By JB Lester
This July 28 I am turning 74 years old. I officially retired a couple of years ago. I worked as a writer, editor, photographer, publisher, for more than 40 years. It was a life and career well lived. I enjoyed it, being my own boss and creating both the Webster-Kirkwood Times and the Healthy Planet magazine. What a ride. When it came time to pass the torch and retire, I was ready. Like most retirees, I had no real idea what I was going to do. The idea of doing nothing and just taking it easy seemed like a great plan. Luckily for me, I am still connected to the Healthy Planet magazine part-time as a columnist and advisor. It is just enough to give me purpose and offer me some extra cash to pay my greens fees.
It’s important to keep busy in retirement. Or just take it easy, whatever floats your boat. There are days I just relax and watch Perry Mason and the Waltons. I like the old shows. There is always some yard work and gardening to do. It is very therapeutic. Of course, my grandchildren also keep me busy, as our house is home base for after school. I have four now and one on the way. When you are planning your retirement, don’t forget to pencil in grandkid time. I am changing my fair share of diapers since retiring, and am reading plenty of nighttime children’s books. I have been teaching my grandkids the lessons of my wisdom and they are teaching me the meaning of purpose, understanding and nurturing.
My retirement has offered me more time to become more of a handyman around the house. I am so proud that I fixed the kitchen faucet and the flow of the new showerhead. I am now working on ways to keep carpenter bees out of our porch rafters and wasps out of our ornamental birdhouses. The list of things to do in retirement is never-ending.
Retirement is also a time to deal with health problems. After all, most of us retirees are over 70 and that means things are falling apart. So much time is spent at doctor appointments and reading about ailments on the internet. Like I always say, everything works until it doesn’t. But you must keep going. My wife and I take walks to keep the blood flowing. Just 15-20 minutes a day is all you need to stay healthy after 70.
I have plenty of time to think in retirement. I keep up with current affairs. I am working on a book series, play Yatzee on my phone and crossword puzzles in the newspaper. You must keep your mind sharp. I like to watch the deer as they pass through our neighborhood, this time of year with their fawns. We hope they won’t nibble on our newly transplanted red bud tree.
I do most of the cooking, vacuuming, trash hauling and pet feeding. My wife still works, so I am a home alone house-husband. No problem. I like the time to myself. That’s what I get for marrying someone 9 years younger than me. She will retire in two years and then we will be able to travel more and enjoy retirement together. Is retirement all I hoped it would be? I didn’t know what to expect. So far, so good. It’s a different experience for everyone. Just remember to make it work for you. Create your own adventure. You deserve it!