Retirement on my mind

There are few words that are dreaded as much as R-E-T-I-R-E-M-E-N-T. Retirement planning can be a daunting, frustrating experience for many people, which is why some people put it off. Some authorities have even questioned whether it is better to retire or merely slow down.

I believe we should all start planning for retirement as soon as we secure our first job but we should be clear that “retirement” is not equivalent to staying at home doing nothing but rather a change in what we spent our active life doing.

In our bid to cope with retirement it is important that we tackle the following areas:

1.Financial Health

2.Physical Health

3.Spiritual Health

4.Social Health

FINANCIAL HEALTH

It is important that we manage our resources prudently since the majority of those in retirement earn less than they did while in active service. We should not invest our money in high risk ventures at this stage neither should we “put all our eggs in one basket”

Hopefully most people have learned that it is crucial to start putting money away for the future decades before retirement.

Make smart choices especially when you depend on others for income. Since keeping healthy at this stage can be a major drain on your finances, you should take advantage of health insurance schemes such as the National Health Insurance Scheme, which gives you a saving.

PHYSICAL HEALTH

I have heard many retirees remark that “I can’t believe that so many things are happening to me after only a year at home.” The list is endless and includes:

• Hypertension, Diabetes, High Cholesterol

• Cancers

• Osteoporosis, arthritis

• Memory lapses

• Emotional problems

• Body aches ( beware lest you take painkillers for the slightest pain.)

Our risk for many diseases increases with age and ideally we should guard against these by:

• Exercise daily. Walking is excellent but since we tend to lose muscle mass, some strength training is recommended in addition. We also need to stretch to reduce the risk of sprains and strains. Ensure you incorporate balance training in your exercise routine to reduce your risk of falls.

• Eating a balanced meal at regular intervals is highly recommended

• Read often to keep your memory active

• Get frequent medical checkups

• Always take your medication as prescribed by your healthcare professional

• Think SAFETY always

o Avoid bath tubs where risk of slipping is extremely high. Use a shower and provide a bar that you may hold onto and a stool for sitting

o Reduce clutter in your home especially because your eyes may be failing and you may easily trip over objects and fall.

SPIRITUAL HEALTH

Retirement often makes people feel useless and worthless, but a change of perspective can turn that around. Note that you are a fountain of wisdom and even the bible places emphasis on this,

“Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations, ask your father, and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you.” (Deuteronomy 32:7)

• Devote your time for God’s work and serve your church

• Spend time praying for your family and friends as well as your country

We need not wait till retirement to start the above.

SOCIAL HEALTH

“People who survive and who thrive in retirement are those who are flexible, and those who know that they are more than what they do.” Says Hotes. Many people find it difficult adjusting to their new status and may isolate themselves unnecessarily.

• You could transfer your skills or channel your energy to other areas such as counseling the youth in managing their finances, premarital counseling and setting up useful networking sessions.

• Family is always important, but at this stage in life it can be a soothing balm for the hurting psyche. If there are no biological grandchildren, “adopt” a grandchild. Set up time to spend chatting, playing, reading and telling stories. These activities can infuse life with new found energy and purpose.

• Join social groups where you can interact with people

Always keep a positive attitude. You have given your best all your working life and this is the time to slow down and enjoy life: indulge in your fantasies that are worth your while, take time to listen to the birds chirp and feel the morning breeze tickle your skin. You have “earned” this stage in life and you can afford to stay in bed a few hours longer each day.

AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel

Moms’ Health Club

(dressel@healthclubsgh.com)

*Dr Essel is a medical doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy and fitness nutrition.

Thought for the week – “laugh often, walk and pray every day and avoid excesses and there is a high probability that you will age gracefully.”

References:

• Grace Magazine – Never too late

• Preparing for retirement by Dulce Zamora

• Retirement - Rebbetzin Feige