I penned this article 20 months ago on Quora.com before number 80 happened. There’s been about 90,000 “Mikeys” that have liked it so far and since today is, in fact, my 80th birthday, I felt it appropriate to tune it up and share it with this tribe. I think 80 years earns the right to… Continue reading How would you describe your last 80 years in this world? Some advice for 40+ year olds (and maybe some other 80-year olds).
Category: Retirement
Why Work Half of Our Life Expectancy? Maybe We Should Work All of It.
Recently, a Quora member posed the question: ” Why work half of our life expectancy?” I wasn’t sure if he was suggesting that this is too short or too long of a time to work. I suspect since work today is generally considered a “have to do” and not “a want to do” that he… Continue reading Why Work Half of Our Life Expectancy? Maybe We Should Work All of It.
Why Did Isocrates Live to 98 and We Can’t Make It Past 80? A Longevity Lesson from the Ancient Greeks.
Much has been said about the meteoric increase in average lifespan over the last century. I’ve made a pretty big deal of it all in past articles. Considering that we moved that needle from 47 years to about 80 between 1910 and 2010, I guess it’s worth a mention. Especially since we hockey-sticked it more… Continue reading Why Did Isocrates Live to 98 and We Can’t Make It Past 80? A Longevity Lesson from the Ancient Greeks.
Are you “youthful” or “useful”? (The mirrors at 24 Hour Fitness answer part of that question for me!)
Part of me says it’s unfair to have so many mirrors in an athletic club. They are everywhere – and they don’t lie. But then if you are part of the tank top, tattoo, tiny testicle, mirror muscle group hanging out with your lululemon-clad girlfriend, mirrors are essential. For someone approaching geezerdom it’s, well, painful.… Continue reading Are you “youthful” or “useful”? (The mirrors at 24 Hour Fitness answer part of that question for me!)
Is Early Retirement As Good As They Say, Or Is It Like The Grass Is Always Greener On The Other Side? The Jury May Still Be Out.
I can’t speak to early retirement – or to retirement in general – as I am a non-retiree and staunch opponent of the concept of traditional vocation-to-vacation retirement. I will say, however, I feel that the idea of early retirement is further validation of the tremendous grip this unnatural concept has on our psyche. I… Continue reading Is Early Retirement As Good As They Say, Or Is It Like The Grass Is Always Greener On The Other Side? The Jury May Still Be Out.
What Should You Expect When You Turn 60 Years Old?
Photo by Tim Cooper on Unsplash I recently answered this question for an obvious younger whippersnapper on Quora.com. What Should You Expect When You Turn 60 Years Old? With the 20th anniversary of that age within view for me, I had a few thoughts I’ve accumulated over those two decades. I hope you won’t expect much more than… Continue reading What Should You Expect When You Turn 60 Years Old?
How Can I Stay Relevant in Retirement? Some Practical Tips to Consider.
Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay Who doesn’t want to be relevant, germane, material, applicable, apropos? It’s an important question if one is choosing to play the retirement game. My first suggestion in answer to the question is to be sure you approach retirement with a plan that goes beyond the money. Most individuals and couples step into… Continue reading How Can I Stay Relevant in Retirement? Some Practical Tips to Consider.
Is There a Vertical Pasture in Your Future?
Photo by James Day on Unsplash I drive by a vertical pasture every Wednesday on my return home from my weekly senior men’s golf league encounter (I call my golf an encounter because after 40 years I still don’t have “game”). You’ve seen them. You probably have one close to you. If not, chances are fairly high that… Continue reading Is There a Vertical Pasture in Your Future?
OK, You Hit 60 – Are You Now “Elderly?” Or “Middle-aged?” Does it Matter?
Image by Stefano Ferrario from Pixabay I remember 60 well. It’s when I proactively stumbled out of corporate life after 35 years and into my own business, wrongly assuming that I was equipped with even a modicum of what it takes to succeed in the entrepreneurial world. I certainly didn’t consider myself “elderly” at that point. Still don’t… Continue reading OK, You Hit 60 – Are You Now “Elderly?” Or “Middle-aged?” Does it Matter?
Does Your Retirement Have an Endurance Quotient? Pay Attention to the Millennials.
Endurance quotient? Hmmm. Whassat? Merriam Webster: endure = last, persist. Remember back in your 40s, 50s (maybe even 60s for you slow-to-awaken, like yours truly) when those “legacy” thoughts made their uncomfortable, uninvited entrance into your thought stream, sometimes intensified as engagement with the grape deepened. Like: Why am I here? Is this all there… Continue reading Does Your Retirement Have an Endurance Quotient? Pay Attention to the Millennials.