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Here's my situation:
Today is my 1 year Retirement Anniversary. I retired early and live on a severance and savings because it was obvious my boss wanted to be rid of me. I find my self with a nice 3 story townhome too big for me that is mortgage free (worth 420K), filled with my possessions and collections I love, and few friends. I have saved 1.5 mill in retirement and non retirement savings. I traveled extensively internationally on vacation from July to February, and now I have nothing to do. In February, I developed L. Knee pain which has worsened into painful osteoarthritis. I now limp and sometimes need a cane to walk. I cannot work in this condition if I wanted to.
I was thinking of spending the next year selling off all my possessions in the house; getting the deck repaired, then putting the house on the market next June. I would like to take a round the world cruise. I would settle in my hometown in Canada to receive free health care (I am Canadian, with dual citizenship with US pending this year). I would then snowbird to Arizona or Florida in the winter and visit my 2 sons and grandchildren while back in the US.
This is the best plan I could come up with , but I wonder if depression is clouding my thinking . I am not expecting anyone to feel sorry for me and I have received mental health counseling/medication. Some may feel I shouldn't complain. I do feel this is a good example of senior years not being what you expected. I am totally bored and everyday is the same. My knee hurts. I never expected not to be working at 58.
Here's my situation:
Today is my 1 year Retirement Anniversary. I retired early and live on a severance and savings because it was obvious my boss wanted to be rid of me. I find my self with a nice 3 story townhome too big for me that is mortgage free (worth 420K), filled with my possessions and collections I love, and few friends. I have saved 1.5 mill in retirement and non retirement savings. I traveled extensively internationally on vacation from July to February, and now I have nothing to do. In February, I developed L. Knee pain which has worsened into painful osteoarthritis. I now limp and sometimes need a cane to walk. I cannot work in this condition if I wanted to.
I was thinking of spending the next year selling off all my possessions in the house; getting the deck repaired, then putting the house on the market next June. I would like to take a round the world cruise. I would settle in my hometown in Canada to receive free health care (I am Canadian, with dual citizenship with US pending this year). I would then snowbird to Arizona or Florida in the winter and visit my 2 sons and grandchildren while back in the US.
This is the best plan I could come up with , but I wonder if depression is clouding my thinking . I am not expecting anyone to feel sorry for me and I have received mental health counseling/medication. Some may feel I shouldn't complain. I do feel this is a good example of senior years not being what you expected. I am totally bored and everyday is the same. My knee hurts. I never expected not to be working at 58.
It does sound like you may be a bit depressed. Getting out and socializing a couple times a week could help. Try the Meetup app. All sorts of groups/meetups for different interests. Gotta put yourself out there to socialize a bit more, even if you don't want to, it may help with the depression. However, if you currently live in the PNW, the weather could be a cause too. My hubby just retired at 54. Luckily, he doesn't have many physical pains, so he is content working around the house/yard right now. He's only been retired a couple weeks, though. Good luck. Also, can't the doctors inject some of that lubricant into your knee joints? They do that for the professional football players.
Here's my situation:
Today is my 1 year Retirement Anniversary. I retired early and live on a severance and savings because it was obvious my boss wanted to be rid of me. I find my self with a nice 3 story townhome too big for me that is mortgage free (worth 420K), filled with my possessions and collections I love, and few friends. I have saved 1.5 mill in retirement and non retirement savings. I traveled extensively internationally on vacation from July to February, and now I have nothing to do. In February, I developed L. Knee pain which has worsened into painful osteoarthritis. I now limp and sometimes need a cane to walk. I cannot work in this condition if I wanted to.
I was thinking of spending the next year selling off all my possessions in the house; getting the deck repaired, then putting the house on the market next June. I would like to take a round the world cruise. I would settle in my hometown in Canada to receive free health care (I am Canadian, with dual citizenship with US pending this year). I would then snowbird to Arizona or Florida in the winter and visit my 2 sons and grandchildren while back in the US.
This is the best plan I could come up with , but I wonder if depression is clouding my thinking . I am not expecting anyone to feel sorry for me and I have received mental health counseling/medication. Some may feel I shouldn't complain. I do feel this is a good example of senior years not being what you expected. I am totally bored and everyday is the same. My knee hurts. I never expected not to be working at 58.
Not that it is my business, but I would sell that large home and downsize, plunk the money in the bank. Do what you want to do. It is just you and you have plenty of money. I would like to buy a little Casita trailer when I retire and travel all over, but husband would not do it. So I might be posting a similar thread when I retire.
I don't feel sorry for you..I wish I had your problems (except for the knee)..stop whining and get out and live..
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I was thinking the same thing. Imagine how bored you would be if you didn't have a lot of money.
As for the knee, get to a doctor. If your knee is bad enough, you can have a replacement. I had one two+ years ago and it was a real blessing. No more pain.
I think the mobility issue and knee pain is the biggest problem. If I was you, I'd focus all my efforts on finding a fix for your physical ailment first. If your current physicians could not offer help, try to find a new orthopedic surgeon or knee specialist. Even if you have to travel to another state to find the best one, just do it.
You was forced to retire early but it could be a blessing in disguise. Imagine if you have to go to work in your current physical condition. Being retired gives you the time and the flexibility to find the right treatment.
I think once you are free from the physical pain and can move around, take trips, pick up new activities or hobbies, your depression will likely go away.
While it is good to think of how to change or improve your life, downsizing, moving back to Canada, traveling, visiting your sons and grandchildren etc, these are future activities and plans.
In my experience, the best way to solve problems is to break them down into separate items, solving one at a time, starting with the most important one first. Why worrying about the house, moving, healthcare cost etc when you are currently in pain.
Don't forget that you have the funds to take care of your health issue now and the sooner, the better. No points of saving your money for a round the world cruise when you are in pain and could barely walk.
I agree, downsize, get rid of large house and address the knee as best you can come up with. There are many many options..doesn't sound like money is a problem.
I've had a nasty right knee starting 22 yrs ago and I'm 79 and just came out of a long rehab for a nasty infection in that knee. Long story. I may end up with knee replacement soon.
I'm content in my 700 sq ft cozy apt and I'd go nuts in a large place. For what, 1 person. You got a lot of good advice and no sympathy. Take action.
Alone and bored because you are self centered but not aware of it.
I can't think of a worse state to be in when all the materialistic needs have been met, you find money can't buy anything that really counts.
Both my knees are popped, no health ins but I'm happy, nothing but SS to live on but I am secure in my mind, my freinds care.
I can understand your disappointment. You are not depressed necessarily, but it is disappointing in some ways to have saved as well as you have and not be able to have the active retirement that you envisioned. But, you still sound like you will/can have some adventures ahead of you. Selling a three story townhome when your knees are a problem goes without saying. Moving back to Canada seems wise as well. Then having the option of wintering in the states...sounds like a plan! Just force yourself to look forward to the benefits of all these things, not to look back to what you feel you missed out on. I think you will succeed and be happier than you think you will be.
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