First to clarify; I have yet to retire. I feel it is important to make those decisions before actually retiring. We all need to develop a sound retirement plan.

Most articles I have read focus on the money issues while overlooking the physical and emotional aspect. The medical community encourages people upon retiring to exercise both their minds and bodies. The lack of exercising either of these can have a direct impact upon ones quality of life. Attending classes I have found can satisfy both those needs.

While sitting here today writing this article, the snow keeps falling outside with the meteorologist forecasting a total of 8 to 12 inches of snow. The phone rings, my husband rushes out to help fight a fire. About five miles northeast of us a neighbor's barn filled with hay bales is burning. Just one of many volunteer services this rural community provides for each other. This incident illustrates the many differences in our situations.

Living in a rural area creates its' own unique circumstances. I live quite a stretch from just about anywhere. It takes extra time and many miles to attend classes. Over the years I have finished a number of college classes, coming up short of a degree. I admit to really enjoying the work and the challenge. Switching my classes to online work has made it even handier for me.

Where and how we live plus our family ties affect our retirement plans. I just finished reading an article in the Wall Street journal. It was discussing the troubles facing couples when retiring in a different country. Proving for me the choices for retirement has no limits.

There are many very successful people that chose not to complete a college education as others who make attending class a way of life. I found it interesting that some of the most successful men are now, billionaire drop outs, to name just a few were Bill Gates (Microsoft), Michael Dell (Dell computers), and David Murdock (Dole Pineapple). My focus is not on the fact they didn't complete their education or even on how successful they became. The Forbes list of most successful or wealthy people is just a list meant to help sell magazines. This planet has a population of over 6.6 billion people. Most of whom measure there success by there own terms.

No matter your level of success or wealth there are classes just for you. Many offered at discount rates for senior citizens. If studying for a new career or just to add some spice to your life, I without a doubt recommend it for anyone.

The chance to keep active, use my mind, make new friends or develop new interests is a good formula to follow at any age.

Learn more about this author, Ms Faye.
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