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I've only been retired three years, so far so good. But you guys/gals don't paint a rosy picture for my future.
The reality is that people get old and die. Usually death is a gradual than a rapid process. Diseases like cancer and heart disease take their time. This is particularly true with modern medical care.
Retirement is often looked at with great excitement by some. Part of me does look forward to not working. However, the reality is that when you get there, you are that much closer to death.
I really think the key is--whether you are retired or not--to enjoy each day of your life as much as you can. I have a job that I like, a good marriage, and a good relationship with my two children. So, each day is pretty enjoyable for me.
We moved to a retirement community in the hills, within a year she had stomach cancer. Three years of chemo and she's gone. Im glad she is no longer in pain. Starting over is very tough at 65.
As bad as things go sometimes, my neighbor is still chugging along and serves as an inspiration to me and I'm sure others my age. She is about 15 years older than me (about 85), is a four-time cancer survivor, has only one eye, was suddenly widowed three years ago, and lives alone with her little dog (who she has to go outside with a few times a day). At one time she was so radioactive from cancer treatments that her former dog (who wouldn't leave her side) developed tumors and died. She drives when she has to and manages the house. (I notice she just got house cleaners to help out.) She can't weigh much more than 80 pounds and uses a cane. Financially she is okay and she is independent in the extreme and won't ask for or accept help - but her kids and grandkids make an effort and are there every couple days. I worry about her but she seems to be doing okay considering what she has been through.
Strawberry, I think the opposite is that people should retire when their health is good so they can travel and enjoy each other. With survivor benefits on both pensions one of us alone will be fine. Plus the house is worth 330 so that could be sold.
Worse thing. We retired at 55, built our dream house in NC and moved there from MD, and my husband has an unexpected heart attack 15 months later. I’m in the process of moving back to MD since I have no roots here. Totally not what you expect to happen so soon after retiring.
Worse thing. We retired at 55, built our dream house in NC and moved there from MD, and my husband has an unexpected heart attack 15 months later. I’m in the process of moving back to MD since I have no roots here. Totally not what you expect to happen so soon after retiring.
Mouse1961 --
I am so sorry. I hope your move back to Maryland works out for you.
Holly
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