Reached Retirement Age?  It's Time to Live!

Retirement can be one of the best times of life.  You can forget about the alarm clock, unless, of course, you're scheduled to play with the grandkids, take a class you've always wanted or do some traveling!   However, having time on your hands for the first time, ever, may represent a huge lifestyle change.

SSA Definition of Retirement Age

The Social Security Administration defines three different tiers of retirement age:

• 62 - early retirement, which entitles you to benefits, but less than if you opted for full retirement age
• 67 - full retirement age, which entitles you to benefits
• 70 - you can collect maximum Social Security benefits

Today, there are about 36 million Americans aged 65 or older who are receiving retirement benefits.  These Social Security benefits are funded by today's workers.  By the year 2041, the number of 65-year-olds is expected to be 72 million.

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You've Earned Your Retirement - Ideas on What to Do With Your Time

If you've always wanted to visit a special place, now that you're retired is the best time. Forget about who needs you to do stuff - this is your well-deserved time and you've worked hard for it.  You may not have another 30 or 40 years to plan for your retirement.

If money is a problem, sit down (like you have all your life) and find it. Almost anyone can figure out how to make a few extra bucks now and then. You might want to have some yard sales to get rid of the clutter or even try your hand at making some money online.  In both cases, you'll meet new people and friends.

Even if your dream is something that involves hard work, like renovating your home, now is the time!  Maybe you’d like to sell your home and travel the country in an RV. Do it!  Retirement only comes once, so enjoy it!

If you've been working all your life and feel strange about not having work to do in your retirement years,   there's a wealth of activities that can benefit  yourself and others. You could even start your own business. If you are financially secure, there are many wonderful and worthy charities and volunteer opportunities to get involved with. On a personal level, perhaps you know a single mother who struggles with daycare and babysitters, working and supper. If you could do one thing for her a week, you could make a huge difference in her life. Look around you and see just what needs to be done.

Having a happy retirement depends on a happy you!

"Reached Retirement Age?  It's Time to Live," contributed by Ruth Alexander