I do a lot of podcasts on all kinds of subjects, and lately I’ve been invited to speak on a bunch of shows about retirement.

I know what you’re thinking. “We’ll of course you have, Anne! After all, you’re pushing 70.” Which makes me perfectly qualified to discuss all I didn’t understand before those Social Security checks began appearing.

First—and I’m guessing many of you already know this—prospective retirees must focus on their post-work financial lives long before the day they punch that last clock. Having enough money to live comfortably is incredibly important. However, a fat bank account and sound investments are not enough to make one happy. We retirees also need to consider how we’d like to spend our days.

Some of you are surely thinking, “I’ll play golf every morning!”, or “I’ll see my grandchildren all the time!”, or “I’ll travel the world!”

But here’s the thing. In regard to golf and other sports, though it pains me to say it, there will come a time when we are simply unable to participate in the sports we love. As far as the grandchildren are concerned, they have lives—school and sports and music lessons and camp and their peers. And as much as they love you, Grammy and Grampy, you are probably not anywhere near to the top of their to-do list. (Don’t hate me for that statement, just think about it is as dispassionately as possible.) As far as traveling is concerned, have you been out there lately? While I’ve traveled extensively and still do, all I can say is it’s exhausting, especially those long-haul flights with your knees scrunched up against the seatback in front of you. Navigating airports and time zones and hotels just isn’t as much fun as it was in my thirties.

Now, despite the relatively bleak retirement picture I’ve painted, let’s think about the things we can do. We can and should participate in sports and exercise regularly, for both the physical and social benefits they provide. We just have to adapt to our changing bodies and acquiesce when our bones suggest we try something less strenuous. Not easy, I know. I can’t ice skate or ski anymore, but I never considered pre-retirement that I would also be unable to officiate football and baseball. The good news is I can still swim and scuba dive. So branch out physically before you retire. Sure, go golfing if that’s your thing, but maybe try yoga too. Just find something that keeps you moving on a regular basis.

As for the grandkids, for the vast majority of us, that’s not an everyday thing, especially when the kids live far away. Travel, too, is mostly a special occasion, which means there’s still a lot of free time left in Retirement Land, so we must make a plan. For example, those who have a hobby in mind for those after-work years— like gardening, or cooking, or coaching, or painting, or playing the zither— should take a pre-retirement course. Check with your local college or community center and see what’s available. Doing this before retirement will let you know if you really do want to pursue the hobby. And if you don’t enjoy it, try something else. Just be open-minded and you might be surprised by what you fall in love with.

Now let’s talk about your social life. You need to get out in the world on a regular basis. Remember when you were working and you had to get up, get dressed, and deal with other people every day? That was good for you. You made social connections on the job. Approximately 76% of workers admit to having a close friend at work. But often, when we retire, relationships change dramatically. While we should do our best to stay in contact and get together when we can, remember that as we age friends tend to drift away, so our social circles shrink considerably, unless we make an effort to meet new people.

How do we do that? Find something you’re interested in and join a club where you’ll meet others with whom you share a passion. Also, don’t wait until your practically paralyzed by boredom to volunteer. We retirees are filled with knowledge and myriad skills that we should share with others. Sites like https://www.volunteermatch.org/ can help you find opportunities in your community. And don’t forget, no one says you can’t work part-time. So if you loved your job or always wanted to try a different one, go ahead. The idea is to get on a schedule. Even something as simple is deciding to read at a certain time every day will help.

Of course, I don’t mean your retirement world must be packed with never-ending commitments. Pick and choose what works for you. Stay in touch with family and friends, exercise, get out into your community on a regular basis, and I promise you’ll have a happier, more fulfilling retirement.

Your Forgotten Sons

Inspired by a true story

Anne Montgomery

Bud Richardville is inducted into the Army as the United States prepares for the invasion of Europe in 1943. A chance comment has Bud assigned to a Graves Registration Company, where his unit is tasked with locating, identifying, and burying the dead. Bud ships out, leaving behind his new wife, Lorraine, a mysterious woman who has stolen his heart but whose secretive nature and shadowy past leave many unanswered questions. When Bud and his men hit the beach at Normandy, they are immediately thrust into the horrors of what working in a graves unit entails. Bud is beaten down by the gruesome demands of his job and losses in his personal life, but then he meets Eva, an optimistic soul who despite the war can see a positive future. Will Eva’s love be enough to save him?

Release Date: June 6, 2024

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