by lisa kay

Created on: May 30, 2008

I do not know the meaning of Retirement. What is it? I am a female in my early 70's and a lot of my friends and acquaintances are retired and are moving away from one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. That city is my adopted city,Washington,D.C. Why leave it? I know there are other considerations for their move such as friends and family but I am lucky for I have two of my four adult children living in the area in which they were raised. There is something quite wondrous about staying put. I never did; now my children know the advantages of growing up with the same people as they went to school with, as well as to social events. They also know the people that they went to church and cultural organizations with. There is a strong bond between them and the people with whom they developed those relationships. In a way, my work history is long established in the Washington area.I feel connected to the history of this city for I have lived in it for over forty years and have witnessed the changing scene. From civil unrest to political unrest I have observed it all.The real estate markets are high and they are low just like the politics of Washington. I have been a part of it all. I and my husband still work at home on the computer in an area of real estate consulting. For all of our work lives we have been involved in real estate. The development,sales,leasing and managing of real estate. We now have a mystery-shopping business that is built on the solid foundation of our past experience and knowledge. So what spare time?

O.K I do admit I take time off from the computer to exercise, shop, babysit, write poetry, read, wash clothes, cook, clean, visit with friends, watch movies, some t.v.and sleep(sometimes).I also keep in touch with my two sons and their families who are not in the area, as well as enjoying drama and plays. I do take some spare time to go to museums and also dine out.

So, if you are "retired" I would suggest the following: Do something you have always wanted to do but never took the time to do it. For example after my husband had a heart attack he wanted to fly in an antique bi-plane. While we were visiting our son in Florida they both flew in one. My daughter parachuted out of an airplane when she was a teen-ager. My husbands philosophy at that time, was "Why jump out of a perfectly good airplane?" He enjoys staying in them. Do try to be adventurous, passionate, committed and enjoy your new found activities.

Find something that you enjoy or would like to learn about. Don't forget cross-word puzzles, learning to play a musical instrument, knitting and bridge. I have been told these are fine exercises to keep your mind sharp. If you enjoy being useful and productive there are many many volunteer opportunities. If you have a passion like jewelry, drama, poetry, writing, go for it! For folks of our age the present is NOW.

Now that you have such little time left with your changing life style remember to pace yourself and do not attempt to do all of these fantastic new things at once. You are reborn and adjust accordingly.Take time to truly live in the moment and deeply appreciate what you are doing. Incorporate it into your mind and body.My wish for you is The very best of all good things and do enjoy and celebrate the time you have left on this tired planet.

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