is geographically convenient.  If you have to go too far to make a difference, you will quickly tire of the journey.  God knows there are plenty of needs. So find one close by.  When you are tired, the last thing you want to do is drive or take a bus for 45 minutes.

These are just a few thoughts to consider.  Thanksgiving is a great time to consider giving back.  So if you aren't already volunteering, start.  But know your drivers first!

The Wall Street Journal Report on Living the New Retirement

On October 28th The WSJ published one of its Journal Reports called PLANNING & LIVING THE NEW RETIREMENT.  The section was delivered on Monday morning.  What a great way to start the week.  We couldn't put it down. It contained some of the most interesting articles about retirement such as In Search of a New Identity by Sydney Lagier and So-You-Think You're-Ready-for-Retirement QUIZ by Glenn Ruffenach.  The article about living to 120 was very thought provoking and the Living the Good Life column had an interesting article about The Best Job in Retirement or Not.

Too often we see articles about retirement featuring beach chairs, an umbrella and drinks with small parasols in them.  It leads people to the wrong assumption that retirement is one big vacation.  It isn't.  It is more likely a large block of time divided by ages and stages and it may very well include new work either volunteer or paid, going back to school, starting a new business, trying new things, traveling, and even continuous learning outside the classroom.   Some will be in retirement longer than they worked. It's called longevity and that is the bonus our generation has gotten.  Gerontologists predict that over 3 million Baby Boomers will live to be 100+.

Some Boomers will move out of the country, learn a new language and go on a journey of discovery. International Living magazine is filled with articles about the challenges and joys of living in a place that probably has a significantly lower cost of living.  Making retirement funds stretch is a new form of exercise. 

Reading about the possibilities that the future represents is stimulating, thought provoking, and eye opening.  It isn't scary.  What's scary is not reading about what the future may hold and planning for it.

REWIRE! with Music and Reduce Stress

Our readers often report that when they sit down to plan the future, either individually or with a partner or spouse, they find their anxiety level climb.  The future can be intimidating and appear uncertain even with calm, careful planning.  But nevertheless planning is a key ingredient that leads to self-actualizing a future that is fulfilling and sustaining. There is a secret to making planning less anxiety producing.  It is called MUSIC. 

That's right, listening to music while planning can reduce stress, improve focus, and make it a more enjoyable experience.  A recent article by reporter, Elizabeth Landau, CNN, highlights a study showed that patients who were to undergo surgery and listened to music reported being calmer than patients who were prescribed anti-anxiety drugs.  If other studies continue to confirm these findings, it will have a profound effect on how we medicate in the future.   A doctor's prescription for anxiety may eventually read: Beethoven 2X a day, or Jimmy Buffett, as needed. It may also mean a huge savings in prescription drug costs.

Whether it's chanting, Willy Nelson, Josh Groban, or Yo Yo Ma, you choose what's best for you.  Many of the people we have spoken with about music and anxiety report that Mozart is the best antidote.  Now listening is made even easier with Pandora.  You can set up your own favorites list and every time you sit down to plan, you can become calmer.  Now that's a symphony we can all REWIRE to!