Wikipedia defines retirement as “the withdrawal from one’s position or occupation or from one’s active working life.” For some, this withdrawal from active working can be a long awaited joy. Many times I hear, “now I have time to spend with the grandchildren.” For others, retirement can represent a time of uncertainty and concern over a need to feel fulfilled. This has been said about doctors; that they don’t retire because of the fear of no longer being useful. Umm… I think I’ll take my chances. Ernest Hemingway put it this way when he said, “Retirement is the ugliest word in the language.” Jonathan Clements had a different take and raised another issue as he wrote, “Retirement is like a long vacation in Vegas. The goal is to enjoy it to the fullest, but not so fully that you run out of money.”
These quotes raise questions and some uncertainty for all of us Baby Boomers approaching retirement. Is retirement right for me? When should I retire and can I afford to retire? How will I spend my time in retirement? It would be nice if each of us could gaze into a crystal ball that would reveal the answers to these questions. Unfortunately, the reality is that we don’t know what the future will hold. Our best laid plans and projections cannot fully predict our future health and wealth needs.
After many years of being in denial, I finally gave in and admitted to being a senior and joined AARP. As a member, I find that the AARP Magazine can be a source of interest for those of us entering retirement. I am certainly not in agreement with all the comments and articles. I do believe that today’s economic environment of deficit spending and ballooning national debt cannot be good. As many AARP members, I am also concerned that Social Security and Medicare benefits are in jeopardy in the future. Many of us may find the need to work longer and rethink our dependency on Social Security. Also, economic surveys show that many retiring Boomers have not saved enough to maintain their standard of living.
Well, on a personal level I have enjoyed my career as an Optometric Physician. I have received as much fulfillment from my loyal patients as I hope I have given back in their care. As you can tell, I have unanswered questions heading into retirement. But recently, with more free time on my hands and the encouragement of a loving wife to get me out of the house, I have become involved in new activities. I recently also became interested in meditation as a form of relaxation and stress management. Meditation takes practice but has taught me not to be stuck in the past and not to dwell on the future and enjoy the present moment. This is easier said than done. As all meditation ends, Namaste and Happy Retirement.
Dr. Rick Hartman
