The time is now to branch out
Abbey writes, “As someone who has been retired from human resource management for 10 years, I just want to share some of the joys I’ve experienced. About six years ago, a friend asked me to take a class to learn how to make a beaded bracelet. I became involved in designing, making and selling our jewelry at craft shows....I am in my sixth year as a volunteer member of the Historic Lewes Farmers Market. Both of these activities brought me many new and refreshing challenges as well as a group of acquaintances, some of whom have become treasured friends.
“My advice to those newly retired is to rove around for a bit being open to different opportunities, seeking out new interests and trying activities you aren’t sure about. The worst that can happen is that you decide you don’t want to continue with it, and the best is that you find a new lifelong pursuit.”
Last night I attended a book signing party for Irene Fick hosted by new mutual friends Pam and Pat, who thought their Breakwater community book club would enjoy the chance to hear a local writer talk about her craft. Irene shared her decision to write poetry in earnest when she finally retired in 2010 after 30 years as an editor and journalist. When she read her poetry aloud, we applauded! I suspect many in the audience went home asking, “What am I passionate about doing now that I have energy to give to it?”
Interestingly enough, at the party I sat next to a newly retired neighbor named Joyce, who confided, “I have no idea what I am going to do now. It’s only been three months, but a friend told me not to commit to anything long term right away. I have been too busy taking care of everyone else besides myself that I don’t know to make choices for myself yet.” I told her that for me it was trial and error or experimentation as Abbey so eloquently stated above. In the beginning I felt like the new kid at school on the first day of recess. The one who hangs back and waits for someone to share their swing.
Pamela from Angola by the Bay writes, “I am a regular reader of your column, although I’m not yet retired. I have been a weekender since 1999 and read your column ‘Am I happy now?’ I am the communications director for the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. We are headquartered in Washington, D.C., have millions of members nationwide, including 7,000 in Delaware. Women’s longer lifespan means they will have higher retirement costs, both for everyday expenses and for necessary medical care. Our name makes clear our primary focus, but the issues we work on include Older Americans Act programs, Medicaid, Social Security benefits for married LGBT couples, Long Term Care Services and our latest initiate launched one week ago, Eleanor’s Hope: Women’s Income, Health and Retirement Security. Only 7 percent of women are very confident they can comfortably retire. In 2012, the median earnings of women working full time were $38,000, compared to $48,000 for men.” I think women from all socioeconomic backgrounds need to know what’s at stake as they get older. They may want to get engaged in advocacy and educational opportunities.
Pamela can be reached at causeyp@ncpssm.org for more information.
