Retirement Talk for Boomers, Seniors, and Retirees

984 Limits

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 3 May 2026 08:38:05 -0700

One worn out piece of advice that seems to hold true all of our life is that we need to "pick our battles". Retirement has its limits. We are older. Our bodies do not move like they once did.

983 Road Trip Planning

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 08:02:14 -0700

We love a road trip in the family car. We feel free - and like we are truly on vacation. We are now making our plans. We are enjoying the stage of anticipation according to the cult of happiness.

982 Finding Meaning in Life (2)

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 08:19:01 -0700

Finding meaning in our lives was the topic of the previous podcast. I wanted to continue that train of thought. We know having meaning in our lives is important but sometimes we have trouble finding it. Many times It may be more of a problem of recognizing it.

981 Finding Meaning in Life

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 08:01:51 -0700

Finding meaning in life seems to be a never ending quest - sort of like pursuing more air to breath. Parents, teachers, bosses and our own children no longer control us and they no longer give meaning to our lives. We are on our own.Many of us are still pursuing that topic.

980 Watch Your Step

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 5 Apr 2026 08:01:17 -0700

Musicians fall in love with their instruments. Artists fall in love with their creations. Kids fall down and skin their knees. Football players fall down and break their necks. We need to be a bit more careful about falling as we grow older.

979 The Devil is in the Details

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 08:26:31 -0700

Though the change is slow it does happen. Spinoza would love it. It is that ever changing motion in a positive direction that brings happiness according to him. He convinced me.

978 Miserable with Much

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 08:46:02 -0700

What brings us happiness is so very relative. If we have just finished eating food we don't like or aren't satisfied we can go crazy over something familiar and filling. If our hands are cold a good pair of gloves can seem like a god send. Happiness is all about improving our condition.

977 Road Trip

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 08:03:37 -0700

I know people who pride themselves on how many miles they travel in one day. I have a hard time understanding this type of living. If you are truly interesting in enjoying a road trip here is a suggestion that may help you adjust to retirement.

976 Meditation

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 8 Mar 2026 08:27:52 -0700

Sometimes we just want to do nothing or at least whatever it is that we are supposed to be doing. We have no energy and no impulse to try to find some. We just want to lay low. Is there something wrong with that?

975 Ashes to ...

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 1 Mar 2026 08:06:44 -0800

What we do with ourselves, our family or friends when death comes is important to some. I don't think it is important to the ones who die but it is to those that are left behind. We need to be comfortable with the decision.

974 Diagnosis: MCI

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 08:10:01 -0800

Sixteen months ago my primary care doctor told me I had developed Mild Cognitive Impairment(MCI). In lay terms that means I am losing my mind. It could happen slowly over the next few years or it could happen more quickly. That seems like a life changer.

973 "You Just Don't Get It"

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 08:12:57 -0800

How much of our life do we really remember? I have a hard time even considering the question. I like to think that I remember what happened in detail. When I launch into a story at a dinner party I have no doubt in mind as to the details. How wrong can one be?

972 Time to Let Go

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 8 Feb 2026 07:51:52 -0800

Age has a way with all of us. Time is a universal leveler. We have our day in the sun and then it is over. We learn as children that we had best prepare for the future.

97The "We" Party

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 1 Feb 2026 08:12:10 -0800

We should start a new political party entitled "We". It would be based on the premise that we should help and care for one another. We have rights to our privacy and our public life. We have responsibilities to ourselves and to others. We would try to turn paying taxes into a bragable activity.

970 Milestones

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 07:55:08 -0800

Milestones are like mountain peaks - they give us a sense of where we are. We locate ourselves in relationship to them. That is what birthdays, graduations, marriages, moves from place to place, job changes, and deaths are all about. Retirement has to be one of the more significant milestones we can experience in life.

969 Grit

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 08:33:46 -0800

Grit. The word has reappeared lately relating to child rearing and educational philosophy. There is no doubt in my mind that grit is needed in all phases of life including retirement.

968 Five Years Left

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 15:07:21 -0800

Graphs and charts: One dealt with the average life span. I still have 17 years left according to statistical data. Another dealt with how much time we have left after arriving at age 65 to enjoy good health.

967 Reconnecting

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 4 Jan 2026 07:57:03 -0800

Retirement has its moments of isolation and then again it provides us time to reestablish contact with moments and people from our past. There is something about reaching into the past and touching one another that makes retirement so sweet.

966 Recognition

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 08:42:15 -0800

People used to work until they died and for the most part live in an extended family structure where some recognition was assured. Today's retired people face a true challenge in this life quest. We must create a means of being recognized.

965 The Story

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 08:01:33 -0800

Is there anything more important than a good story? And I might answer, "Very little". If there is one thing that we retired folks possess more than younger folks is the number of stories we have in our bag. We have had experiences that come only with time.

964 Politics & Persistence

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 08:12:21 -0800

Is it so important - to be politically astute? We all know the correct answer to that question. Our elementary teachers taught us that democracy demands an educated citizenry. It is easy to see the need.

963 Neighbors

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 7 Dec 2025 07:56:25 -0800

Neighbors are important and we might all find more comfort in life by engaging those close by rather than spending all of our time reaching across the world via Facebook for friends. It isn’t an all or nothing choice. There is no reason we can’t have both. It just takes a little time and effort.

962 Benefits of Failure

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 08:00:02 -0800

We try and fail at many things in life and that isn't always bad. But perhaps my old history professor was right in his thoughts concerning why we study history. Best to learn from other people's mistakes or failures.

961 Looking for Direction

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 08:22:29 -0800

Those new to retirement and having a tough time figuring out just exactly what they want to do with this new phase of life could do well by asking themselves what they really like to do. And by that I mean things they like to do so much that they lose themselves in it.

960 Why Retire?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 07:31:36 -0800

We all grow up in our own worlds. Our experiences are different from our brothers and sisters, our neighbors, or people that live across town. No wonder we have differences with people in other communities, states, or countries. No wonder we have different reasons for retirement plans.

959 A Retired State of Mind

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 9 Nov 2025 08:18:39 -0800

What we learned as a teenager, a college student, a mature adult, a parent, and citizen intertwines and forges a strong yet pliable state of mind.We can afford the time to sit back and consider. When we do, a retired state of mind emerges that gives us the most comprehensive picture of the world we will ever have.

958 The Good Old Days

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 2 Nov 2025 07:43:22 -0800

"The good old days". Did the good old days ever exist? I've heard people talk about them all my life and yet I have never had a desire to revisit any of my old days. Not only have I not had a desire to visit any of my old days but I have never had a desire to visit any old days.

957 Lists

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 07:58:59 -0700

Making a list is not my favorite thing to do. But we are retired. We have different priorities. What is important has changed. But if you haven't got a living list in mind you might find one in writing to be valuable.

956 It's Magic

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 08:40:45 -0700

Who among us doesn't want to be loved? Maybe retirement is the time to become a magician. Or whatever else you dreamed of when you were a child. Or whatever you dream about now that you are retired. I'll bet with just a few years of practice most of us could learn to pull rabbits out of hats.

955 Exercise for the Brain

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 07:50:06 -0700

Now I find that if I really want to do something good for my brain I would lace up my running shoes. No kidding. Exercise. Exercises like big body movements are what really perk up the old brain.

954 I Don't Remember That

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 5 Oct 2025 08:01:52 -0700

How many times have you forgotten something? I can't remember how many times I have forgotten something. It must number in the millions or at least the hundreds of thousands. "Senior Moments" some folks call them. l don't like that label.

953 Retired and Being a Caregiver

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 08:06:27 -0700

Retirement usually comes to us in our sixties and it is at that same age that our parents are moving into their eighties. It is also at this time that our children are moving into their thirties and forties - the time for splitting up - divorce. There are very likely grandchildren that may need some attention from grandparents.

952 Ownership of Your Own Life

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 08:19:03 -0700

When the end nears and you ask the question; "Did I live as I wanted?" or "Did I do what I wanted in my retirement years?" it would sure be nice to be able to answer with a firm "yes".

951 A Change of Direction

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 16:19:40 -0700

Two weeks ago the wife of a good friend of mine died. She was 66: three years younger than myself. Cancer. Two months elapsed between diagnosis and death. Two months. Sort of puts an edge on things.

950 Changing Gears

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 6 Sep 2025 20:50:03 -0700

Retiring calls for learning to shift gears in a big way. We may make a few mistakes. We may grind a few gears as we adjust, but change we must. We know we want to move in another direction but we may not be aware of where or how. It is like sitting behind the wheel of that car when we were 15 knowing that we wanted to go somewhere but not knowing exactly where or how.

949 Feet

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 07:47:36 -0700

"If you take care of your feet your feet will take care of you". Whenever I say that my wife and my grandchildren roll their eyes. I usually don't say it around anyone else. Feet are something we do not talk about.

948 The Sky Is Falling

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 08:03:21 -0700

We retired people have one big advantage over others. We have been around the block. We have “seen it all before”. We do have some years behind us. We've seen many changes. We have a history. This movement from one crisis to another; one doomsayer's story after another has a numbing effect: the boy crying wolf effect.

947 A Time to Dream

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 07:44:34 -0700

Retirement offers us a chance to reignite the imagination concerning what we can do with our life. We are no longer young and we cannot aspire to some things that require a youthful body. But other than that we are free to explore to our hearts delight

946 Movies

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 07:46:55 -0700

Retirement affords us a special time in life when we can pick and choose how we spend our time. One could do worse than making movies a big part of retirement. Music, dance, visual art and drama all come together. I'm constantly amazed.

945 Give Life a Poke

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 3 Aug 2025 08:00:13 -0700

One time after a snowstorm I went with him to brush the snow off the wings of one of his planes. Under the snow the wings were covered in fur. He was trying to see if fur would change the performance of the plane. He made a profession of poking life.

944 Home Projects

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 07:52:01 -0700

Brenda and I had careers that were mental not physical. We worked mostly with our minds. We were teachers. When we retired one of our delights was to build things with our hands. We wanted to be able to see the results of what we did. Household projects have filled this role to a T.

943 Money Thoughts

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 08:02:53 -0700

I know: money is important. But is it the only thing that is important? I recently read a study of happiness as it relates to money. Retired folks might want to give this some thought.

942 One Thousand Hours

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 08:14:29 -0700

I don't want to have any regrets. It takes a certain amount of forward thinking to conclude this. It also takes a certain amount of courage to realize it. Maybe the young man in the coffee shop did the math concerning one thousand months.

941 Kindness, Gentleness, Compassion

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 6 Jul 2025 08:19:42 -0700

We have to learn to be kind, gentle, and compassionate. We are not born possessing these qualities. This thought has been like a brain worm of late. I can't get theme out of my mind. These three qualities would look good on a grave stone.

940 Small is Beautiful

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 08:44:06 -0700

We don't have to have the biggest house, farm, car or anything else. They may not be the most desirable. As a matter of fact; in many instances small is much better - if not beautiful.

939 Talking Across Generations

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 07:41:37 -0700

We retired folks have a perfect opportunity to talk to younger people. We have had a lifetime of experiences and education. We have been down many roads; made good choices and bad. We just need to learn how to tell a good story - with a point.

938 The Coffee Shop

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 08:03:33 -0700

No matter what is scheduled, we go to coffee. It is a social hour for us. When we retired and relocated we took into consideration the distance to restaurants, grocery stores, drug store, book shops and of course, coffee shops. We wanted to be able to walk to all of them. We can, and we do.

937 The Ten Thousand Hour Rule

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 8 Jun 2025 08:31:03 -0700

Malcom Gladwell, writer for the New Yorker magazine, recently wrote a book where he suggested that if you do anything for 10 thousand hours you can be successful at it. I'm living proof that there are exceptions.

936 Tai Chi

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 1 Jun 2025 08:17:58 -0700

In a recent email to Retirement Talk, John from McLean, Virginia wondered if I could talk a bit about Tai Chi. He exercises regularly, is close to retirement age and feel a bit tense at his work. He wanted to know if I thought Tai Chi might be worked into a routine that might help him.

935 What Am I Doing Here

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 25 May 2025 07:49:10 -0700

Maybe the existentialists had it wrong. The real life of the absurd would be if we were to live forever. The idea of accepting our own death is a comforting step to take. It relieves us of youthful misconceptions and philosophical rationalizations that are not as substantial as they earlier seemed.

934 Moving to be Close to Children

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 18 May 2025 08:09:07 -0700

Modern life demands mobility for education and employment. The family is uprooted. The extended family is a casualty. It all seems pretty academic until it happens to you. Suddenly, one day, it all becomes very personal. What to do?

933 Watermelon Burgers

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 11 May 2025 08:20:51 -0700

This is one of the greatest things about retirement. When we are working at going to school or going to work our lives are pretty well filled up. We don't have time or energy to really consider some of the basics of our lives.

932 Human Touch

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 4 May 2025 07:51:37 -0700

Thoughts about increasing demands on our social security system brought a former vision of mine to the surface. Human Touch was the title of my Master’s thesis work. I wrote up a proposal to the State of Alaska for the creation of a program that would benefit seniors, students and society.

931 The Dark Ages

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 08:07:37 -0700

When I was a kid my thoughts roamed on to include ideas that when these old people die off we will be left with only people who have been educated to rely on the scientific method and all that it offers. Now I am one of those older people and I read, hear and see things in the press that seem completely out of sync with science and the belief in reason.

930 Risk It

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 08:24:41 -0700

Retirement itself involves a degree of risk. We don't know if we will be happy or not. We don't know if we will have enough income to live comfortably. We don't know if we will have enough income to last until our death since we never know how much time we have yet to live.

929 Murder Trial

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 08:01:03 -0700

Retirement allows us time to expand our horizons. New experiences may be closer than we think. You might want to check out your local courthouse and find out what trials are scheduled to start soon. Here is the story of our experience.

928 Road Trip: The Vehicle

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 6 Apr 2025 07:34:48 -0700

We wanted a rig that was relatively safe. We wanted airbags and all of that other fancy stuff. And as well as safety we wanted a bit of comfort. When one decides to take a road trip that could last a few months, comfort becomes important.

927 Road Trip USA

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 08:36:12 -0700

Deciding to see America from the road is an easy choice to make when one enters retirement. It’s a big country and to drive around it takes a lot of time; time that most folks don’t have until they retire.

926 More Questions Than Answers

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 07:24:27 -0700

"Why" has to be among the first words we learn. Little children have a way of repeating it over and over until we just wind up saying, "It just is. I don't know why.” It is strange how this simple exchange seems to hold over the years.

925 Don"t Waffle

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 08:05:15 -0700

Words have a way of sometimes getting us into trouble; take the word waffling. Now that word has a negative connotation. No question about it. However, it might indicate a pause in the mind to consider or think of alternatives.

924 Man Thinking

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 9 Mar 2025 08:45:28 -0700

No wonder that retirement comes as such a shock to the system for many of us. We have never had to really engage our mind independently of family, school or job. It is no wonder that a person can be 60 years old, very well educated, skilled and competent and yet say, "I don't even know who I am. I don't know what I am."

923 Poetry

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 2 Mar 2025 08:08:32 -0800

Retirement gives us time to pause with poets both living and dead. We could do worse than spend some time in their world. Poetry has a way of staying with us. It becomes part of our blood. It is concise, meaningful, and nourishing.

922 Staying Healthy (Part 2)

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 08:18:04 -0800

There are many ways around the mountain. I guess it is up to each of us to find our own route. We know that without good health life itself disappears. That tells us how important it is when we consider what we are doing with our life on a daily basis. It is always best to put health in first position.

921 Staying Healthy

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 07:51:04 -0800

What is the key to keeping healthy in life? There are about as many theories as there are people. The older I get the less attention I pay to all of these "secrets to a long life". What I like are ideas that fit in with what I am already doing.

920 The Lost Art of Conversation

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 9 Feb 2025 07:57:37 -0800

Conversation depends on sharing some experiences that two or more people can discuss. Retirement presents a different problem. We don't see the same people every day. We don't have common goals. We tend to become isolatos in our own houses.

919 Imagination & What to Do

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 2 Feb 2025 08:48:34 -0800

Imagine retiring and moving to Mexico. Last year I met this guy in Vancouver who was off to join his retired friend in Puerto Vallarta. The friend was living out his retirement dream. He was running a school for dump children at the city dump in Puerto Vallarta.

918 Something New

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 08:30:20 -0800

Trying something new can be a real treat for retired people. It just takes getting up off of the couch and walking out the door. Sometimes that isn't as easy as it sounds but it can certainly add a new dimension to the retirement experience. It just takes that first step.

917 The Hot Generation

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 08:02:21 -0800

We don't have to wait for the future to see the results. Yet, many people call it false and talk of it like it is a fantasy. Our grandchildren's generation is being referred to as the "hot generation". They will live in a different world.

916 Doing Nothing & Guilt

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 08:42:01 -0800

That is it with retirement isn't it? We don't know what we are supposed to be or do. We have no parents to tell us what to do or not do. We have no teachers to direct us. And we have no bosses or supervisors to dictate our efforts.

915 Looking for Something to Do

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 5 Jan 2025 07:36:14 -0800

I assume we all agree that we should all pay our fair share of taxes. We owe it to our country; we owe it to our children and we owe it to our founding fathers who struggled to insure life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.

913 Staying Focused

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 08:10:04 -0800

How can we stay focused or even get focused on something we really want to do? This is where priorities come in. We have to establish them with careful thought and approach them with dedicated effort.

912 Making the Most of It

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 14 Dec 2024 19:05:37 -0800

Eileen examines life closely. There are things to worry about in life. There are setbacks, but seeds of a new beginning always seem to be present. There are people out there who have mastered the art of living, including retirement.

911 Ready to Learn

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 8 Dec 2024 07:53:23 -0800

Life is filled with examples of people who could not learn something and then at a different time they seem to master whatever it is. Retirement brings time into our lives when we are allowed to explore some of these areas where we might learn something that has escaped us thus far.

910 Free At Last

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 1 Dec 2024 08:28:28 -0800

"I don’t own a thing", said Diane Athill, a British editor and writer. She has just recently moved into an assisted living facility. "And I love it", She added, "For the first time in my life I feel free".

909 Rich and Poor

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 08:57:58 -0800

Poverty isn’t good for anyone. When the least fortunate suffer we all suffer. Who would want to live in a mansion that is surrounded by squallier?

908 The Pacific Northwest

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 08:51:31 -0800

For us it was: a temperate climate not hot and not cold. We wanted a university in the town and we wanted it on the west coast, close to mountains and salt water, close to a big city (Seattle and Vancouver in this case), not so small that we would know everyone and not so big that we couldn’t feel like part of the community.

907 Finding Meaning in Retirement

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 11:33:53 -0800

Retirement is like that. Life is like that. It isn’t that you grow Dahlias, write the great American novel, or build a better boat. The questions to answer are: Does it work for you? Are you committed? Do you understand what you're doing with your life and why?

906 Meaning & Purpose

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 6 Nov 2024 14:48:18 -0800

Giving meaning to life is important for all of us. We need to feel that we have something for which life is worth living. If ancient religion doesn’t provide it then something else must.

904 Vegetarian at 67

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 09:24:23 -0700

One thing about retirement: it gives us time to slow down and try different ways of living than those that have dominated our life through custom, convenience and habit. "Thanksgiving without turkey?" How could that be?

903 Denial & Truth

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 08:28:09 -0700

"The worst thing you can do is lie about something. Don’t deny something that is true. If people can’t trust you to tell the truth then we lose all trust. That would be the very worst thing. Do you understand."

902 Friend Turnover

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 09:35:20 -0700

A friend gave me a bottle of wine maybe 50 years ago. It is really good wine he said. And then added, "If you open it when you have a good friend over it will be all the better". How true.

901 Retirement & Expectations

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 5 Oct 2024 12:05:51 -0700

In the younger phase we are always being asked what we are going to do in life. The question usually refers to a career plan. In the last half or so of life we are usually asked what we are going to do in retirement. Many of us never prepare. We just launched into it.

900 A Second Opinion

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 14:23:26 -0700

Health decisions seem to mount as we move towards and in retirement. We are faced with choosing between alternative treatments. What to do? Where do we turn for advice? Most of the time, we can readily agree with our doctor. Other times, it just doesn’t feel right. We want a second opinion.

899 Bicycling & Retirement

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 13:53:42 -0700

It always amazes me that we can do all of our little errands and at the same time get terrific exercise. The papers and magazines are filled with articles that report about the effect of exercise on this or that disease. It seems like exercise is the only thing that is always recommended. I don’t think you can do too much.

898 Being Taken Advantage Of

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 17:25:30 -0600

We like to trust people. That is a good thing. However, sometimes we can be taken advantage of if we are not careful. As we grow older this can become a very serious problem.

897 What do You Do

del@retirementtalk.org — Tue, 3 Sep 2024 20:33:17 -0500

I know some people who say they don’t know what they would do if they were retired. My experience tells me that you will, or can be, very busy. Busy, but busy doing exactly what you want to.

896 Retirement and Freedom

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 21:16:50 -0600

Freedom has all sorts of limitations. Retirement does open up new doors that were always closed. We now gain an advantage in life we have never experienced. But we must be aware of and willing to open those new doors.

895 Being Alone in Retirement

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 08:08:08 -0700

Social isolation is a major problem for retired people. We can lose all emotional contact with others. We lose people to care about. Our phone never rings. We sit at home alone; perhaps get a dog, a cat or a bird. According to a recently published book it is our major problem in retirement.

894 Doing the Dishes

del@retirementtalk.org — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 17:13:58 -0700

Daily routines present themselves to us - like it or not. What's to be said concerning these daily tasks? Are they to be avoided; to let slide, to dread? Or are they jobs that can be done and even enjoyed?

893 How Much Is Enough

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 5 Aug 2024 08:05:25 -0700

How much money is enough? That’s a pretty good question. When people consider retirement, that is always first and foremost in their minds. They just don’t seem to know how much is enough. There seems to be no hard and fast rule.

892Flat Earthers

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 07:33:17 -0700

How do we determine truth from fiction? We still have some people among us who are "Flat-Earthers". When it comes to politics, well, we have people telling us everything. Who are you supposed to believe?

891 Birds

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 07:35:24 -0700

I think of retired people I know who love to watch birds. They get outside; fair or foul. They travel around the world to see different species. They send money to organizations to help protect birds or bird habitat. Retirement would be well spent if one were to focus on birds.

890 Music

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 08:04:52 -0700

Does music come to mean something else when one retires or moves into the later stages of life? Perhaps Nietzsche’s most acceptable aphorism was: "Without music, life would be a mistake."

889 Retiring to Mexico

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 7 Jul 2024 07:45:11 -0700

This is the second part in a series concerning a trip to Puerto Vallarta and thoughts of moving south for retirement. Here are two examples of folks that did just that.

888 Changing Our Ways

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 08:16:23 -0700

We tend to develop daily routines. Aristotle knew that and advised us to take care with the routines that we establish. We are habitual creatures, he said. He claimed that we are good people because we have developed good habits. I believe that. I know that I'm a creature of habit.

887 Fear of Missing Out

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 23 Jun 2024 07:54:13 -0700

I know that whenever I talk of doing something in the future my daughter's advice rattles around in my mind, "Don't wait too long."

886 Alarm Clocks and the News

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 16 Jun 2024 09:30:01 -0700

What wakes you on a daily basis? How do you get your news? Do you control it? It might be worth giving it a bit of consideration. Something to think about.

884 What are the Symptoms

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 2 Jun 2024 08:17:19 -0700

A week ago a vascular surgeon inserted a stent into my iliac artery and on up into the aorta. The aneurysm was big and could pop any time. The aorta was clear but just below that was trouble waiting to cut my time just a bit short at any moment. Symptoms?

883 Traveling by Plane

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 May 2024 08:21:08 -0700

39,000 feet and feeling miserable. My eyes burn; my butt is numb. I'm scrunched; trying to be thin. Is there a secret to flying that I haven’t figured out?

882 Kicking Back Without Guilt

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 19 May 2024 09:05:10 -0700

My education and culture have taught me very little about the benefits of sitting still. Many of us approach retirement with the idea that we must keep busy. We must continue to be "active" and for us that means moving or traveling.

880 Meaning & Purpose

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 12 May 2024 08:25:40 -0700

"Individuals who have a strong sense of meaning and purpose generally have better health, recover quicker from illnesses, and typically live longer". This is a quote from one of the many health newsletters we receive. It is a publication from the Wellness Council of America.

879 Using Your Hands

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 08:07:24 -0700

That’s the thing about working with your hands. When you finish the job you can run your hand along a smooth surface, take a picture of it, sit on it or put things in the drawers. You can even show it to other people and bask in momentary praise. It’s real.

878 What Now

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 08:40:04 -0700

Years ago I came across some happiness advice that has never failed me. I liked it because it worked for me and I loved the name of the originator, Baruch de Espinosa: or, Spinoza. "Spinoza knowza", I used to tell my philosophy students.

877 Look Around

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 07:48:19 -0700

I knew that if I stayed there just a bit longer I would become the evening meal of some carnivore. Considering the absurdity of life I thought about it. Then I moved on. Hope is something else that is in our genes. All of our ancestors possessed that gene as well as the one that told them to look around.

876 As We Age

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 7 Apr 2024 08:06:39 -0700

Health issues become more and more personal as we move into and through retirement. Our interest and attention become very relevant individually. They have a way of grabbing our attention.

875 The List

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 07:23:07 -0700

Retirement is a time when a list might be as important as ever. As we enter the latter stages of life our time becomes more important. That is why we have a tendency to slow down. We don't want to rush life.

874 Continue Dreaming

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 10:38:30 -0700

Maybe retirement is the time to become a magician. Or whatever else you dreamed of when you were a child. Or whatever you dream about now that you are retired. I'll bet with just a few years of practice most of us could learn to pull rabbits out of hats.

873 Pick A Fight

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 06:59:34 -0700

"Picking a Fight" is not something our parents told us was a good thing to do. Perhaps we need to rethink this advice. Retirement might be the perfect time to look around and pick a fight with some bully.

872 Vacations

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 08:34:41 -0700

A good thing about vacations is that it shines a new light on the life we now live and the life we may want to lead. We can lay out plans, read travel logs, browse book stores and magazine racks, and have something to dream about when we take our afternoon nap.

871 How Much Is Enough

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 3 Mar 2024 08:10:47 -0800

The bottom line remains firm. You just have to spend a bit less than you earn. You might be surprised by how much pleasure can come from a walk in the woods compared to a cruise in the Aegean.

870 When Should I Retire

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 07:39:33 -0800

How great are your needs? Do they expand with every paycheck or salary raise? Were we kidding ourselves about how much we loved our job and really were working for the money? I mean if we quit working and receiving a check do you suppose we would still go in every day and help out for free? We needed to answer all of those questions.

869 Winter Road Trip

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 08:04:26 -0800

I feel like I must relate a few lessons learned on this winter trip. They might help you think about ramifications if you may someday consider taking off during the cold season.

868 Deciding to be Happy

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 07:48:12 -0800

"I Like Being Old", is the title of a book I recently came across. It is written by k. Eileen Allen. She is a 90 year old woman who is blind. She says she likes being old and I believe her.

867 FOMO

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 4 Feb 2024 07:16:30 -0800

Some of us want to know what is around the bend. We want to move on. Perhaps it is just a simple case of the grass always being greener; the longing for that which we don’t have. It might pertain to our geographical location or our tasks or work at hand.

866 Take a Risk

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 07:32:06 -0800

Nietzsche advised us to step out on the edge and take a chance. He urged us to do something different with our lives. "We need to break ourselves in two," he said. And then create an even greater self.

865 No One Listens

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 07:55:51 -0800

I recently read of a Barbie Doll who is connected to the Internet via wi-fi. It hears your voice and responds similar to Seri but it remembers everything and can thus personalize each response instantly. Imagine something similar to this in the hands of an isolated senior? A new best friend and listener may be as near as Best Buy.

864 Looking Forward - Looking Backward

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 08:32:55 -0800

When retired we're allowed more time to choose different paths; to explore new roads. All we have to do is make up our mind as to which direction we want to go. We don't want to just sit in the middle of the highway and let life wiz on by.

863 Weather

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 7 Jan 2024 07:50:23 -0800

"You never want to let the weather dictate what you do with your life". That is a line I used to recite to the kids whenever we wanted to go hiking, biking, or skiing.

862 Aging & Expectations

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 08:02:31 -0800

It only seems reasonable that we should indeed do some preparation for a period of perhaps 30 or 40 years of living. We need to develop some expectations. I’m not sure they need to be "Great Expectations", but at least some might be wise.

861 Keeping Busy Plan (KBP)

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 07:41:36 -0800

"In my early 40s I decided to develop a spreadsheet of activities and interests I had (or was interested in learning) that would keep me physically fit, keep my brain active and provide me with the much needed social connections."

860 Changing Our Ways

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 07:44:45 -0800

Sometimes we wish we could change. Change our life. Change our habits. But change just doesn't come easy for some of us. These stories illustrate the power of habits and any attempt to change them.

859 Elders & Environment

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 10 Dec 2023 07:35:59 -0800

Our experiences in life can become a treasure chest from which we can share. We can keep alive the bond between Elders, wisdom and nature.

858 Screen Apnea

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 3 Dec 2023 08:18:59 -0800

Ever had a breathing problem? I have. Now I find that a new cause of the problem may lie with electronic screens: phones, tablets, television, or gaming screens of any sort.

857 Chop Wood, Carry Water

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 07:25:33 -0800

"As I lie idly drifting on Walden Pond I cease to think and begin to be". When does that happen? Trouble is; we wake up. We look at the front page of the paper, we talk to our kids or our grandchildren, we know that even though our days might be numbered for people we care about, life goes on.

856 Who Made That Rule

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 07:49:53 -0800

"Who made the rule, anyway?" We retired folks need to ask that question about a lot of things. We have a lifetime of experiences to guide us in decision making.

855 Flat Earthers

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 07:52:09 -0800

Staying informed isn't easy. Our forefathers had to rely on word of mouth or the slim pamphlet that might circulate among the masses at the speed of a slow horse. Today it’s instantaneous. Electronics flash news across the screen as it is happening.

854 Venturing Into Politics

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 4 Nov 2023 08:44:12 -0700

This podcast has tried to avoid the topic of politics. It has not been easy. Politics is a topic that retired people have plenty of time to discuss. From this time on politics will be fair game. It is a big part of retirement.

853 Holidays

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 08:03:34 -0700

Modern societal demands have moved children far away from parents, cousins away from cousins, and sometimes, brothers and sisters away from each other. The nuclear family is not an exaggeration in any way. Family gatherings on holidays have been one of the casualties. What to do?

852 How Much Is Enough?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 08:18:49 -0700

One question that people getting close to retirement always ask is, "How much money do I need? How much is enough?" There seems to be no hard and fast rule. What is a person to do?

851 Retired, Camping, Biking

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 06:00:18 -0700

Camping and biking. The memories and stories they produce are priceless. And they don't have to end with retirement.

850 Technology - Keeping Up

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 8 Oct 2023 08:03:10 -0700

"I just can't keep up" Ever heard someone say that. My parents used to say it when I was a kid seventy to eighty years ago. If they only knew how fast the pace of change was to accelerate they would have completely given up.

849 Downsizing

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 1 Oct 2023 20:22:57 -0700

Downsizing seems to be a move that accompanies retirement or just getting older. Changes accumulate and we find ourselves for any combination of reasons looking to find a change in residence.

848 Reunions & Attitude

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 09:10:42 -0600

Time always seemed short and conversations rushed. There was no time to develop any sort of meaningful exchange. I would like to have had an hour or two with several of them in a one on one conversation. That would have made it worthwhile.

847 Retirements Many Roads

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 08:27:18 -0700

I think about all of the different roads one may choose to take in retirement and it is almost overwhelming. It is hard to make that choice. Perhaps that is why many of us don’t do much. We just can't choose.

846 Beauty of Routine

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 08:01:17 -0700

According to Aristotle are good people because we have created good habits. We need to carefully consider what it is we are doing with our life, and then choosing the right actions we need to make them habitual.

845 Heroes

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 3 Sep 2023 07:42:20 -0700

I had a great talk with a guy one time while sitting around a fire on the Serengeti Plan about heroes. This guy, Don Hill, surprised me by confessing to his strong need to lead a heroic life.

844 The Coffee Shop

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 08:09:28 -0700

Retirement should include some time for indulgence. Bertrand Russell the great British mathematician and philosopher once said; " The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time".

843 Fall Road Trip

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 07:29:30 -0700

A road trip calls. Every fall season we get the urge to head out on the open road. I never want to go and talk badly about it but my wife knows enough to push ahead. As soon as I leave the house on the trip I won't want to come home.

842 Taking One's Own Life (Part 2)

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 07:26:24 -0700

842 Taking One's Own Life (Part 2) This is a follow up on episode 836 entitled "Taking One’s Own Life". I recently received the following letter from a listener concerning this topic which I feel had a great deal of merit and deserved to be shared with my listeners.

841 Retirement by Projects

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 6 Aug 2023 07:15:14 -0700

Our retirement has been marked by one project after the other. They have come to form a method for our approach to retirement. They give us direction and purpose. They also give us a way of moving that creates a sense of happiness.

840 Retirement & Neighbors

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 07:47:03 -0700

Maybe our good luck with neighbors comes from the six foot high cedar fence that encircles the property. It was there when we bought the place. Maybe ‘good fences do make good neighbors’.

839 "Here To Help"

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 07:44:32 -0700

The most terrifying words we could hear would be, “There is no government. You’re on your own.” Just close your eyes and try to imagine that for a minute. It won't be a pretty picture.

838 Exercise for the Brain

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 15:20:45 -0700

I find that if I really want to do something good for my brain I will lace up my running shoes. No kidding. Exercise. Exercise like big body movements are what really perk up the old brain.

837 Retirement and a Work of Love

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 9 Jul 2023 08:35:44 -0700

I recently made contact with an old friend of mine. He retired and then did exactly what he wanted to do. Then lo and behold. Society did value it. And he does get paid. This is his story. I never had such luck.

836 Taking One's Own Life

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 6 Jul 2023 16:07:58 -0700

A friend asked if we knew; What group of people in the US commit the most suicides? The correct answer: white males over eighty. "Why do people think that is a negative thing"? Responded another friend a white male, over eighty. "It only makes sense that many people when they get that old, and perhaps have severe health problems take their own life".

835 Letter from Listener

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 2 Jul 2023 08:37:58 -0700

A few years ago I received an email from Sherri Robinson who lives in Spokane Valley, Washington. She evidently felt interested enough in this topic of retirement to share some of her thoughts. It is definitely worth sharing.

834 Frustration

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 2 Jul 2023 08:37:51 -0700

Frustration comes in various ways and at odd times. The question is always what to do when it does work its way into our lives. Of course, the responses vary sort of like the reason for the frustration.

833 Slow Down & Pick Up The Pace

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 28 May 2023 07:24:37 -0700

Creating and maintaining a retirement of your own choosing isn’t easy. The world is so very busy, outside stimuli is so great. It’s easy to get overwhelmed in many ways. Eternal vigilance is required to maintain one’s sense of self.

832 Staying Fit - For What?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 21 May 2023 07:58:35 -0700

Staying fit is an all encompassing goal. It isn't enough to be fit for one thing only; we want to be fit for life. That is much different than being able to stack baled hay all day, run a marathon, or do the hundred yard dash.

831 Retirement & Food

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 14 May 2023 07:50:25 -0700

For whatever reasons eating out has come to play a major role in our lives. Retirement and eating out certainly seem to go together. Thus retirement and gaining weight seem to go together. That’s a problem.

830 Being Prepared for Death

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 7 May 2023 07:32:55 -0700

Most of us have time to consider dying, especially retired people. We have managed to reach the retirement phase of life. We know that death awaits. Why is it then that we hesitate or refuse to plan for this definite destiny?

829 Life Maintenance Program

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 07:51:44 -0700

This podcast comes to me from a listener in Australia. The listener has definitely given some serious thought to retirement. Enjoy.

828 Does Retirement Call for a Dermatologist?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 14:38:06 -0700

Last week my wife and I went to a dermatologist for a skin scan. A friend of ours who has had skin cancers removed for over thirty years insisted that we do this. He claimed that it went with retirement.

827 Technology - Keeping Up

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 07:29:27 -0700

Since you are listening to this program - a podcast - I assume you make an attempt to keep up with technological changes. The thing is – just when you think you have caught up, here comes another “thing”.

826 Friends

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 9 Apr 2023 08:12:38 -0700

"He who has many friends, has no friends". I think Aristotle said that. Life experience has supported the truth of it. It seems like developing friendship requires a certain amount of time; but not always.

825 Upkeep

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 2 Apr 2023 07:54:42 -0700

We have told our kids that as we grow older we want them to always speak freely and bring us up to speed when they visit. Throw out what needs to be thrown out, and go shopping for things that could use replacing.

824 Alaska

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 Mar 2023 07:34:18 -0700

Travel is one thing that people in retirement and those nearing retirement seem to always have on their agenda. I remember my mother at age 65 bouncing up and down on some tundra just above Anchorage smiling and exclaiming, "Imagine, I am in Alaska!"

823 Relating to Grandchildren

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 07:39:05 -0700

Communicating across generations is something of a challenge that we retired people have to learn. There are no classes, college courses, or how to books on this one. We must all invent our own method. Or, we can just let it happen if it does.

822 Habits

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 07:54:31 -0700

“We don’t have good habits because we are good,” Aristotle said. “We are good because we have good habits.” That line sticks in my mind from somewhere in the past.

821Getting Around

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 5 Mar 2023 07:29:13 -0800

When it comes to retirement and getting around, the best answer seems to be choosing where you live carefully. If you can walk and find everything you might need or want the problem of getting around can disappear – along with your car.

820 Retired and No Time To Shave

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 07:27:56 -0800

How long does it take to shave? Five minutes – maybe ten. Not longer. This morning while walking to a health club my wife noted that I had not shaved for a few days. “I haven’t had time to shave," I responded.

819 Gambling

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 07:27:45 -0800

Here I am, retired, no child in our society. Casinos and gambling are very much part of our culture; yet I find them beyond understanding. For many of the retired gambling is part of their life. Why?

818 Gun Control?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 07:29:11 -0800

All the murders, yet no one advocates for gun control in this country, at least not gun control as I came to understand it on that African plain many years ago. Here is my story of what constitutes real gun control.

817 Dogs

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 5 Feb 2023 07:21:36 -0800

There is something about unconditional love. It isn't easy to find. But that is what a dog gives to a person. It can be a great boon to retirement.

816 Is the World Better Off

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 07:52:05 -0800

Eternal quote: The older generation really messed up this world. When we get older, when we get some younger people elected to office, we will straighten things out. We will leave this a much better world than we found.

815 Taking a Break

del@retirementtalk.org — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 17:20:25 -0800

I especially want to encourage anyone fairly new to this podcast to go back through the archives to the very earliest episodes to find thoughts on considering retirement that were in my mind shortly after I retired. Enjoy.

814 Being Alone

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 8 Jan 2023 08:15:06 -0800

According to a recently published book on retirement loneliness is a major problem. When our work life ends many of us have a hard time adjusting to a role where we are not required to socialize with others. We retreat.

813 Death, Escape, Retirement

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 1 Jan 2023 08:38:52 -0800

We are always on the road to dying. It can come quickly and quite unexpectedly. We may have escaped death once, twice, or perhaps several times. If we are lucky Retirement becomes a possibility.

812 Retirement & Freedom

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 25 Dec 2022 10:17:10 -0800

We retired people really want the same thing we have always wanted. We want to affirm ourselves in our daily lives. We want to have a way of self-actualization. We want to matter. We want to be able to choose.

811 Technology & Retirement

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 08:43:27 -0800

This age of technology - it isn’t easy for some of us –. It requires that we learn something new constantly. That is, if we wish to keep up with the world around us.

810 Love Trips

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 08:03:18 -0800

Love trips. Yes, that’s right. Love trips. It refers to those trips like we retired folks take to see either our children, grandchildren, or our parents – people we love. If those trips involve airplanes it looks like they may soon end. Or at least they should.

809 No Worries

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 4 Dec 2022 08:06:25 -0800

Maybe we just need to establish a few hours each day for no worries; sort of a no worry zone. Or perhaps it would be better yet to just establish an hour a day to worry and then have the rest of the day to enjoy life.

808 Getting Involved: Politics

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 07:52:38 -0800

“A sandwich board? You spent the weekend as a sandwich board?” My friend proclaimed his support for “Pro Choice” as a sandwich board. Roy earned a BA from Harvard and a PHD from the University of Chicago. Now he’s a sandwich board.

807 My Funeral

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 20 Nov 2022 08:11:38 -0800

Where do you start when planning your own funeral? Why should you start? Funerals are for the living and perhaps the entire process should be left to them. But it does seem like some of the deceased wishes might be included.

806 Retirement & Priorities

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 13 Nov 2022 07:53:12 -0800

The importance of priorities hasn't changed much from when we were young children chasing after kitchen cupboards and electrical outlets. We just change direction a bit. It is the direction that must be kept in mind. We need to know what we really value.

805 Alarm Clocks and News

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 6 Nov 2022 07:50:13 -0800

So here is my rant about alarms, alarm clocks, and the news. I don’t mean to pontificate – I just wanted to rant and think about these things.

804 Weather & News

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 07:55:14 -0700

As a retired person I might fill much of my time with weather and news. But, I can’t imagine anything less enjoyable. I’ve always wanted to enjoy life as much as possible.

803 Family & Relocating

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 08:18:32 -0700

As we grow older all family ties seem to be ever more valuable. The desire for family ties grows stronger each day. There is something about blood. We want a chance to sit down with our own son and daughter, and share in their lives and the lives of the grandchildren.

802 Home Exchange

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 07:06:30 -0700

We heard about this place on the Internet where one could participate in a home exchange network. You agree to trade the use of your residence for that of someone else’s. The trade is cash free. No charge to members.

801 Health, Tai Chi, and the Lost Wallet

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 9 Oct 2022 08:15:49 -0700

Several years have passed and regrets of losing my wallet are gone. But the memory of an elderly woman in black moving every so slowly along the water's edge remains as if etched in stone.

800 The Past

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 2 Oct 2022 07:46:45 -0700

I pleaded the case for history. I argued that only by studying the successes and failures of the past can we hope to rise above the past and avoid the pitfalls that have entrapped our ancestors. I used the old map analogy.

799 The Con

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 08:11:45 -0700

Remember that movie in the 60s:The Flim Flam Man.What I recall is his basic philosophy that you can’t cheat an honest man. He always thought that the way you take advantage of someone is if they think they are getting a good deal. Like they think they are beating system also. That opens them up.

798 Aging Advantages

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 07:58:54 -0700

There seem to be so many advantages of aging that I don’t know where to start. But one that jumped out to me as most important was the ability to be a better judge of character.

797 Time Reminders

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 11 Sep 2022 08:09:54 -0700

"It is pancreatic cancer" a doctor recently told a fellow watercolorist who is an email friend of my wife. "One year" followed the announcement of pancreatic cancer: one year. How would it feel to get that kind of prognosis? It can happen. It can happen tomorrow.

796 Road Trip Reflections

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 4 Sep 2022 09:30:55 -0700

According to the cult of happiness the last phase to be practiced is reflection. We look back and consider what we have done or what has happened and hopefully enjoy the memories. We just completed a road trip and we have reached the stage of reflection.

795 On the Road

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 08:19:28 -0700

We decided to get an early start so that we might take advantage of the daylight hours. We do not like nor plan to be driving after dark. We want to see where we are going. We aimed for 8 am and were on the road by 8:15. The first problem occurred 5 minutes from home when I discovered I had forgotten my phone.

794 Road Trip Ideas

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 08:07:00 -0700

I am not trying to talk you into one way of road tripping or another. I just want to stimulate thinking about various ways to go.

793 Road Trip

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 07:51:45 -0700

When we drive out we always feel like we have seen Wallace, Idaho; Tonopah, Nevada; Arcadia, California; or wherever we might be. After all, that is why we are traveling.

792 Looking Forward

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 7 Aug 2022 08:01:24 -0700

We always need to have something out in front of us to pursue. I don't want to argue with that but I do want to pause for a few minutes and think about it. That is what this podcast is all about: pausing to consider what it is we are doing with our life.

791 Retirement Without Guilt

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 31 Jul 2022 08:03:16 -0700

What would we do if we retired? Everyone told us we were too young to retire. We had to work – it was a given. But after doing the math we found we did not need to work at a job. Feeling guilty about retiring never entered the picture.

790 Second Opinion

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 07:45:31 -0700

Health decisions seem to mount as we move towards and into retirement. What to do? Where do we turn for advice? Most of the time, we can readily agree with our doctor. Other times, it just doesn’t feel right. We want a second opinion.

789 What Do You Do

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 17 Jul 2022 08:27:34 -0700

I know some people who say they don’t know what they would do if they were retired. My experience tells me that you will, or can be, very busy. Busy, but busy doing exactly what you want to.

788 Retiring at the Same Time

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 10 Jul 2022 07:53:28 -0700

I remember deciding to retire and told my wife that I would always drop her a card from exotic destinations all over the world. She didn’t see the humor. She knew that there might be a chance that I would do that very thing. The day I retired - she retired.

787 Relocating Alternative

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 3 Jul 2022 07:58:03 -0700

My wife and I found that there is another choice; other than moving or staying. You can stay and move at the same time. No, it doesn’t seem to logically follow, but it is true. Here is what we did.

786 Relocating

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 07:51:25 -0700

One of the early decisions one can make when retiring is where to live. You are no longer bound by your job to live in one particular place. For the first time in your life you can really choose where to live.

785 What Now (2)

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 07:21:57 -0700

On the last podcast I set out Spinoza's thoughts concerning happiness as a possible rule to follow. Recall that Spinoza advised us to realize that happiness lies in the movement from a state of lesser perfection to yet that of a greater one.

784 What Now?

del@retirementtalk.org — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 19:30:38 -0700

This is a revisited performance of the second episode ever aired on this podcast entitled "What Now". I have made some changes that might better clarify and illustrate the topic. "What Now" of course relates to retiring and what comes after that. Some of us have big dreams.

783 Home Free

del@retirementtalk.org — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 19:25:21 -0700

This past week I came across an article about two folks - age 71 and 68 - who sold their house, sold their worldly possessions and bought a ticket to ride. They have decided to live house free during their retirement years.

782 When Should I Retire

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 29 May 2022 07:39:15 -0700

When should I retire is a question we all consider if we are lucky. I wrote about this topic in the very first podcast of Retirement Talk. It seemed fitting. That was 15 years ago. I'm wondering If my thinking may have changed. I hope I've learned something during this period.

781 Enjoying Food

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 22 May 2022 08:03:25 -0700

Of course we do eat to live but many of us find that living to eat certainly has attraction. We do this for no other reason than enjoyment. It is hard to find fault. We just have to remember to control the quantity.

780 Assist or Enable

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 15 May 2022 08:29:54 -0700

We grandparents, we elders, pass on the responsibility of learning to another generation and hope for the best. We hope we have done our job in an effective fashion. One last challenge lies ahead. We have to let go.

779 Electric Cigarette

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 8 May 2022 08:22:48 -0700

When I stepped into the world of retirement I never thought I was leaving the real world. Now it seems like I see something, read something or hear of something of which I know nothing every day. I’m completely in the dark today about crypto-currancy. Also tick-tock, Instagram, snap-chat and all sorts of other stuff.

778 The Pause

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 1 May 2022 08:27:31 -0700

Sometimes we just get too busy doing things that we forget to think. Not that I am against doing things. I like to be busy. But not busy all the time and not busy without giving much thought as to why I am doing whatever I am doing.

777 Stepping Off As Others Step On

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 08:25:21 -0700

There is something about ritual ceremonies that glue us all together. I had thought it was just a couple of hours to sit through and then present them with a gift and that would be it. But that wasn't the case.

776 Irresponsibility

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 08:05:22 -0700

For some reason the whole idea of becoming irresponsible is so very attractive to me. Now I just have to think of something that might fill the bill.

775 Focus

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 08:13:45 -0700

How many times a day does one have to be informed of the stock market report or the weather forecast? Seems like once a day might be plenty. It is hard to stay focused on enjoying the birds in the sky or the smell of the flowers when one's attention is constantly being jerked about.

774 Energy?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 3 Apr 2022 07:41:01 -0700

Energy is a precious commodity. We want to put one step in front of the other. The tank will eventually run dry but if there is a way to get a refill or plug any leaks we want to take advantage.

773 Connections

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 07:48:56 -0700

Life continues to offer us new experiences. They come if we are willing to take a bit of a risk and accept them. It is much safer to just keep life on an even keel. New ventures require new efforts and thoughts. Reconnecting to old friends may be very well worth the effort.

772 Get Up and Get

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 20 Mar 2022 07:28:39 -0700

I love our days in the city. You don't have to go far to feel like an explorer. There is more novelty and more surprises waiting just around the corner. It is this daily discovery that keeps me smiling.

771 What Money Can't Buy

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 08:01:38 -0700

It has been the basic premise of these podcasts that there is more to life than money. Thinking carefully about what we are doing with our limited time seems much more important.

770 Guest Adventure

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 6 Mar 2022 07:58:11 -0800

Why,you might ask, am I going into such detail for you. It is our response to your recent podcast topic. In January you spoke of "Finding Meaning in Retirement". Here is the story of one podcast listener.

769 The Family Story

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 27 Feb 2022 07:40:38 -0800

It is important to share information from one generation to the other. History gives stability and a sense of identity to children. This stability and sense of self control helps establish a positive psychological grounding that enables children to face realities of life.

768 Advanced Directives

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 08:38:23 -0800

Considering the end of one's life is not a pleasant subject. But considering the little known information that is in direct opposition to reality is even more unpleasant. This is one place where it might pay off to plan ahead and be very proactive.

767 Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 13 Feb 2022 07:51:25 -0800

I have always believed that I did take the road less traveled by - and that it did make all the difference. But maybe I have been deluding myself. And you?

766 Stuck

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 6 Feb 2022 07:29:39 -0800

We know when we are spinning our wheels. We know when nothing is happening in our lives. We know we need a change. Perhaps the problem isn't our being stuck, The problem is getting unstuck. Deciding what to do? Which way to turn?

765 Family Day

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 30 Jan 2022 07:26:50 -0800

Canada is on to something with making Family Day a national holiday. It seems so appropriate and filled with meaning. Hopefully it will prompt many phone calls, trips or letters.

764 Reading in Retirement

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 07:55:49 -0800

Retirement introduces a special element to our reading life. We can feast over the entire reading realm. There are no limitations; sort of like our earliest experiences. We can read for pleasure alone.

763 Regrets

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 07:55:47 -0800

Dealing with regrets is a topic that was suggested to me by a loyal listener. I thought I could deal with it but it is proving more difficult than I could imagine. I like to look at the present and the future. Dreams seem to be about the only time mistakes of the past surface.

762 Limits

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 9 Jan 2022 07:17:25 -0800

We got an email from a friend a few years ago when he was celebrating his 88th birthday in Sarasota, Florida. "Going to dinner with my granddaughter and her Dad. Got myself a massage and just got home from my playwriting class. Busy day for an 88 year old."

761 Finding Meaning in Retirement (2)

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 2 Jan 2022 07:49:47 -0800

We know having meaning in our lives is important but sometimes we have trouble finding it. Many times It may be more of a problem of recognizing it. We may already have found meaning in our life and just not recognize it as such.

760 Finding Meaning in Retirement

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 Dec 2021 08:08:30 -0800

Yes, we retire. The parents, teachers, bosses and our own children no longer control us and they no longer give meaning to our lives. We are on our own. Now we must give meaning to our own lives.

759 Watch Your Step

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 07:48:13 -0800

Kids fall down and skin their knees. Football players fall down and bounce up - usually. My mother fell down at age 89 and never regained her health. Her fall led to surgery and then the nursing home and then the grave. We need to be a bit more careful about falling as we grow older.

758 The Devil is in the Details

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 07:28:06 -0800

Detail has never been my forte. Not in anything. As a member of the retirement community I find it most challenging and interesting to try to change this age old habit. Old habits become part and parcel of who we are but that doesn't mean that they have to stay.

757 Miserable with Much

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 5 Dec 2021 07:56:42 -0800

756 Looking Ahead

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 28 Nov 2021 08:08:12 -0800

Retirement offers a different challenge for us when looking ahead. We have never been down this road. We have our own little idiosyncrasies that may make our decisions different from anyone else. We need to prepare for an adventure.

755 Accepting a Loss

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 07:22:51 -0800

One thing we all learn as we grow up is that sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. It is the nature of a contest. It is the nature of life. It is a hard lesson to accept. Perhaps some people never learn. Either that or they never grow up.

754 Meditation

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 08:16:52 -0800

A fellow colleague used to get up at 5:30 every morning so that she could meditate before work. She claimed it was better than sleep and that she, "Couldn't live without it". That might not be a bad idea.

753 Ashes to...

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 7 Nov 2021 07:14:34 -0800

What we do with ourselves or with our family or friends when death comes is important to some. I don't think it is important to the ones who die but it is to those that are left behind. We need to be comfortable with the decision.

752 Memories?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 31 Oct 2021 07:35:40 -0700

Do we remember what has happened in our life? Or do we remember just parts of what happened in our life? The parts we like. Or do we remember what we wish had happened?

750 Time to Let Go

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 24 Oct 2021 08:11:30 -0700

Some of us make aging difficult by refusing to accept it. It is just as silly as when we are on the other end and irritate people by refusing to "grow up".

750 The We Party

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 17 Oct 2021 08:13:50 -0700

Sometimes I think we should start a new political party entitled "We". It would be based on the premise that we should help and care for one another. That we all have rights and responsibilities to everyone else. That would be different.

749 Milestones

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 10 Oct 2021 07:45:35 -0700

Retirement has to be one of the more significant milestones we can experience in life. They give us a sense of where we are. They give us something to see, something to point towards or something on which to reflect .

748 Grit

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 3 Oct 2021 08:07:08 -0700

Grit has always been one of my favorite words. It means business; nothing fancy here. But the word has reappeared lately relating to child rearing and educational philosophy. There is no doubt in my mind that grit is needed in all phases of life including retirement.

747 Retirement & Longevity

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 08:06:35 -0700

Good health will end. Life will end. We need to consider that in our decisions about what we are doing with our life on a daily basis. A recent statistical study shows I have about five more years of good health ahead of me. What to do?

746 Reconnecting

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 15:33:36 -0700

One of the pleasures of retirement is hearing a voice from the past calling you to re-establish contact. Our work life sometimes reaches out into our retirement life and touches us. It has a way of warming our old heart.

745 Recognition

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 12 Sep 2021 08:12:53 -0700

Popular culture focuses on the youth. Life goes through a continuing process of replicating itself. Of course that is good - in a way. But hard to accept when you are the one being discarded.

744 Neighbors

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 5 Sep 2021 08:20:10 -0700

Neighbors are important and we might all find more comfort in life by engaging those close by rather than spending all of our time reaching across the world via Facebook for friends. We could at least give it a chance. It isn’t an all or nothing choice. There is no reason we can’t have both.

743 The Story

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 08:32:38 -0700

Everyone has stories to tell. Technology makes it possible for all of us to record our stories and share them with grandchildren and others. We love to tell them and we love to hear them.

742 Why Retire?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 09:21:05 -0700

I always just assumed that most people would be just like me and look at retirement as a gateway into freedom. Freedom to make a life, or create a life of your own choosing. Well, I was wrong. And wrong by a long way.

741 Getting Around

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 08:18:16 -0700

When it comes to retirement and getting around, the best answer seems to be to choose your location carefully. If you can walk and find anything you might need, or want, the problem of getting around can disappear – along with your car.

740 Deciding to be Happy

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 8 Aug 2021 08:23:34 -0700

Within two days the whole world had turned. She was receiving lots of smiles back. People were laughing and talking with her. She was soon being invited to coffee or lunch. The next 14 years were very exciting and some of the happiest of her life.

739 I Can Fix It

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 1 Aug 2021 08:26:37 -0700

Time to slow down and fix something is available to us in retirement. We do not have to rush off, wake to an alarm clock, punch a clock, or get to bed. We do not have to do as we are told or expected. We have time to fix it if we so choose.

738 A Retired State of Mind

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 08:10:31 -0700

What we learned as a teenager, a college student, a mature adult, a parent, and citizen intertwines and forges a strong yet pliable state of mind.We can afford the time to sit back and consider. A retired state of mind emerges that gives us the most comprehensive picture of the world we will ever have.

737 Good Ol' Days

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 07:56:40 -0700

"The good ol’ days". Did the good ol’ days ever exist? I've heard people talk about them all my life and yet I have never had a desire to revisit any of my old days.

736 Lists

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 11 Jul 2021 07:41:25 -0700

735 It's Magic

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 4 Jul 2021 07:55:39 -0700

Maybe retirement is the time to become a magician. Or whatever else you dreamed of when you were a child. Or whatever you dream about now that you are retired.

734 Vacations

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 1 Jul 2021 14:42:46 -0700

Being retired doesn't mean that vacations are meaningless. They work for us just like they do for others. They recharge our batteries. They bring freshness into our minds and bodies. They help us re-create ourselves. We come back with renewed vision and interest in life.

733 Exercise for the Brain

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 08:02:47 -0700

Most intriguing is this connection between physical exercise and the brain. The common assumption is that exercise benefits the muscles and cardiovascular system. This is true, but the effect exercise has on the emotional and mental aspects of life is rarely discussed.

732 Annual Rituals

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 07:47:54 -0700

Annual rituals seem to stay with us throughout life. I know that rituals are good things to have in one's life. They tie us together. They span generations. They remind us of those that have come before.

731 Senior Moments?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 6 Jun 2021 08:39:42 -0700

I can't remember how many times I have forgotten something. It must number in the millions or at least the hundreds of thousands. "Senior Moments" some folks call them. l don't like that label. I've forgotten things all of my life.

730 Retirement/ Caregiving

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 30 May 2021 08:18:01 -0700

Sometimes I think being retired and being a caregiver are synonymous. Perhaps not synonymous but at least closely related. Retirement usually comes to us in our sixties and it is at that same age that our parents are moving into their eighties. At the same time kids or grandkids may be moving in on us.

729 Ownership of Your Own Life

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 30 May 2021 08:13:06 -0700

When the end nears and you ask the question; "Did I live as I wanted?" or "Did I do what I wanted in my retirement years?" it would sure be nice to be able to answer with a firm "yes".

728 Look Around

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 16 May 2021 07:53:13 -0700

Vision is an amazing thing! There - I've said it. I may keep bumping into things and occasionally fall off my bike but part of my retirement has to include pausing to look around.

727 Attempting a Change

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 12 May 2021 14:39:36 -0700

Think about what we are doing with our lives. Is it fulfilling or not? Are we doing what we want with our time? Doubt starts circling in the mind and will not stand still.

624 Government?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 12 May 2019 07:58:35 -0700

Today I want to give some thought to that famous or infamous statement, “I'm from the government and I'm here to help ”. Retired people have a little history to inform the validity of our relationship to our government.

623 Exercise for the Brain

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 5 May 2019 08:30:44 -0700

Retirement is usually accompanied by getting older. We age. We become a bit more concerned with our health - physical and mental. What to do? It seems like there is one suggestion that improves both. We might do well to make this part of our daily routine.

621 I Love My Work

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 08:46:15 -0700

"I love my work". Many of us have said that more than once. However, when we retire we rarely continue to work for free. Money is part of our relationship to the job we love. There can be exceptions.

620 Suicide

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 08:45:51 -0700

We don't like to think about suicide. It has a stigma attached which we try to avoid. It is not so for many of us under certain conditions. Several states have accepted the practice with just a slight change in terminology to "Death With Dignity" or "Assisted End of Life" terminology.

619 Frustration

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 7 Apr 2019 07:39:07 -0700

We all have our moments. Moments that are so upsetting; so unsettling that we lose sleep. Frustration circles in our mind and will not let sleep come. Sometimes we can take action and sometimes we just have to ride it out.

618 Maintaining a Sense of Self

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 08:17:34 -0700

It is not easy to maintain a sense of self and a sense of direction. The media and the commercialization of our society continually undermine it. Retirement throws us into a new world where we have to assert ourselves. Work is no longer our major source of identification.

606 Habits

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 6 Jan 2019 07:57:07 -0800

Falling into or creating new habits are are different. Some times falling into habits can cause problems. It is usually much better to consciously creating habits. We want good habits that have been carefully considered.

605 New Year List

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 08:30:46 -0800

Lists of new challenges at the beginning of each new year have always eluded me. They always seemed too important to be left to one special day each year. Here is the story of my kind of list.

604 Holidays

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 08:48:06 -0800

Holidays are a time for celebration for many of us. But it doesn't happen that way without planning. Someone needs to look ahead. That seems to be necessary no matter. Some one needs to plan.

603 Getting Around

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 08:20:14 -0800

Getting around town or to wherever we want to go can become a major problem as we retire and get older. What to do? There is only one fix that comes to my mind: picking the location of our retirement residence carefully.

602 Remembering

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 9 Dec 2018 08:05:07 -0800

Be they good or bad retirement has a way of bringing some of our past actions to mind. We have the time and energy to reflect. We may be surprised at how what we did at one time can change with reflection seasoned by time, experience, and understanding.

601 No Time To Shave

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 2 Dec 2018 07:37:29 -0800

Retirement can be a busy time. It can also be a time when we can choose just exactly what we want to do when we want to do it. We do have time for this or we have time for that. We make the choices one way or another.

600 Casinos

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 25 Nov 2018 08:15:16 -0800

Casinos have sprouted up like flowers or weeds, - blooming all along the roads. They can be dangerous places, especially for retired folks. But that doesn't seem to distract from their popularity.

599 Dogs

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 08:01:03 -0800

Retirement and dogs seem to be a match made for all. The dog gets us out for air and exercise. The dog smothers us with affection. The dog loves us unconditionally. Yet there remains many of us who do not have a dog. Reasons do exist. Probably more than we can imagine.

598 Better or Worse

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 9 Nov 2018 07:44:44 -0800

How can we tell if the world is better off than it was when we were kids? Sometimes it seems like the country is in the worse shape ever. Only by looking a bit closer at the past can we tell if we are making any progress.

597 Alone In Retirement

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 1 Nov 2018 08:01:51 -0700

Social isolation can be a major problem for retired people: no more school or work friends. This is a new field of play. It takes initiative and effort to establish a new network of friends. It can be done.

596 The Story

del@retirementtalk.org — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 20:30:14 -0700

The story we tell ourselves and others about our lives matters. Moments of when we perceive our life as hanging in the balance. We need the story. And so do those we know. Perhaps it is the thing that matters most; dramatic incidents or incidents that we see as dramatic.

595 Retirement & Freedom

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 7 Oct 2018 08:22:26 -0700

Freedom has all sorts of limitations. Retirement does open up new doors that were always closed. We now gain an advantage in life we have never experienced. But we must be aware and willing to open those new doors.

594 Technological Challenge

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 08:28:00 -0700

We all know it is impossible to keep up with technological change in everything. We have to pick our battles. Or we could just hide and keep our head down. We can keep up with some areas of technology. And we will have to accept that it will be an everlasting challenge.

593 Worries

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 08:37:21 -0700

Worry seems to be part of what living is all about. Memory is steeped in it. From childhood to old age it seems to always be present. Sometime it might be nice to just stop and enjoy the moment, the day or even a week or two. Retirement may offer the last chance.

592 Health Care During Gap Years

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 16 Sep 2018 08:33:17 -0700

Health care expenses are a major problem for many of us. It is of particularly importance for those in the gap years before Medicare benefits apply. Here are some ideas for dealing with the issue that have come in from listeners to this podcast.

591 Planning My Funeral

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 9 Sep 2018 09:30:21 -0700

Sometimes families and friends disagree on how a funeral should be arranged. Planning our own funeral or at least laying out some parameters might save some of the grief associated with death for those that are left behind.

590 Priorities

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 2 Sep 2018 07:46:54 -0700

Keeping in mind what we really want to do in life is not easy. Retirement sometimes even makes it more difficult. We are free to choose and can no longer blame someone else or something else for our actions. It comes down to establishing priorities; keeping them in first position and staying with your own decisions.

589 Retirement, Weather & News

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 08:16:03 -0700

Spend any time reading, watching or listening to the news or weather? Why? Retirement offers us time to really think about what we are doing with our life. Are we really doing what we want with our time? Or are we drifting along in our old ruts?

588 Tai Chi & the Lost Wallet

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 08:20:33 -0700

Sometimes good and bad come at the same time. We need to keep what is more important uppermost in our minds: our health or our money. That is an easy one for me.

587 Moving to be Near Children

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 08:21:57 -0700

Modern society has a way of tearing families apart. Jobs appear and then disappear. Many times a move is required to stay employed. Retired people many times find living close to children and grandchildren very desirable. What to do when a move is required?

586 The Experience of Others

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 5 Aug 2018 08:19:27 -0700

It is so easy to follow the wrong road when we decide which way to go. Here is a story about listening and changing. We can still go down different roads. We still have choices to make. Perhaps we just need to listen.

585 Home Exchange

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 29 Jul 2018 07:58:20 -0700

It cost a yearly fee to be a member of HomeExchange.com. but the benefits are well worth it. You exchange time in your place for time in someone else's. These exchanges are free. No money exchanges hands. The possibilities are endless. We have found it a great addition to our retirement years.

584 Grandfathers/Grandchildren

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 07:47:11 -0700

As we get older we have stories to tell. Stories to pass on to the future generations. Stories of where we went wrong and where we went right. Our grandchildren need to learn to value our history and all history. We don't want to hold back when it comes to telling our stories to one and all.

583 The Con (part 2)

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 15 Jul 2018 08:23:01 -0700

The con or scam is an ever present threat in life. It seems to be particularly pointed at the elderly and retired. Perhaps it is because they have the money accumulated during a life time and perhaps they are less resistance to mistrust.

582 The Con

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 8 Jul 2018 08:44:11 -0700

Scam is what they call it today. We use to call it a con. There is something about it that is insidious and yet something that makes it so intriguing. Retired people are at high risk. Some of us start to loose a bit of our analytical skills. We become easy marks.

581 Age Gage

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 1 Jul 2018 08:08:50 -0700

How do we determine if someone has lived to a ripe old age? That question has always interested me and does so even more as I move through the retirement years. I'd like to know when I can assume that I qualify and put my mind at rest.

580 Advantage of Aging

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 07:49:10 -0700

How valuable is it to be a good judge of character? How valuable is it to be able to distinguish between the important and the less important? It seems that we get better at these type of things as we age. We need to be aware and take advantage of our heightened abilities.

579 Move to Mexico?

del@retirementtalk.org — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 15:11:43 -0700

Here are two examples of people we met who had moved to Mexico. They both chose to live off the beaten track. I'm sure you can find more standard stories of retiring to Mexico in many major sources. I tell of these because I have always been drawn to the unusual.

578 Retired and Traveling by Plane

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 8 Jun 2018 21:02:49 -0700

Retirement means travel for lots of people. We want to take advantage of the off season and the time to visit someplace different. For many that includes Mexico and for many that means air travel. Is it worth the effort? Hummm...

577 Death & Decision Making (2)

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 3 Jun 2018 07:35:18 -0700

Death has a way of focusing one's mind. Retirement brings us just one more step to this required end. We maker lots of choices in retirement and throughout our life that look to the future. We have reasons that inform our choices. Death is always a factor.

576 Death & Decision Making

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 27 May 2018 08:23:10 -0700

575 Retirement Without Guilt

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 20 May 2018 07:49:10 -0700

Many folks who retire feel a bit guilty about not having a job. Life can feel a bit empty and they cast about for meaningful activity. It is safe to say that guilt can sometimes become crippling. Sometimes we just need to rethink things.

574 Second Opinion

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 13 May 2018 07:38:08 -0700

Getting a second opinion concerning medical problems is highly recommended. My experience tells me that even that may not be enough. Sometimes a third or fourth opinion might be even better.

573 What Do You Do

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 6 May 2018 08:38:34 -0700

Retirement can complicate explaining our life activities. We exchange what was once a job description for a complexity of life experiences. Not easy to explain but wonderful to live.

572 Retiring Together

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 29 Apr 2018 07:49:43 -0700

"The husband is now underfoot all the time". I've heard that before about retirement. It doesn't have to be - nor should it be. Quite the contraire.

571 Relocating Alternative

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 22 Apr 2018 08:34:52 -0700

There is a way to relocate and stay in the same place after retirement. We accidentally discovered this alternative and practiced it for 14 years. It worked out better than we could have imagined.

570 Relocating

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 08:25:01 -0700

Retiring allows us to seriously consider where we want to live. We may wish to stay where we are and then again we may wish to fulfill some lifelong dream of living somewhere else. What to do?

569 What Now (part 2)

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 8 Apr 2018 08:46:58 -0700

This episode is a continuation of 568. Here are a couple of examples of pursuing the Spinozian concept of happiness. They are not intended to be The ones to pursue. They are just examples. You must choose your own.

568 What Now (part 2)

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 1 Apr 2018 08:31:14 -0700

Retirement can seem like a dream for many of us. Then the day comes and the following Monday we feel lost. Now what? That feeling can not only happen but it can drag on. Where will we thought we would find happiness does not appear. Why not?

567 What Do I Want?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 08:07:58 -0700

When the opportunity to retire first comes to our minds we are most likely to assume we could not live without income from our job. It is then that we have to take a hard look at our life and decide what we really want out of it. More money or more time. It is a choice only we can make. We are the experts on this one.

566 When Should I Retire (revisited)

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 09:09:52 -0700

Since writing this podcast over 11 years ago I wanted to revisited it and see if my thoughts have evolved. It still stands but did need a little more consideration. (And the music is different) It never hurts to reconsider.

565 ROMEO

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 10 Mar 2018 10:18:47 -0800

Isolation is one of retirements major threats. We lose contact with our work friends. Sometimes we move and loose our neighbors we have known for years. No one wants to live a life of complete isolation. That's where ROMEO comes into play.

564 Upkeep

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 4 Mar 2018 08:32:22 -0800

Upkeep seems to be one of life's necessities. If it isn't our health it is our car or our house or our family and friends. The line from "Death of a Salesman" pops into my head, "Attention must be paid."

563 Thinking Ahead

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 08:11:04 -0800

Steve is planning on retiring in two years. He wrote me a letter about his career and his thinking concerning retirement. He is giving it serious thought at age 82. He will retire at 84. Here is some of his thinking. It is worth consideration.

562 Snowbird (2)

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 08:41:04 -0800

There is a good reason why so many retired people go south in the winter. It feels so good - so very, very good. Clear skies and warm sun for days, weeks or months have a way of relaxing and making life seem so comfortable. We might not want to wait to long to check it out.

561 Snowbird

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 8 Feb 2018 07:37:27 -0800

I never imagined that I would ever be a Snowbird - but here I am. Cold, wet, dark winters drove my wife to request a reprieve from the Pacific Northwest winter. A road trip was planned and now we are in 70 degree weather. Here is our story thus far.

560 Ninety & Onward

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 09:04:51 -0800

My friend just celebrated his ninety third birthday. How does one get to that point? Did he do something special? Does he and others like him have a secret that allows for such longevity?

559 Letter

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 13 Jan 2018 06:00:55 -0800

A letter arrived recently from an active listener and and active retiree. Here is reading of her letter. She seems to have thought carefully about retirement and many of the listeners may find some of her ways of living a retired life to be invigorating.

558 Staying Fit

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 7 Jan 2018 13:57:43 -0800

It is always good to know what we are talking about and what someone else is talking about. We can often misinterpret what is being said. "Staying fit" caught me up short one day. Thinking about it made me feel much better about growing older and retirement.

557 Friends

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 10:08:22 -0800

Friends enrich our lives. No questions about that. Sometimes we find ourselves just a bit short of friends: they move, they die, we change, they change. There are endless reasons. Sometimes we need to make an effort to enrich our number of friends. Not much but a little. What to do?

556 Lists

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 24 Dec 2017 21:26:01 -0800

I am not a list maker by nature. There is only one list that has really mattered to me over the long haul. I made it over 40 years ago. It has served me well right into retirement. It may give you something to consider.

555 Love Trips

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 17 Dec 2017 08:20:36 -0800

Retired folks love to travel and they especially like to travel to see parents, children and grandchildren. These are sometimes called love trips. They are so revered and yet so damaging. What to do?

554 Courage

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 10 Dec 2017 08:21:25 -0800

Elections can be a challenge. What can we do when things do not go our way. Sometimes the results of an election in a democracy send a shock wave to our very soul. We may need courage the following morning and the next few years.

553 Taxes & The Good Life

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 3 Dec 2017 08:14:04 -0800

"Taxes are the price we pay for civilization society" so said Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes. Of course this is the way it should work. Sometimes things go wrong and taxes are assessed unfairly or reduced so civilized society cannot function. I always look at his quote as being the way it should be. I want to believe it.

552 Retirement & Guilt

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 08:15:30 -0800

Some folks feel a tinge of guilt upon retirement. They feel like they should be doing something productive or meaningful with their lives. Perhaps we need to take a step back and consider what we are and have been doing with our lives all along. The guilt may turn to comfort or contentment.

551 A Second Opinion

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 08:15:23 -0800

As we get older more medical issues require attention. We have all heard of getting a second opinion for medical issues. I have had some experience with this throughout the years. Here is something to consider.

551 A Second Opinion

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 19 Nov 2017 08:57:56 -0800

550 Retiring At The Same Time

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 12 Nov 2017 08:08:38 -0800

What is it like when one spouse decides to retire and the other one decides to do the same at the same time? Does it work well? Here is one example that might set you to thinking.

549 Relocating (2)

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 5 Nov 2017 07:15:09 -0800

Here is the second of a series dealing with retiring and relocating. Should we venture down the road or stay close? Here are a few more examples and lessons to keep in mind.

548 Relocating

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 08:03:51 -0700

Retiring and relocating is an option. Many of us want to make more than one change when we end the daily routine. Should we venture down the road or stay close? Here is one story.

547 What Now (Part 2)

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 08:36:44 -0700

This is the second part in a two part series concerning what to do after retiring. These are just some examples of what has worked for me and I am sure others over the years. They follow the Spinozian idea of the nature of happiness.

546 What Now

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 15 Oct 2017 08:36:08 -0700

Retiring is something new - for most of us. What will we do? Which way will we turn? What will bring us the most happiness? Do we even know what happiness is? We might want to give it some thought.

545 Living Home Free

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 6 Oct 2017 16:55:06 -0700

Sometimes we throw caution to the wind and live our dreams. This podcast is about two such stories. Retirement can be a time to realize ideas of life as we always wished. All it takes is...

544 When Should I Retire

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 1 Oct 2017 08:25:36 -0700

We don't really know how long we will live. That presents a problem when we consider retirement. No way of getting around that unknown fact. We have to make our best guess. Then we have to make the most of it.

543 Retirement & Food

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 08:20:35 -0700

"Time to eat" my mother would say. And we would all bound to the table. It was a delightful moment. It still is - even more so. Retirement offers us time to prepare, consume and enjoy food like no other time in our life. With just a little thought, effort - and help - we can take this activity to a new level.

542 Assist or Enable

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 17 Sep 2017 08:31:24 -0700

Are we really helping when we help? Or are we just enabling? Sometimes it is hard to tell. But it is an important question. We do want to help but sometimes we goes to far and interferes with someone else's independence. Too much help can be stifling. Retired people have lots of opportunities to help or hinder.

541 Out Of It

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 10 Sep 2017 08:16:32 -0700

Change comes so fast it is impossible to not feel overwhelmed at times. We hear our children or grandchildren talk and don't quite know the language. We can kick back and let it all go. Must we always be learning something new? Choices, choices, choices.

540 The Pause

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 7 Sep 2017 14:29:28 -0700

If we are going to a lead a retired life with meaning it is obligatory to pause: to pause and think. When we retire we have a bit more time for reflection. We need to build it into our busy schedule. Time to think.

539 Irresponsible

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 27 Aug 2017 08:21:21 -0700

Is being irresponsible always bad? Some people seem to look on it as nothing more than taking a bit of a risk. That can't be all bad. Retirement rids us of lots of responsibility and opens the door for walking a bit more, or even a lot more, on the edge.

538 Focus on Things You can Control

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 08:13:58 -0700

We can spend a lot of time on things of which we have no control. Our thoughts and sleep can be cut short. It might be best to accept what we must and focus on those things we can control or at least influence. Our life can be better.

537 Reconnecting

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 08:05:01 -0700

There is no friend like an old friend. Someone must have said that. Retirement allows us time to reach back and reconnect. It also allows us time to reach out and make new friends. It may involves a little risk and require a little effort

536 Exploring

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 6 Aug 2017 08:13:32 -0700

Retiring and exploring go hand in hand. At least they can. Many believe they have to jump on a jet to far distant places to explore. Not so. Many new experiences can be had very close to home for those attuned.

535 What Money Can't Buy

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 07:50:46 -0700

Retirement is about more than money. Choices need to be made concerning money. But there are many decisions that do not concern financial and investment issues. We need to think about these.

534 Advanced Directive

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 07:59:47 -0700

Life ends for all of us. We all want to die without pain if we can. Medical Directives allow our best chance to do that. Our view of death is usually formed via television. It is so very misleading. What to do?

533 Who We Are

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 08:19:14 -0700

We want to know about our parents history. We want to know about our grandparents history. We need to share our stories with younger members of the family. It does them good and it also helps us review our own lives. Now is the time.

532 Would've, Could've, Should've

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 9 Jul 2017 08:19:46 -0700

We don't want to look back on our lives with the classic, "Would've, Could've, Should've" thought taking up residence in our minds. And we certainly don't want to go into retirement and create even more.

531 Stuck

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 2 Jul 2017 07:48:30 -0700

Sometimes we just find ourselves stuck one way or the other. We just can't get on with our life. Retirement can become that way without some effort and thought. We need to engage the mind before we become stuck.

530 Reading for Pleasure

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 17:51:41 -0700

Reading allows the mind to wander uninhibited. It allows us expand our view of everything in the universe. Retirement allows us the good fortune to maximize this pleasure. We need to be aware of it to appreciate it.

529 Regrets

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 07:54:12 -0700

Regrets accumulate as we move through life. We have all uttered the words , "If I could just do that over". Retirement brings time to either deal with the regrets in a positive fashion or get buried by them. Time to give it a little thought.

528 Limits

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 07:47:35 -0700

We know that we have limits in life. Sometimes we don't know what those limits are and when they may no longer be valid. Retirement life brings some new limits into our life. Being aware of these limits removes frustration and allows us to move smoothly through the remainder of our life.

527 Finding Meaning (Part 2)

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 4 Jun 2017 07:14:59 -0700

In retirement we are as free as we have ever been to become the person we have always dreamed of being. We can examine the life we have led and the life we would like to create. We may bring this unique opportunity into our conscious mind and act upon it. (Part 2)

526Finding Meaning

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 2 Sep 2017 07:32:04 -0700

Parents give meaning to our lives as children; then teachers and then bosses. Family and work responsibilities shape much of our interests and time. Then comes retirement and many of us find ourselves in a unique position. We can finally choose our own meaning. For some, it is not so easy. (Part 1)

525 Watch Your Step

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 18 May 2017 18:50:01 -0700

We all get a bit careless at times. When we move into retirement it is time we need to consider this carefully when it comes to falling. We might be okay to fall in love again but just plain falling requires our utmost attention. We need to take it up a level.

524 Lifelong Learning via a Bus

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 13 May 2017 07:44:08 -0700

I swore I would never get on a bus with a bunch of older people. Then I did. Here is the story. It is also a story about Lifelong Learning as presented through a university. Something I thought I would never do either. Then I did.

523 Never Too Old To Change

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 6 May 2017 10:07:32 -0700

We can always change. Retirement brings us the opportunity to realize that in a big way. We just have to want it. We must rid ourselves of the old adage, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." That is just not true.

522 How Little It Takes

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 07:43:50 -0700

Retirement offers us a chance to consider life more closely than when we are busy with work. One thing most of us find that it takes a little less to make us happy. We can jettison lots of ideas and stuff. Happiness doesn't come from just having more.

521 Looking Ahead

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 22 Apr 2017 09:11:38 -0700

Entering retirement is like entering a new land. We can play it safe and stay where everyone else does. Or, we can use our imagination and venture out into the areas we have never explored. The choice is ours.

520 Road Trip

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 07:10:29 -0700

Taking a road trip seems to be high on the list of most of us whether we are retired or not. Here is a short podcast of the methods and habits that have proven valuable to us on several such ventures. A good road trip involves more than just driving down the road. It takes some thought.

519 Winners and Losers

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 8 Apr 2017 07:58:40 -0700

One thing about getting older: we have all experienced winning and loosing at one thing or another. That is a good thing, Because we are not done. We learn to roll with the punch, get better prepared for the next sequence and know that the wheel will turn.

517 Meditation

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 07:47:22 -0700

Retirement is a perfect time to venture into some experiences for which we never had time. Meditation seems to be all the rage right now. Of course it has been around for centuries. I never thought it was for me but a recent exploration has proven most worthwhile. We, my wife and I, sleep better.

516 Let It Go

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 07:34:21 -0700

Age has a way with each of us. We have our day. Then we need to let go gracefully. Not easy but important. Retirement is a time for letting go. We can then move on: one way or another.

515 Rugged Individualism and Politics

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 8 Mar 2017 08:08:25 -0800

Rugged individualism is embedded into our culture. We want the individual to succeed. We also want our government to succeed. Our government demands that we cooperate with each other. The word "We" becomes most important.

514 Golden

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 1 Mar 2017 08:12:10 -0800

Sometimes we meet people who make their mark in our mind. Golden was one such for me. He lived life with vigor. We might all do as well.

513 Milestones

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 07:55:21 -0800

Milestones indicate where we are in life and where we might go. They are important to consider in retirement. We may have to make them on our own. To do so requires some gumption.

512 Grit

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 11:52:28 -0800

We all know how important it is to see a job through to the end. By the time we retire we should have learned the importance of perseverance and a passion for what we are doing. Challenges in retirement call for the same qualities. We need to stay with it. It calls for grit.

511 Five Years Left

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2017 20:56:01 -0800

We don't know how much time we have left to live. Or how much time we have left where we can physically and mentally do almost anything we want. Age is continuously taking steps. How does this influence our daily choices?

510 Reconnecting

del@retirementtalk.org — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 22:03:25 -0800

Catching up with old friends, co-workers, or old students is a most enjoyable experience. For me, it has been well worth the time and effort. Retirement offers time to slow down just a bit and reach far and wide.

509 Having Value

del@retirementtalk.org — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 20:15:47 -0800

A sense of having value in life is a basic need. We all want to be accepted as contributing to the general well being. Retirement provides a real test as to just how mature we have become. Our mind must be in shape.

508 Politics and Persistence

del@retirementtalk.org — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 19:43:21 -0800

When it comes to politics, we are all involved one way or the other. Right up until our dying day politics has a way of reaching out and being part of our lives. Some of us get involved with an idea to effect change and others of us just tolerate the relationship. We have to choose.

507 Neighbors

del@retirementtalk.org — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 20:33:57 -0800

What kind of people live next door? We can live next to them for years and never know. Why is that? Sometimes we need to just reach out and extend a welcoming hand even if we have lived next to each other for years. We might be pleasantly surprised.

506 The Story

del@retirementtalk.org — Tue, 3 Jan 2017 17:21:53 -0800

What do we remember? What can we pass along to our children, grandchildren and others? One thing about it: if we can't couch it in a story we might as well keep it to ourselves. Seems like the story is what it is all about.

505 Failure

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 19 Dec 2016 19:56:58 -0800

We all fail at one time or another. It doesn't ever seem very pleasant. But we usually get more from it than we think. Sometimes it can result in resounding success. Failure is not something we must avoid at all costs.

504 Bliss

del@retirementtalk.org — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 08:10:39 -0800

What are you doing when you lose all sense of time? For some retirement is a time of indecision. We don't know what to do. What will bring us the most happiness?

503 Biking

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 5 Dec 2016 20:31:28 -0800

Biking has become an integral part of my retirement life. Lots of people do it. Why is that? What does it add? Could it become part of my life? Should it?

502 Why Retire?

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 19:41:58 -0800

Ever wonder how people can think that way? Why don't they all think like me? Thoughts like these are misleading if not always far from the mark. It holds true for reasons of retire and most other things in life.

501 You Can Fix It

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 21:53:41 -0800

Things go wrong. Sometimes we get so discouraged we just walk away. Other times some of us just stay with it. Right to the bitter end. Or until that which is wrong gets righted. Most of the time we can fix it.

500 Happy Anniversary

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 19:45:03 -0800

We can never predict where retirement might take us any more than we could have predicted our life after leaving high school or college. The world changes around us and we had better "sit loose in the saddle".

499 A Retired State of Minde

del@retirementtalk.org — Tue, 8 Nov 2016 07:47:16 -0800

Is there such a thing as a "retired state of mind"? Do we see life a bit different than other segments of the population? Is there something about retirement that tends to tie us together as a group? Experience tells me there is.

498 The Good Old Days

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 19:44:19 -0700

When problems arise it is always easy to lean back and yearn for the "good ol' days". It initiates an almost auto-acceptance as truth. Retired people have experiences which may reveal a different truth.

497 I Forgot

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 20:28:29 -0700

Sometimes we find ourselves living out a self-fulfilling prophecy. We hear about "Senior Moments" and think ours are on the increase. Perhaps we are only forgetting that forgetting is a way of life.

496 Caregiver

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 15:09:01 -0700

Retirement is often accompanied by assuming the role of caregiver. Life calls us to care for someone who needs attention. We had best be prepared physically and psychologically for this demanding and yet gratifying role.

495 Ownership of Your Own Life

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 14:25:01 -0700

It is easy to follow the group. It is not easy to do exactly as you want. It is not easy to create your own way in life. We learn to go along with the group as a child. Retirement gives us a chance to become our own person.

494 Look Around

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 3 Oct 2016 20:17:22 -0700

Sometimes we need a reminder to open our eyes. We need to be reminded to look at what is right in front of us. Some of us see everything around us and others only what is directly in our path. We need to be conscious of our world if we want to enjoy it.

493 Shifting Gears

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 17:32:43 -0700

Retirement brings forward many opportunities. One of the big possibilities is that we change the way we have been living for the way we have always wanted to live. We have choices. We may wish to continue in our friendly and familiar path or we may wish to turn and walk another road.

492 Feet

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 13:52:22 -0700

Our body takes a little more care as we move into the retirement years. We have to pay attention just a bit more. Moving our health care into the front of our mind pays - "If we take care of our feet our feet will take care of us," someone said.

491 The Sky Is Falling

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 20:13:44 -0700

Retired people have one big advantage over those who are younger. We have lived longer, seen more, and have a wealth of experiences. We have been warned that these were the worst of all times often. What can we make of that?

490 Dream A Little

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 5 Sep 2016 20:31:16 -0700

Sometimes we just don't know what to do. We have time, energy and all we need is direction. Time seems to have deleted our ability to dream or imagine. We might gain by kicking back on a regular basis and letting our mind wander as we did as child. Dream big.

489 Help

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 20:27:11 -0700

We could all use a little help throughout our lives. A special request from a listener prompted this topic. You can lend a hand here. It will help someone else and it will probably help you as well. A good thing to do whether you are retired or not.

488 Movies

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 08:35:51 -0700

Ever get the feeling that you may have skipped a few experiences in your younger life? One may be movies or the world of video. Now we have time to indulge that desire and fill up that hole. It just takes making a decision and then following through. Sometimes it is so easy and yet so satisfying.

487 Poke It

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 09:00:56 -0700

Retirement offers us time to step up and out and into a new world. We can disturb the comfort zone of others and ourselves. We can engage in activity where we always have felt limited.

486 Home Projects

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 7 Aug 2016 07:29:58 -0700

Retirement brings us time to do things we never did, or never did well enough or long enough, when work interfered. Now we can explore. Working with our hands or minds during a lifetime of work can now be reversed if we choose.

485 Money?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 07:57:15 -0700

Ever go looking in book stores for something on retirement? Find anything other than material on retirement and money? Me either. Is it possible that there are things that matter to the retired other than money? I think so.

484 The Coffee Shop

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 08:27:53 -0700

Good habits are not easily established. But once in place they serve us well. When my work life would not allow it going to a coffee shop on a regular basis is something of which I dreamed. Retirement afforded me the opportunity to fulfill that dream and I leaped.

483 One Thousand Months

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 08:19:26 -0700

What we are doing with our life comes into very clear focus when we retire. We no longer have school or a job dictating to us. We can choose. It does require that we make a conscious effort with our mind as to what we do with our limited time. And that limited time is getting shorter all the while.

482 Kindness, Gentleness and Compassion

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 08:29:46 -0700

Retirement brings with it time to consider what we really think is important in life. It gives us time to focus on what we believe has been our strengths and weaknesses. Now we can choose to be the person we have always wanted to be.

481 Small Is Beautiful

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 3 Jul 2016 08:28:00 -0700

"Small Is Beautiful" is one of my favorite books. I read it perhaps 40 years ago and it left a lasting mark. Retirement gives us more time to consider what really matters in life. Some of our views of life can be summed up in seemingly simple terms.

480 Talking Across Generations

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 09:07:13 -0700

We pick up lots of experiences and stories as we age. Retirement gives us time to pass some of this information on to our grandchildren and those of younger generations. We might want to spend some time and effort in this pursuit. Perhaps in the form of letters or in the form of personal conversation.

479 Ten Thousand Hours

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 08:56:16 -0700

The Ten Thousand Hour Rule has become popularized through a book by Malcolm Gladwell. The idea is that if you spend enough time practicing your desired goal you will arrive. Perhaps there is a bit more to it than time spent.

478, Technology, Keeping Up

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 09:16:20 -0700

Technology comes at us whether we like it or not. We can ignore it or we can take a ride. What are the consequences?

477 Tai Chi

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 5 Jun 2016 09:06:51 -0700

We have all heard that practicing Tai Chi is good for us. I have practiced it for over the past 20 years. Here is my story.

476 What Am I doing Here

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 29 May 2016 08:40:40 -0700

The thought of our own death can be disturbing if not paralyzing. It might be best to give this one a little deeper thought. What may be seen as disturbing can also be seen as our biggest blessing.

475 Watermelon Burgers

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 22 May 2016 08:28:29 -0700

What's it like to be a vegetarian? Why does someone decide to not eat meat? Doesn't it take all the joy out of eating? Isn't their diet very boring? When we retire may be the perfect time to try it. Here is my story.

474 Let's Not Go Backwards

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 15 May 2016 08:59:13 -0700

We like to think that the longer we live the more we learn. We encourage education in our own children. We tell them stories hoping they learn something from them. We like to think the scientific method and rational thought can lead us out of the wilderness. Sometimes it appears we are going no where, or even backward.

473 Taking a Risk

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 7 May 2016 08:56:51 -0700

We all know what taking a risk means. We also know the reward that may accompany it. We are excited. We feel the thrill of living on the edge. Stepping out on to new turf or emerging ourselves in something a bit challenging can offer big rewards.

472 Murder Trial

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 1 May 2016 08:53:48 -0700

Retirement gives us time to indulge in new experiences. One of our most interesting adventures came not from getting on airplane or driving away in an RV. We simple went down to the court room and witnessed a real murder trial. It was different from that we read of in the news, in books, or view on TV.

471 Questions and Answers

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 11:12:27 -0700

There is a big difference in questions. Some are big or important and some are small or relatively insignificant. One thing they have in common: they seem to never end. It would sure be nice if we could satisfy ourselves for once and all. Then we might find some peace.

470 Don't Waffle?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 08:36:23 -0700

It isn't good to be accused of waffling. We like people who make decisions and stick with them; especially politicians. But should we? What is to be said for changing our mind? Maybe that is a sign we have learned something. We older folks might want to keep that in mind.

469 Whose Problem Is It?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 08:10:58 -0700

We all have problems. Sometimes we slip into a giant hole by assuming problems that are not really ours. We think we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. At times we may need to wake up or step aside so we have a chance at enjoying the day.

468 Energy: Personal Energy

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 3 Apr 2016 08:55:57 -0700

We all run out of gas: not with our car but with our own body. We get tired. When we retire and age we sometimes feel like this more often than we use to. Is there a way around this drain of energy? Something to think about.

467 Poetry Helps

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 08:55:25 -0700

Poetry sometimes cuts right through the chatter. We can learn things from poets. We might want to give poetry and poets a little more time now that we are retired - and have the time.

466 "What"s Up Doc"

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 09:12:14 -0700

This podcast first aired in 209. It is one of my favorites. Retirement and heart attacks sometimes go together. We just retire and then... Guest, Dennis McKinnon describes his experience of exuberant retirement, heart attack, road to recovery and how he did it. The importance of taking care of your health is illustrated beautifully.

465 Stay Healthy Part 2

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 13 Mar 2016 08:55:16 -0700

We know that without good health life itself disappears. That tells us how important it is when we consider what we are doing with our life on a daily basis. It is always best to put put health in first position.

464 Staying Healthy

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 6 Mar 2016 10:22:43 -0800

Staying healthy is not easy. It is also not foremost in our minds most of the time. We get lost in other "important" things. Retirement brings the importance of our health more into focus. We are getting older and our bodies are surely changing.

463 The Lost Art of Conversation

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 28 Feb 2016 09:05:22 -0800

Conversation consists of talking and listening. Many is the time my wife and I have walked away from talking with people and commented that "They didn't find out one thing about us." Listening is a skill that comes up short. What to do?

462 Imagination

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 08:07:28 -0800

Imagining what you would like to do in retirement is something we have all done before we retire. Trouble is we have little practice in doing this on our own. We usually have parents, teachers, bosses or children helping to determine our choices. We need to resurrect this long lost art of imagining in retirement.

461 Something New

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 08:41:11 -0800

Life can become boring when we are working or when we are retired. How can we add excitement, novelty and change into our lives. These are important aspects that demand attention. They don't happen on their own.

460 Tom's Letter

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 7 Feb 2016 10:01:16 -0800

Here is an example of planning for retirement and having it all come to fruition. The dream of living on a boat, writing, painting and enjoying nature all come true for some.

459 Doing Nothing Without Guilt

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 14:22:26 -0800

Doing nothing during retirement is a choice we might make. Some folks call it just being lazy and feel guilty. Others call it living at the moment and call it perfect.

458 Winter Road Trip

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 14:33:17 -0800

Road trips are one of my favorite things to do. Winter road trips are totally different from those that are taken in other seasons. Here is a story of our first winter adventure going down the road.

457 Finances - Part 3

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 7 Jan 2016 18:43:53 -0800

This is the third in a series concerning retirement and finances. In this episode I give a little more detailed breakdown of an example of managing money month to month. It might help you clarify how you manage money on a more immediate basis.

456 Finances - Part 2

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 27 Dec 2015 10:24:29 -0800

Living within your means is easier said than done. But is key to retiring without having to worry about money. This basic truism must be followed both before and after retirement. That and good luck will provide.

455 Finances

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 08:59:34 -0800

How much money will I need to retire? What a difficult question; when you are working and when you retire. No one knows what will happen in your life or in your greater community. There are no guarantees. What to do?

454 End of Life Issue

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 13 Dec 2015 09:04:12 -0800

We all die. The question that is troubling is the suffering that many times accompanies the end. That is what the medically assisted end of life issue is all about. "You Don't Know Jack" is a movie that deals with the issue. Here are some thoughts after a late night viewing.

453 Continued Learning

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 6 Dec 2015 08:57:18 -0800

Learning something new has a way of lifting us up. We gain a new view on a part of the world. Our curiosity leads us to new understanding. It is something we can do every day. It just takes a little imagination and a little effort.

452 Friends

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 09:00:43 -0800

Friends sometimes change when we retire. We move; others move; things change. Friends don't always just blow in with a fresh breeze. We may need to make an effort to establish new relationships.

451 Courage

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 08:46:05 -0800

Political elections demand courage. Our choices don't always win. Sometimes it seems like they never win. How do we maintain faith or hope?

450 Each and All

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 08:16:36 -0800

When you live next door to poverty it isn't very pleasant. It's unsightly; it smells and it can be dangerous. We like to live in nice neighborhoods. "Location, location, location". We all have a stake in eliminating or limiting poverty.

449 Free At Last

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 8 Nov 2015 08:35:41 -0800

I like to lighten the load of what material possessions are in my domain. It seems like the lighter the load the higher I rise in the water. Some retires throw everything away. I have never heard one of them say they regret it.

448 Retiring Solo

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 1 Nov 2015 08:00:26 -0800

Is there a difference between retiring with a partner or spouse and retiring solo? There has to be. Time to give it some thought. Something I have never done before.

447 Dogs

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 09:10:37 -0700

Dogs and people go together like nothing else. It is like they become one. For bonding, comforting and unconditional love one would have to look long and hard to find better.

446 Rant: Alarm Clocks and the News

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 08:14:39 -0700

Retirement gives us a chance to exercise personal preferences in many ways. Dealing with alarm clocks and the daily news have received some of my attention. Habits have to be developed with care. Otherwise...

445 There Has To Be A Beach

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 08:53:08 -0700

What is your retirement dream place to live? Do you have one? Have you thought about it? Like everything else you can just let it happen or you can do something to make it happen. Your choice.

444 What Are The Symptoms?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 4 Oct 2015 08:22:07 -0700

Most of the time there is a definite connection between age and retirement. All of the time there is a definite connection between age and health issues. As we get older our bodies change. How carefully do we have to listen?

443 Traveling By Plane

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 09:32:40 -0700

Traveling by plane is not like it use to be. There are so many examples of the changes and only one I can think of that is an improvement. More people can afford to fly. Then there are all the negatives: crowding, cramping, and comfort among them. Now there is the damage to the environment that is being hidden from us all. What next?

442 Kicking Back Without Guilt

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 08:22:29 -0700

Guilt sometimes ruins everything we have ever dreamed. Retirement offers us time to sleep in, take long lunches and long walks. It affords us time to be rather than time to be up and doing. Guilt sometimes makes this rare treat into something bad. It shouldn't.

441 The Joy of Audio

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 09:24:09 -0700

Sound has a particularly magical place in our mind. Those of us raised on radio are perhaps more sensitive to it's mystical powers. Today's Internet offers us a new and expanding format in which to indulge. Retirement offers us the time to close our eyes and expand our mind. What a joy.

440 Meaning in Life

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 6 Sep 2015 16:50:09 -0700

Finding meaning in one's life is not easy. There are many advisors and paths to guide us or misguide us. One thing about it: we can make our own choices if we are strong and persistent in our quest. "He who has eyes let him see". Regardless of who said it I believe it.

439 Working With Your Hands

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 11:19:47 -0700

For some reason working with the hands offers rewards that are unique. For some of us those rewards are beyond words. They offer us a key to a satisfying retirement.

438 What's Next

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 09:18:49 -0700

I keep thinking of how much I loved my IBM Selective typewriter and then I was convinced I'd be better off with a computer. It has changed my life. Are the technological innovations that appear today as appealing or effective? What to do?

437 How Will I Die

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 9 Aug 2015 07:42:58 -0700

However you think you may die you will most probably be wrong. I remember reading that somewhere. I believe it. We sometimes worry about things over which we have little to no control. Cause of our own death is one of them.

436 Who Can You Trust?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 2 Aug 2015 08:14:19 -0700

"All men are created equal" has become an American axiom. It doesn't mean we all know as much as the next guy. Science has a way of requiring certain abilities and efforts that escape many of us. Can we trust science? Or are we better off trusting our politicians or our opinionated neighbor concerning

435 In Praise of Slow Travel

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 09:58:47 -0700

We live in a fast paced world and moving slowly seems to be foreign to us. We are tempted to take speed with us even when we vacation or travel. It is the opposite of what we really need when we are trying to recreate. Do we see more when we speed up or slow down?

434 A Second Opinion

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 09:08:08 -0700

Retirement comes later in life as do accumulating health problems. We start to fade. What to do when we develop health problems that require professional attention? Sometimes we get a diagnosis that just doesn't feel right. What to do?

433 Retiring Together

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 07:58:06 -0700

Retiring at the same time as your spouse or partner can be a challenge. I've heard complaints. My wife and I retired on the same day. I have experience. Here's the story.

432 Relocating Alternative

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 5 Jul 2015 06:47:09 -0700

Retirement brings lots of new opportunities our way. One is that we are more free than ever to relocate our residence. We can move to the big city, the desert, the mountains; the west, the east, the north or the south. Or Mexico or Thailand. There is a new alternative.

431 What Now?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 08:21:57 -0700

Some of us don't know what to do; when we retire and some before we retire. We seem to be at a loss for what might make us happier in our life. We find it eludes us after we seemingly find success. What to do?

430 Look Around

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 08:45:44 -0700

My wife focuses down and sees the details of life. But I have a hard time seeing the nose on my face. I'm a scanner. I guess we need both. Retirement is a good time to consider just what it is we want to see before it is to late.

429 Lists

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 08:42:52 -0700

Some of us like to work off of lists. They can help keep us on track whenever impulses try to influence our lives. We need something perhaps not in concrete but none-the-less pretty permanent to steer through turbulent times.

428 Keep Dreaming

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 7 Jun 2015 08:22:56 -0700

Dreams keep us going. We have them when we are young. Sometime along the line they seem to fade away. We live day by day. Retirement is a time for resurrection. We need to make an effort to recreate the ability to dream.

427 Pick A Fight

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 31 May 2015 08:37:01 -0700

Picking a fight can be a good thing. It depends on what your fighting for. Sometimes it is a good thing to stand up, be aggressive and bark. Saying something and doing something sometimes requires aggression.

426 Vacation

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 24 May 2015 08:33:57 -0700

Being retired doesn't mean we are always on vacation. We do establish routines to some extent. We have a residency, regular hours- sort of - and local businesses we patronize. Some times we throw it all aside and do something different with our lives. We call those vacations. They are important.

425 How Much Is Enough

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 17 May 2015 08:37:51 -0700

If we knew how long we were going to live we plan a bit better financially for our retirement. But we don't. And that is probably a good thing. We will just need to make some good decisions - and be lucky.

424 When Should I Retire?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 10 May 2015 09:58:25 -0700

When should I retire? Or can I afford to retire? We find these questions first and foremost as we age. Does work just become accepted as a way of life that can't be changed? We might want to give these questions some thought - serious thought.

423 Friends

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 3 May 2015 08:40:02 -0700

Friends give value to each day. The problem is hanging on to them. They tend to come and go over a lifetime. We face a new challenge when we retire or they retire. Friendship requires duration and that is sometimes hard to find in today's world.

422 Deciding to be Happy

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 09:42:20 -0700

Stumbling on a secret to living well is one of life's pure pleasures. Here is the story of an experience I had with K. Eileen Allen that certainly made me take notice. She was ninety when we met and she had learned a lot in her long life.

421 Missing Something?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 08:57:51 -0700

How many choices do we have? It is sometimes hard to know which of the many options would be best. We pause to think. The important thing is to not stop. We need to make a choice and then move on it.

420 Risk

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 08:30:39 -0700

It is easy to fall into a life of doing very little when we retire. It is easy to do the same old thing everyday. Risk is something that may take us into a new stage. We need to keep in mind the joy of doing something different, learning something new or seeing something we have never seen.

419 Listening

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 5 Apr 2015 09:01:47 -0700

Sliding into a world of silence is a danger of retirement and old age. No one seems to want to listen to us or we find our hearing starting to fail. We are difficult to talk to. Is there a solution? It would seem to be that there is, or soon will be.

418 Looking Ahead: Looking Back

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 08:26:22 -0700

Some of us tend to look ahead in our daily lives and some tend to look back. It seems like one or the other dominate. Do we want to spend our time anticipating or reflecting? Or is there a happy place right in between? Or do we just sort of drift along?

417 Weather

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 09:27:21 -0700

Weather is one of the elements we talk about all our life. It takes on a bit of different meaning when we retire. Sometimes this is the only factor that seems to matter. People are sure they want to live in the sun.

416 Great Expectations

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 8 Mar 2015 09:45:03 -0700

We have expectations placed on us all of our life. Some are placed on us by others and some are assumed by our own desires. We plan and work towards fulfillment of these expectations. Retirement is a phase of our life where expectations are need as much as any time.

415 Keeping Busy Plan

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 1 Mar 2015 08:49:11 -0800

Some of us plan for retirement and the plan works. Not always but sometimes. This week we hear from a listener who did plan and has been very happy with the results. It required some thought and effort. Surely we could all give it a go.

414 Change is Possible

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 08:30:44 -0800

We like to think we can always change. Some of us do. And some of us don't. What makes for the difference? Two old friends of mine faced that challenge a few years ago and had very different results. Maybe we can learn something from their stories.

413 Elders and Environment

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 09:00:41 -0800

We retired people are part of the population who have lived longest. We have experienced much. We can use our experience to share stories with others. We have an opportunity to become the true Elders of our society.

412 Screen Apnea

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 8 Feb 2015 09:08:32 -0800

Just when we thought we had enough problems screen apnea appears. It seems looking at an electronic screen can result in hours of sleeplessness. I have enough problems sleeping without adding something else.

411 Chop Wood, Carry Water

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 1 Feb 2015 09:26:55 -0800

One can sit in a rocking chair only so long. Rocking or drifting all day can satisfy only so long. Then a strange force seems to take over and propel us back into life. We have to get up and get going.

410 Who Made That Rule?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 09:01:02 -0800

One reason we can retire is because we have been around for a while. We have had lots of experiences. We have learned much on our path through life. We have earned the right to question - everyone and everything. We might want to enjoy this right - while we still can.

409 Flat Earthers

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 08:56:40 -0800

How we look at the world and how we arrive our own truth changes over the years. As children we look at the world the way it is taught to us by our parents and local customs. As we grow to be adults our sources of information broadens and become more universal. At least we hope that is the way it works.

408 Venturing into Politics

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 21:11:24 -0800

Politics can be a divisive topic. We sometimes are wise to steer clear. On the other hand it might be wise to talk things out in a civil manner. We could use more clarification and understanding on almost all issues. We retired folks should have learned that by now.

407 Holidays

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 19:33:11 -0800

Holidays are suppose to be days to celebrate. Sometimes it just doesn't work out that way. They can be very depressing. We may be able to limit the bad moments and thoughts with a bit of foresight. We need to make plans.

406 How Much Is Enough

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 09:49:37 -0800

Do we have enough money to retire? How to respond? Luck will play an important role. Wise decisions must be made. Are we looking in the right direction?

405 Tenting and Biking

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 08:47:15 -0800

Retiring brings with it many changes in our life. Some we must accept. Others we can reject and refuse. Tenting and biking are two activities that I have seen lasting well past entering retirement. We might want to give them a try.

404 Technological Change

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 7 Dec 2014 08:41:12 -0800

Technological change covers us like an avalanche. We may feel buried at times. What to do? Climb into a shell or try to stay on top and ride it out. Choices have to be made.

403 Down-sizing

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 09:12:27 -0800

Many of us face the task of down-sizing. We may even face it more than once. What are some of the factors we may be missing when we give it consideration? We would be well advised to think carefully on this one.

402 Reunions and Attitude

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 09:15:38 -0800

Reunions are a fact of life. We get invited. Some of us enjoy them and other avoid them like Ebola. Perhaps our own attitude is the deciding factor in whether we enjoy them or not. We might want to give it some thought.

401 Reflections on a Road Trip (Part 2)

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 08:20:55 -0800

This is the second in the series concerning reflecting on past experiences and our recent road trip. For the first part of the series listen to Episode 399.

400 Many Roads

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 9 Nov 2014 10:06:29 -0800

What might we do with our retirement or our life? The choices are many. The time is passing and it important that we make a choice. We can't just sit and wait for a magic moment.

399 Reflections on a Road Trip

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 2 Nov 2014 09:06:17 -0800

We want to enjoy the present moment, enjoy the anticipation of coming days and enjoy reflecting on past experiences. Taking a road trip offers all of these opportunities. This is an example of reflection. And it was enjoyable.

398 Routines

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 09:37:37 -0700

Routines are part of our daily life that are often only tolerated. Is there something we can do to move them into being an enjoyable part of our day?

397 Heroes

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 09:58:32 -0700

Having heroes is kids' stuff some would say. But when we get older we find our own personal heroes coming with us. We still have people we hold up as more significant to us than others. We still have hope that what we admire in a few could yet have impact if we spread the word.

396 Indulgence - The Coffee Shop

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 14:45:46 -0700

Retired people have their indulgence: a cocktail, dahlias, naps, etc. We have several and one is coffee. We indulge. A good coffee shop has a magnetic attraction for us daily. It provides us with much more than just good coffee.

395 Fall Road Trip

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 12:06:50 -0700

We get the bug in the fall. It is time for a road trip. Occasionally leaving your beautiful home surroundings for a different location my seem foolish but it isn't. We have found our appreciation of the seasons expanded when we venture down the road.

394 Projects

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 09:03:30 -0700

"You just need to get organized" has become a common phrase. In most cases for me it is true. We need all the help we can get to keep on moving. Projects work for me.

393 Neighbors

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 7 Sep 2014 08:42:58 -0700

Retired people tend to be around the house when not traveling. We linger by the mail box and talk to neighbors of weather, recent trips or cars on the street. Having good neighbors doesn't happen by accident. We have to work at this.

392 Help?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 09:07:25 -0700

"I'm from the government and I'm here to help": frightening or comforting words. We need to think a bit about that. Truth is stood on it's head by cliches all too often.

391 Exercise for the Brain

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 09:12:01 -0700

New studies indicate physical exercises do more for the mind than we might have imagined. Sure we can do crosswords or study a foreign language but perhaps we would be better off walking quickly around the block.

390 Working After Retirement?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 17:42:49 -0700

We would all like to follow our bliss. It would be nice to be paid for doing what we love. Retirement may offer us this opportunity. It works for some.

389 End of Life Choice

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 08:16:20 -0700

Ending one's own life is a choice we all make. We either do or we don't. The twists of life events sometimes make that choice shift in value. It is something we might do well to consider rather than ignore for our own good as well as others.

388 Personal Experience - Sherri Robinson

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 08:46:23 -0700

In this podcast I read a letter from a Sherri Robinson telling of her retirement experience. She is a listener and has given retirement some serious thought. Here she shares some of her ideas and suggestions. You are welcome to do the same.

387 Frustration

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 16:52:34 -0700

Life has a way of throwing frustration into our life that is well grounded and frustration that has no basis. Regardless of cause frustration has to be confronted.

386 Distractions

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 09:42:57 -0700

Creating and maintaining a retirement of one's own choosing isn't easy. Outside forces assault our own thoughts, intentions and actions constantly. Retaining a sense of self requires constant vigilance.

385 Staying Fit?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 6 Jul 2014 09:21:43 -0700

Staying fit has come to be associated with physical fitness. But that isn't the only thing for which we need to be fit. We might want to keep that in mind as we add the years. It might make us feel better about ourselves.

384 Food and Retirement

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 14:23:17 -0700

Retirement brings with it time to Indulgence in what we like best and for many of us that is eating. Our health can suffer dramatically. We find ourselves unable to do much other than eat some more. What to do?

383 Death - Being Prepared

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 21:02:34 -0700

Sometimes there are subjects we just don't want to face. Death is one. We have a hard time considering or discussing our own death. There is a new approach that might be worth investigating called the Death Cafe.

382 Dermatologist

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 8 Jun 2014 09:25:47 -0700

Retirement comes with getting older as does a changing body. A dermatologist checks our surface for signs of hazards. The results of their check can result in a few temporary changes in our appearance. With only a little thought we know it is worthwhile.

381 Technology

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 1 Jun 2014 09:03:49 -0700

Is it worth keeping up with technological changes as we age? We learn how to use one thing and then there is another that is suppose to do it better. How do we keep up? Are there any tricks? Or should we just stop?

380 New Friends?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 18 May 2014 10:47:45 -0700

Friends make life. We wouldn't want to live alone. Sometimes we just drift apart, or one of us move or they die. At any rate we find ourselves wishing for some new friends. What to do?

379 Upkeep

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 18 May 2014 10:47:23 -0700

Upkeep is something that we must maintain throughout life. It isn't easy. Change can come so slowly that it escapes notice. Our life and everything around us can easily shrink and deteriorate around us. We must be ever alert and assertive.

378 Alaska - Go Now

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 11 May 2014 08:38:45 -0700

The Land of the Midnight Sun attracts like a magnet. It is like a universal lifetime dream. After living there for twenty years and traveling back and forth over another 25 I can't understand why people don't just go. It is easy.

377 Relating to Grandchildren

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 4 May 2014 09:52:16 -0700

Communicating across generations is always a challenge. What can we do to stay connected to our children and children's children? We might have to change our ways. That is always a challenge.

376 New Habits

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 11:02:29 -0700

Habits are what gets us in trouble. Or habits are what save us. They can be take us to where we want to go. Or they can lead us into the valley of misery. New habits can be established at any time in life - retirement is no exception.

375 Getting Around

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 20:28:33 -0700

Getting from one place to another can be a problem for all of us. The difficulty can increase as we age. What to do? It might be very wise to choose our place of residency very carefully. Getting around can become a joy instead of a problem.

374 No Time to Shave

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 09:26:27 -0700

We men either grow a beard or shave. One or the other. There are no other choices. In many areas of our life we do have options. It is important to realize where we do and where we don't. We retired people have choices - about some things.

373 Casinos

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 6 Apr 2014 08:39:09 -0700

Retirement gives us time to do many things we have never had time to do previously. One of them is to gamble or visit casinos. We might want to think that one over before we swing open the doors.

372 Gun Control

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 09:44:48 -0700

Retirement allows time to reflect upon our experiences and try to make sense of our world. Sometimes personal experiences make all the rationalizing we find in the news appear more than a bit absurd.

371 Dogs

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 09:30:18 -0700

We can all use a bit of unconditional love in our lives. Dog owners realize this. Thus we have the committed relationship. Benefits flow both ways.

370 Is the World a Better Place?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 10:38:30 -0700

We all want the world to be a better place for future generations. Is it? Have we left it better or worse? Do we share blame or credit? We certainly hear about lots of problems today.

369 Being Alone

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 9 Mar 2014 17:34:29 -0700

Loneliness is part of the human condition. Without workplace connections we can find ourselves even more isolated. We need other people in our lives and that doesn't happen without effort.

368 Death, Escape, Retirement

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 2 Mar 2014 09:01:20 -0800

We could have died quite easily - but we didn't. The rest of life is sort of a bonus. We may turn it into a true learning experience. It can be life changing and may lead to an early retirement.

367 Freedom

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 11:28:43 -0800

What does freedom mean to you now that your retired? A friend recently asked me that question. I had to give it some thought. It was worth the effort.

366 (051) Technology

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 10:43:10 -0800

How fast does technology change our lives? How many times do we have to relearn how to do something? It isn't easy to keep up. Maybe we should dig a hole and crawl in? On the other hand, maybe we just need to keep on learning. It may be worth it.

365 (049) Love Trips

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 9 Feb 2014 09:10:15 -0800

We retired people spend a lot time traveling to see either parents, children or grandchildren - love trips. Many times these trips are made via airplane. Now we find out that traveling in this manner may have a short future. What to do?

364 Worry

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 2 Feb 2014 10:06:46 -0800

Worry seems to be one of the constant conditions of living. We worry about big things and little things. We may be wise to establish 'worry free zones' in our lives. We do want to enjoy part of our time revolving around the sun.

363 Political Involvement

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 08:59:46 -0800

Some of us dream of getting more involved in the political process when we retire. We will have time to attend meetings or help work on campaigns or issues that are dear to us. What can we do? Here is a perfect example of one man's effort.

362 My Funeral

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 08:38:58 -0800

Planning for our funeral is something we can choose to do or not. There are many choices. It might be wise to give it some thought while we still can.

361 Priorities

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 09:00:55 -0800

It is hard to get anything done if we don't know where we want to go. Where we really want to go. Priorities become imperative. It is to easy to get pulled off course by an invasive whim or momentary thought.

360 Awake!

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 11:03:30 -0800

We all do some things unconsciously that surprise us when we think of them. Why do we do that? Here are two things that we might do well to consider. We have time.

359 Weather and News

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 09:41:30 -0800

It is the little things that sometimes make a real difference in our life. How do you spend your time? Listening to weather and news? Sometimes we do things without realizing what we are doing.

358 Follow Your Children

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 09:10:42 -0800

Retirement sometimes gives us a chance to reunite our families. Though schools and jobs may have separated us from siblings and children we may now have a chance to reunite. Those grandchildren send out a strong signal. Should we move? Or not?

357 Home Exchange

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 8 Dec 2013 08:53:35 -0800

Traveling is one thing many retired people like to do. The experience can be greatly enhanced by exchanging your residence for someone else's. Home Exchange provides a wonderful means for arranging such swaps. We have found our experiences greatly enriched and no money is involved.

356 Tai Chi and the Lost Wallet

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 1 Dec 2013 08:43:32 -0800

Tai Chi has proven itself over hundreds of years. It is good for us. Seeing it practiced and losing my wallet left a lasting impression.

355 Granddaughters and History

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 17:40:33 -0800

We could all use a map of what might happen if we turn one direction or another. We would like to know which roads lead into a box canyon. That is where experience comes in. It would be well to know what has happened to others that have traveled this road.

354 The Con Game

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 10:08:41 -0800

Being taken advantage of is a serious matter. The con, or the scam, is always in fashion one way or the other. They can have tragic results and produce compelling stories.

353 Advantages if Aging

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 11:32:27 -0800

There are some advantages to aging. One is that we have higher BS radar. We learn to be a better judge of character. We have been around the block and can more easily spot the good from the bad. At least we hope so.

352 Time is Ticking

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 3 Nov 2013 08:27:28 -0800

Experiences in retirement bring a sharp focus on the time we have to live. If we are paying attention we get an extra incentive to make our time count. Our end can pop up unexpectedly.

351 Road Trip Reflections

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 27 Oct 2013 09:12:18 -0700

Part of the enjoyment of taking a road trip is found in reflecting. We dig out pictures and videos. We listen to audio clips. We look at a big map. Memories are resurrected and pleasure visits us once more.

350 On the Road

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 20 Oct 2013 14:32:23 -0700

Our first week on the road: did our plans work? Problems? Experiences. Retirement offers many advantages to travel. We try to not just drive down the road. The goal is to enjoy - each day.

349 On the Road(rebroadcast 247)

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 13:57:08 -0700

We point the car south and east to start an extended road trip. It is fall and it is beautiful all over the country. The Northwest is no different.We are off to a good start. And we find espresso everywhere. (We are presently on a similar trip but I forgot a tiny audio jack which prevents me from recording this week. Sorry.)

348 Options for Road Trip

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 20 Oct 2013 14:24:14 -0700

Taking a road trip offers us many options. We can choose bike, motorcycle, RV, car, SUV, pickup truck or whatever. The method chosen can determine much about the nature of the trip.

347 Road Trip Plan

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 20 Oct 2013 10:36:07 -0700

Planning a road trip is part the American Dream. We want to just leave everything behind and find some new adventure. What is around the bend and over the hill? Lets make a plan.

346 Looking Forward

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 09:47:13 -0700

Keeping something out there to look forward to is always good. But we don't want the future, or the past, to cheat us out of the present.

345 Finding Meaning(Part 2)

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 09:48:36 -0700

By the time we retire we may know more than we are aware. Sometimes we just need to someone to approve our thoughts and actions.

344 Finding Meaning

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 8 Sep 2013 08:27:08 -0700

Retirement can bring into sharp focus our beliefs concerning what we truly value in life. What gives our life meaning rises to the surface through our daily actions.

343 Retirement Guilt

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 1 Sep 2013 10:21:45 -0700

Being buried under a blanket of guilt doesn't lead to a happy retirement. Must we feel guilty for leaving the world of work? Is it okay to sit still?

342 Second Opinion

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 17:56:05 -0700

Sometimes what our doctor says just doesn't make sense. Somewhere in our bones we just know that can't be. We want another opinion. We should never hesitate on this one.

341 What do you do? (013 revised)

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 16 Aug 2013 13:51:35 -0700

What do you with your life now that you are retired? It is a commonly asked question. The answer is not so common or easily given. We do lots of things. A sound bite will not suffice.

340 Retiring with Your Spouse

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 8 Aug 2013 14:34:33 -0700

"He is always underfoot" is a cliche that accompanies men into retirement. Is it true? Surely there is a way to make the situation less deserving of the slur.

339 To Stay or Move?

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 09:52:44 -0700

It is comforting to stay in the same place a long time. You develop a sense of place. It is exciting to move somewhere else. It is exciting and challenging. Can we have both?

338 Relocating (revised 005)

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 21:10:44 -0700

Retiring offers us the opportunity to move. We could live anywhere - in the world; different climate, new surroundings, change in life. Is it worth it?

337 What Now (revised)

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 14 Jul 2013 10:40:02 -0700

What is it that will give us eternal happiness? How can we know that what we are pursuing will satisfy our needs. Do we know what happiness is? Seems like we should

336 Now that I am Retired

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 7 Jul 2013 14:24:05 -0700

Now that you have decided to retire decisions need to be made that will fulfill dreams or maintain a sense of happiness in your life. What should those decisions be based upon? Life is different after retirement.

335 Hit the Road

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 10:24:31 -0700

How would it be to live in three months in Paris, then Thailand, then Prague, then Puerto Vallarta? That's your first year of living without owning anything. Sell the house, sell the car, sell your stuff. Retirement is the right time.

334 Should I Retire?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 08:46:22 -0700

How do we know when it is time to retire? Will it be the same for us as it has been for others? Is this when we want to not rush life? Or is this time to bail?

333 The Pleasure of Food

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 09:40:21 -0700

Retirement gives us time to - fill in the blank. Food is one of the words that work well. We may want to grow it, cook it or just eat it. Does it give us pleasure? Is it worth the effort?

332 Assist or Enable

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 9 Jun 2013 09:01:00 -0700

We want to help but we don't want to enable. Life challenges continually present themselves to our children and grandchildren. We have to be careful with our words and actions.

331 E-cigarettes

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 2 Jun 2013 09:32:31 -0700

Sometimes the world feels like it is getting away from us. We find ourselves not knowing just exactly what people are referring to. Not even the words are known. What to do?

330 The Pause

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 May 2013 09:49:24 -0700

Do we take time enough to consider what we actually experience? Do we pause to consider what we are doing with our life? Perhaps we need to take a bit of time to let our life experiences gain meaning.

329 Graduation

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 09:27:39 -0700

Just as retirement signifies a step into another phase of life so does high school graduation. Grandchildren bring this past experience back to life to those of us who experience it. This role of being an elder needs to be recognized and celebrated.

328 Irresponsiblity

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 12 May 2013 20:28:07 -0700

Some folks on retirement like to do something reckless, wild, or irresponsible. There is a lot to be said for this attitude. It is something many of us would never consider. Maybe we should. Then again...

327 Staying Focused

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 5 May 2013 10:31:34 -0700

We live in a demanding and seductive world. There is competition for our time and energy. Staying focused is not easy. It takes eternal vigilance.

326 Energy?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 09:15:41 -0700

Retirement and getting older can mean we run low on energy sometimes. Then again it may be some other reason for a lack of energy. We shouldn't be to quick to ascribe low energy to aging.

325 Connections

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 09:14:12 -0700

Social lives can become narrow when we leave our jobs. We may have to reach out into new areas for contact. But retirement offers us an opportunity to reach back into our past and touch former friends. We can reconnect. We have time.

324 Explore

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 10:40:29 -0700

At sometime in life everyone dreams of exploring, discovering and going to exotic places. As we grow older we realize that sometimes we don't have to go far. New vistas may be just outside our door.

323 More to Life than Money

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 7 Apr 2013 10:16:05 -0700

Retirement brings a host of issues to mind. Money is only one. What we do with the rest of our life has more to do with values: values that are beyond money.

322 Quick and Painless Death

del@retirementtalk.org (Del Lowery) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 09:30:31 -0700

Do doctors know something the rest of us might wish we did when it comes to dying? A recent report would seem to indicate they do. A quick and painless death might get derailed by good intentions.

321 The Family Story

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 09:11:48 -0700

Possessing a sense of who we are is important. We need to know what ties our family together. It gives us a sense of identity, esteem and self control. Our story shared across generations has special value.

320(081) Birds

del@retirementtalk.org (Del Lowery) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 10:22:00 -0700

Retirement and birds: how do they fit together? When four birds were killed by flying into my windows glass during breakfast, it got me thinking. Retirement may be a great time to speak up on behalf of birds. However, this retirement podcast is not just for the birds.

319 Would've, Could've, Should've

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 9 Mar 2013 08:52:10 -0800

It is easy to fall into the habit of uttering the cliche, "would've, could've, should've". Where does that lead? Retirement gives us an opportunity to do what we really want. The old cliche should be put to rest. We are free to choose.

318 Stuck

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 3 Mar 2013 10:20:04 -0800

Sometimes we just can't make a move. We just don't know which way to turn. What to do? When this paralysis hits we may need a bit of help - or special resolve.

317 Family Day

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 10:47:36 -0800

Family Day is a new National Holiday in Canada. I was there for that occasion. Perhaps many of us could use a little prompting and encouragement when it comes to family relationships.

316 Reading for Pleasure

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 09:16:59 -0800

Reading and retirement seem like a perfect match, like wine and cheese. We have time to read for shear joy. Can there be anything more pleasurable? Perhaps. But it is hard to beat.

315 Regrets

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 10:12:29 -0800

Regrets can ruin a day for anyone at any time. They can certainly ruin retirement. Regrets can turn a retirement into a purgatory of inaction? Is there anything we can do about it?

314 Limitations

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 3 Feb 2013 13:55:24 -0800

Limits are with us all of our lives. Retirement and getting older only bring different ones our way. How can we adapt to these new parameters? We will have to adjust. This may a good time to become imaginative.

313 Quest for Meaning Part 2

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 14:30:28 -0800

Giving meaning to our life is a solo pursuit. We can't buy it or have it given to us. We have to find our own if we want it to be ours. It really isn't that hard. We just need to be aware and accepting.

312 Quest for Meaning

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 10:11:08 -0800

Giving meaning to our life is one of retirements main challenges. Parents, teachers and bosses no longer dictate our behavior. We sometimes find this a new and difficult position.

311 Watch Your Step

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 9 Jan 2013 10:53:09 -0800

Falling down can change all retirement dreams. We might be well advised to slow down just a bit. As an old Alaskan told me when I headed out for a backpacking trip in the mountains, "If you want to get there you had better slow down."

310 The Devil is in the Details

del@retirementtalk.org — Tue, 1 Jan 2013 22:37:29 -0800

Change is slow but it can happen. Retirement is not a time to give up on long held dreams. As long as we keep moving in the right directions we can find happiness. That is what Spinoza believed - and so do I.

309 Miserable with Much

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 08:27:14 -0800

Do we really need so much? So much of everything. Perhaps living with less might lead to a bit more happiness. Just what is it that will make us happy?

308 Looking Ahead

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 10:59:04 -0800

Some folks don't know what to do with retirement. "What should I do?" is a common question I hear. Retirement calls for us to take charge of our own future. Imagination is vital. We need to reach out with our minds and reconnect with childhood abilities to fantasize and dream.

307 Road Trip

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 9 Dec 2012 09:34:44 -0800

A road trip has a romantic ring to it. I have always found it to be so. There is something about driving down the driveway and taking that first turn. Here are some suggestions that enhance such trips for us.

306 We Win: We Lose

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 2 Dec 2012 14:09:02 -0800

We have good days and bad days. Part of moving into the retirement zone is that we have experience at both. We have learned to adjust. At least, we should have learned to adjust.

305 Meditation

del@retirementtalk.org — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 20:40:34 -0800

Sometimes our gumption just doesn't want to function. We just can't get going. Maybe that is the time to enjoy the other side of life and just accept tranquility. Nothing wrong with that.

304 Ashes to ...

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 09:46:05 -0800

Retirement brings new thoughts into one's mind. My wife recently asked me what I wanted done with my ashes. I laughed it off and then...

303 Remembering

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 4 Nov 2012 09:39:34 -0800

When we launch into a story about our past do we remember what really happened? We all look back on occasion. We also like to tell the truth. How often does our memory bring us the truth?

302 Time to Get Out of the Way

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 09:55:06 -0700

We don't stay a child forever. And we don't work forever. Neither one would be good or desirable. Retirement is another phase of life that calls for change. We need to make the adjustment.

301 The We Party

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 09:07:41 -0700

Rugged individualism is held in high esteem. Working with and depending on others - not so much. By the time we are retired we have experienced enough of life to know that there is much to be said for working together.

300 Gumption

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 20:29:40 -0700

When we retire there may seem to be no reason to get out of bed. "Let us then be up and doing" runs a line from one of my favorite poems. We need to create our own milestones - and that takes gumption.

299 Grit

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 7 Oct 2012 09:09:59 -0700

Grit is one of the character qualities we admire. We are not born with grit in our blood. We acquire it. Kindness, compassion, charity and love must also be learned. Where do we learn those? Will they stay with us throughout retirement?

298 Five Years Left?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 09:06:45 -0700

Good health will end. Life will end. We need to consider that in our decisions about what we are doing with our life on a daily basis.

297 Reconnecting

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 09:14:57 -0700

Aristotle believed that real friendship demanded duration. Time has a way of cementing relationships. Retirement offers us an opportunity to reconnect with people from our past. It can be one of our most enjoyable experiences.

296 Recognition

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 08:51:35 -0700

Recognition is a basic human need. We want people to acknowledge our existence. Sometimes retirement seems to come with a sense of invisibility. What to do?

295 Politics and Persistence

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 9 Sep 2012 10:18:40 -0700

"Democracy requires educated citizens." So said our elementary school teachers. Do we have an obligation to stay in the harness? It isn't easy.

294 Neighbors

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 2 Sep 2012 10:28:41 -0700

Good neighbors make life so much better. It took the Olympic Games to get us and our neighbors together. It shouldn't be so difficult.

293 The Story

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 08:38:16 -0700

Retirement and stories go together. Life and stories go together. We retired folks have many experiences to share. Putting them in story form may be the best way to pass on our heritage.

292 DNA: Chasing Down our Ancestors

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 10:09:05 -0700

Finding information concerning our heritage is important to many retired folks. We finally have time to investigate. DNA offers a window into our identity that will enlighten and may surprise us.

291 (001): When Should I Retire?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 08:05:37 -0700

Considering retirement brings certain aspects of life and death into clear focus. It is important to come to grips with our own tenuous grip on life when considering retirement.

290 Failure as Success

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 5 Aug 2012 10:36:43 -0700

We are not suppose to fail but that just doesn't make any sense. The road to success is lined with failure. We need to experience it; get use to it and even welcome it. It is part of life.

289 Finding Your Bliss

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 09:24:17 -0700

What is it you do where the time just disappears? Some of us have difficulty deciding what to do in retirement. It might be easier than you think to find what it is you really love.

288 Biking

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 10:14:13 -0700

Biking is an activity that gets you around, gives you exercise and is fun. How can you beat that? Retirement is a perfect time to adopt this form of mobility. It can literally take you in a new direction.

287 Why Retire?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 09:51:55 -0700

We don't all retire or consider retirement for the same reason. We don't all think alike on many things. We might benefit by keeping this little fact in mind when considering retiring, or considering anything else.

286 Travel: Amtrak(Part 4)

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 8 Jul 2012 10:27:19 -0700

Riding a train from coast to coast is a romantic dream of many. Retirement is the perfect time to realize this dream. What is it like? Is it worth it? Do you really get a good view of the country? Our experience may help you decide.

285 Travel: Boston (Part 3)

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 1 Jul 2012 09:55:13 -0700

Boston is about American as you can get. It has a sense of time and class about it. It exudes a sense of quality and confidence. We loved our visit. But it seemed like more people could be living downtown? Somehow.

284 Travel: NYC (Part2)

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 08:37:43 -0700

There is only one New York City. We had wanted to visit for a long time and only in retirement decided that it was now or never. Visiting takes energy and our supply is not increasing. We did not rush. It is the only way to enjoy a visit. And if you can't enjoy it, why bother?

283 Travel: Chicago, NYC, Boston, Amtrak -Part 1

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 10:11:58 -0700

Taking a trip requires planning and creates anticipation. Things may go wrong even before you get out the door. Adjustments are sometimes needed.

282 (063: Getting Around)

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 20:01:06 -0700

Transportation can be a serious problem as we move into retirement years. Getting to the store, post office, restaurant, etc. can be challenging. How do we cope with getting around as we age?

281 (173: Deciding To Be Happy)

del@retirementtalk.org — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 17:19:52 -0700

Can we choose to be happy and have it really happen? Here is a story of one person who did just that. K. Eileen Allen has written a book entitled, "I Like Being Old". Not that I'm "old" or that you are. But we can all learn something from her. Here is what I took away from her story concerning happiness.

280 You Can Fix It

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 20 May 2012 09:51:20 -0700

Retirement offers us a chance to do things we have never been able to do. One of the big ones is to slow down and change our attitude towards what we can and cannot do. We can reassess our skills, abilities and our self-confidence.

279 A Retired State of Mind

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 13 May 2012 09:00:14 -0700

Is there such a thing as a retired state of mind? What might it be? If there is and if we bring it to the surface perhaps it will serve us well.

278 The Good Old Days?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 6 May 2012 09:40:47 -0700

We all have a tendency to look backward occasionally. Sometimes we romanticize that glance. We like to remember only the good. But it isn't honest nor accurate. Our attention might better be focused on appreciating the present.

276 Lists and a Twist

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 08:53:06 -0700

Making a life list works well for some. Considering what you want to do in life and writing it down can be good at any age. Sharing that list can make it all the more worthwhile.

275 Heather Leach Interview

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 08:49:15 -0700

Heather Leach is a writer living in a hill town in the Derbyshire Dales area of England. Her retirement has included relocating and living for a year in France. Here is my first Skype to Skype interview.

274 Magic and Dreams

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 8 Apr 2012 12:59:29 -0700

When do we loose the ability to dream? When does our ability to imagine a different life disappear? We need to recover this ability when we retire. This can be a magical time.

273 Vacations

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 8 Apr 2012 12:38:18 -0700

Retired people need vacations I told my grand-daughter. If we don't need a rest, we at least need a change. There are many benefits for retired people in getting away from the routine.

272 (097) Exercise for the Brain

del@retirementtalk.org (Del Lowery) — Sun, 1 Apr 2012 08:27:22 -0700

We know our muscles, lungs and cardiovascular system needs to get some exercise. We may not connect this exercise with the best thing in the world we can do for our brain. But, it seems to be true.

271 Spring Cleaning

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 1 Apr 2012 08:22:51 -0700

Spring is time for new growth - rebirth. It is time for new thoughts. For the retired it is time to move our dreams from the inside to include possibilities in the great outdoors.

270 "Senior Moments"

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 17:41:20 -0800

Could it be that there is no such thing as "senior moments"? At least not nearly what we think. Or, perhaps I'm forgetting something.

269 Retired and Caregiving

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 4 Mar 2012 09:43:17 -0800

Being a caregiver is not a role that most retired people seek. But it is a role that many of us assume. We might want to give this some thought and ask a few questions.

268 Doing What You Want

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 10:00:45 -0800

Retirement means we are free in many ways we have never experienced. We do not have to follow - the crowd or anyone else. Coming to this realization is necessary to reap the benefits.

267 Interview with Cliff Baakke

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 09:55:51 -0800

This is the first in what I hope will become a regular part of Retirement Talk. Interviews with people from various locales concerning their experiences with retirement: what worked and what didn't.

266 "Look Around"

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:07:43 -0800

Taking time to experience life is available to the retired. All we have to do is make the effort. "Stop, look and listen" might be a great mantra for us. We may be amazed.

265 New Directions?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 10:34:01 -0800

Things change. People die. Interests evolve. We sense we need a change. Our mind goes round and round. Here is an example that might stimulate consideration of your own issues.

264 Retirement: It's About More Than Money

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:50:20 -0800

This is the beginning of a book that is based on all of the previous podcasts numbers 1 through 263. Chapter One deals with the question: When Should I Retire?

263 Changing Gears

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:27:36 -0800

Retirement is a time of change. We have to be able to change direction and speed. When we need a little help it is understandable - and available.

262 Take Care - Of Your Feet?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:24:29 -0800

Retirement gives us time. Time to think and time to act. Taking care of ourselves is one thing we may consider more than we have. Taking care includes taking care of our feet. Think about it.

261 The Sky Is Not Falling

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 8 Jan 2012 12:40:39 -0800

How many crisis can we handle? Retired people have one advantage over younger people. We have had more experiences. We have lived longer. We have lived through lots of "end of the world" scenarios.

260: A Time To Dream

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 1 Jan 2012 09:20:03 -0800

Dreams don't have to end in childhood. I mean dreams about what we are going to do in life. Retirement is a great time to go to the well and look for something new.

259: Retirement and Movies

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:54:59 -0800

Retirement affords us a special time in life when we can pick and choose how we spend our time. One could do worse than make movies a big part of retirement.

258: Give Life a Poke

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 09:29:53 -0800

Retirement is a time of freedom for many. It is a time to "do it my way". Why not take advantage and poke around at whatever.

257 Home Projects

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 10:42:38 -0800

Retirement gives us time to do something with our lives that we never managed during our working careers. Working with our hands can be a wonderful change for some of us. We can learn something new and enjoy the end products.

256: Money: is there anything else?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 4 Dec 2011 10:48:47 -0800

Sometimes it feels like money is all that matters. By the time we retire many of us know there is more to life than that which money can buy.

255 Coffee and Retirement

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 10:02:14 -0800

A person could do worse than drink a cup of coffee every day in the middle of the afternoon. Drink it in a coffee shop with character and a friend and you have arrived.

254 1000Months

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 11:01:33 -0800

Having regrets in life is not something we seek. We would like to be satisfied with our life choices. Do we know where our 1000 months are going?

253 Kindness, Gentleness and Compassion

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 10:53:36 -0800

What do we really want to do with our life? Some goals may be more within our own grasps than we realize. We may be unaware or overlook the importance of some life disciplines.

252 Get a Coach

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 6 Nov 2011 08:39:21 -0800

Sometimes we need a little help or encouragement doing something or learning something. We need a teacher or in the common vernacular, a 'coach'. We've used them and loved them

251 Road Trip Reflections

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 17:25:27 -0700

A time to re-examine our own lives should never be passed by. A road trip can provide the perfect setting for thinking outside the box of normal surroundings. Our vision may be enhanced under a different light.

250 Mojave, Death Valley and Yosemite

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 20:46:14 -0700

Turn around time for our road trip. Three beautiful national parks and lightly driven roads greet our next move. Hot morning coffee, great music and beautiful fall colors combine to bring a real sense of contentment. No need to rush life.

249 Tucson

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:24:49 -0700

Tucson is a town I have wanted to visit for a long time. We always think there maybe another place that we might rather live than where we now live. This visit was an eye opener for me.

248 Mountain Meadow Massacre

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 9 Oct 2011 08:32:19 -0700

Some things escape us as we move through life. The Mountain Meadow Massacre is one. A long road trip gives us time to take in things that may get overlooked by the masses. It is always good to get off the beaten path once in a while.

247 Road Trip: Bellingham to Salt Lake City

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 2 Oct 2011 08:25:52 -0700

e point the car south and east to start an extended road trip. It is fall and it is beautiful all over the country. The Northwest is no different.We are off to a good start. And we find espresso everywhere.

246 Road Trip - The Southwest

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 2 Oct 2011 08:13:47 -0700

One of the joys of a road trip is anticipation. Deciding where to go and making more detailed plans is required. How to travel? Where to travel? When to travel? Here is the plan.

245 Small is Beautiful

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:01:29 -0700

Jar lids and morning sunrises; small cars and small houses; small businesses and small corporations. One doesn't seem to fit. Perhaps it should. Retirement is a great time to reread some old books and do some new thinking. Or at least do some new thinking.

244 Talking Across Generations

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 10:37:21 -0700

Listening and talking to someone from another generation can be very rewarding. If we think about making an effort perhaps the label of "elder" can become meaningful in our lives.

243 "The Ten Thousand Hour Rule"

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 4 Sep 2011 14:07:01 -0700

How many hours does it take doing something before you become successful - or an expert? Perhaps a better question might be: "Must you become an expert at anything?" Is that what you really want?

242 Technology - Keeping Up

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 10:33:00 -0700

Is it really worth keeping up with technological changes? It seems to move faster all the time and require constant updating. Does it enrich our lives? Or should we just shut the door and crawl in a hole?

241 Tai Chi

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:56:25 -0700

Tai Chi is often times mentioned in connection with retirement and good health. I've practiced it daily for the last 15 years. Here are some of my thoughts concerning including it in life.

240 (098): "We Are Here To Help You"

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 22:18:53 -0700

Sometimes choice of words affects us more than we are aware. Retired folks have years of experience on which to rely for clarity. We need to exercise due diligence, or we can be tricked.

239 (141) Downsizing

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 6 Aug 2011 09:42:41 -0700

The idea of downsizing brings many questions to mind. The location and size of the house in which we live is important. Perhaps more important than we realize. It can be an opportunity to reevaluate the way we live.

238 "What Am I Doing Here"

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 18:19:17 -0700

How long would you want to live? Looks like almost anything may soon be possible. You might want to give this possibility a little more thought. Be careful what you wish for.

237 (039) Moving to be Closer to Children

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 10:13:16 -0700

Retirement is often accompanied by an impulse to be close to our children. The children, and/or the parents, find themselves considering the means to reunite the family. What's to be said for moving or staying put when it comes to reuniting the family?

236 Watermelon Burgers

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:51:30 -0700

Retirement gives us time to do things we could only dream of during our working career. We can be more careful with our health and with our moral judgments. Eating animals verses eating plants serves as a perfect example.

235 Human Touch

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:37:23 -0700

Demands on Social Security seem to be calling for changes in retirement. Maybe you have an idea that could change the system? This might be an opportunity for creative thought.

234 The Dark Ages

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 1 Jul 2011 18:16:22 -0700

This would be a good time to sit down with our grandchildren and tell a few stories that must be learned - about the scientific method and reason. A return of the Dark Ages is not desirable.

233 Take a Risk

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 15:44:58 -0700

It is nice to have a quiet, safe routine to our life. But sometimes it can be downright boring. Taking a risk doesn't have to end when one moves into retirement. Maybe this is the best time to step out on the edge.

232 Pick a Fight

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 10:40:11 -0700

Retirement might be the perfect time to pick a fight with some bully. Sometimes change doesn't come easy. We may need to throw our weight around at times. It isn't always a bad thing.

231Murder Trial

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:07:20 -0700

All citizens are entitled to a speedy public trial. Sometimes dramatic events occur close to home. Witnessing a murder trial can be an interesting and educational experience. The court houses are public places and you are welcome to attend.

230 Retired and Traveling by Train

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 2 Jun 2011 11:36:29 -0700

Train travel is becoming a more appealing method of transportation. Roy Ingham shares some of his thoughts gained via riding Amtrak on many extensive trips over the last decade or so. From one corner of the country to another, he has ridden the rails.

229 Road Trip USA - Planning

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 27 May 2011 10:39:12 -0700

An oft heard dream of many retirees is to, "Take a road trip around the America". We are gearing up for just such a trip. We will document our venture here through several podcasts. What works and what doesn't? When you take the trip you can avoid the mistakes.

228 Questions and Answers

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 20 May 2011 10:34:25 -0700

We start asking "Why" at an early age. Is there any end? Seems like that by the time we are retired we would have the answers; at least many of them. Seems like we leave of a lot of them hanging.

227 Don't Waffle

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 14 May 2011 17:30:47 -0700

Think before you act. Good advice? It takes time to think. Is that waffling? Procrastinating? Sometimes words appear to lead us a particular way that may or may not be very wise. Retirement gives us time to think a little more closely about what we are really doing with our lives.

226 Whose Problem Is It?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 7 May 2011 14:17:22 -0700

Retirement is a time to leave some things behind. We make a major change in our lives. Perhaps there are a few problems we can also leave behind. We may want to rethink what are our problems and what are someone else's.

225 "Man Thinking"

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 14:54:23 -0700

"Who am I? What am I? I don't even know who or what I am. What is retirement all about?" These questions are pretty common these days. Here is one possible answer.

224 Poetry

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 14:17:48 -0700

"Now I become myself" is the title of a poem and is a phrase that can easily be applied to the retired. Poetry has a way of reaching into the heart. Perhaps we now have time to listen.

223 "How Am I Doing Doc?"

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 10:44:09 -0700

Retirement and heart attacks sometimes seem to go together. We just retire and then... Guest, Dennis McKinnon describes his experience of exuberant retirement, heart attack and road to recovery in this episode.

222 Keeping Healthy Part 2

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 9 Apr 2011 17:16:53 -0700

There are lots of theories on what keeps us healthy. Here are some ideas you might like. Then again, you might not. When it comes to your own health you really do have a choice.

221 Keeping Healthy

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 3 Apr 2011 10:12:34 -0700

There are lots of theories on what keeps us healthy. Here are some ideas you might like. Then again, you might not. When it comes to your own health you really do have a choice.

220 The Lost Art of Conversation

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 09:02:50 -0700

Conversation is basic to being human. Ever notice how everyone wants to talk and no one seems to want to listen. Both are required elements of conversation. What has happened? We need to take care with what we do with it.

219 Imagination & What To Do

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 12:45:21 -0700

What kind of retirement can we imagine. This seems to be a major factor in what we do with our retirement. It takes effort on our part. No parents, teachers or bosses are here to help - or hinder.

218 Something New

del@retirementtalk.org — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 21:06:08 -0700

Surprise can be a good thing in retirement. Sometime life can become just too slow, if not boring. We might want to to allow for a little serendipity into our later years.

217 The Hot Generation

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 6 Mar 2011 13:06:46 -0800

Retired people talk a lot about grandchildren. We hope to leave them more of an inheritance than global warming. How are we doing on that count? Where has reason gone?

216 Guilt and "Dong Nothing"

Sun, 6 Mar 2011 13:00:19 -0800

Guilt can be a terrible thing. Life lessons teach us to do something worthwhile; "Get up and get busy". What happens when we decide to sit down and relax? Is it so bad to live in the moment. And actually enjoy the little things in life?

215 Looking for Something to Do?

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:26:42 -0800

Feel guilty about retirement? Think you should be doing something worthwhile? Feeling patriotic? Here is a project that just might interest you: US Uncut.

214 Retirement Talk; Get Involved

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 10:37:13 -0800

Looking for something to do in retirement? Here is something you can do right from your easy chair. You can take part in this podcast program. It's open to all. Do you have a story?

213 Exercise: January Challenge and Family

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 09:28:58 -0800

Maintaining an exercise routine is necessary for good health. It isn't easy to do. Here is an example of bringing family members together who live thousands of miles apart into a daily exercise regime.

212 Keeping Up Financially Part 3

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 5 Feb 2011 11:46:33 -0800

Will we have enough money to live out our life? Retired people all have to deal with this question. Seeing into the future is impossible. But we can make the best guess at what we may need. Some factors are under our control.

211 Keeping Up Financially Part 2

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 2 Feb 2011 15:16:39 -0800

210 Keeping Up Financially

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 22:09:59 -0800

209 Community College

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 5 Jan 2011 19:51:02 -0800

We all want to lead an interesting life. Retirement gives us a chance to learn about anything we want. Community colleges are a place we may want to investigate.

208 Positive Thinking?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 19:25:47 -0800

Positive thinking has its limits. To doubt it is not fashionable but is certainly reasonable. Think about all the problems you may have avoided with a little more consideration. You may have retired earlier.

207 Medically Assisted End of Life

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 10:20:01 -0800

Death is something we all face. Suffering at the end of life is something that can be endured or avoided. It is our choice - in some states. "You Don't Know Jack" deals with this topic in a very powerful way.

206 Friends, Then and Now

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 3 Dec 2010 17:16:03 -0800

Retirement brings special challenges concerning friendship. The job is no longer there to provide an easy source for meeting new people and bringing us in daily contact with others. New sources must be explored.

205 Staying Focused

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 09:30:41 -0800

We live in a busy world. There are so many distractions or choices. When our job ends we can be overwhelmed with overchoice. Some of us choose to just lay low and stay home. There must be a way?

204 Making the Most of It

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:19:37 -0800

"The unexamined life is not worth living". Eileen Allen is a living inspiration to all of us that hold Socrates beliefs. A recent visit with the author of "I Like Being Old" verifies her practice and beliefs.

203 Ready to Learn

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 20:15:20 -0800

Retiring calls for trying something new. We may be ready to learn something today that has escaped us in the past; learn a foreign language, garden, paint, write or fulfill a secret wish. We can fill in the gaps.

202 Elections and Courage

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 5 Nov 2010 14:18:36 -0700

Political elections take special effort on the part of voters; both to participate and then to accept the results. What can we tell our children when they become discouraged?

201 If Everyone Else Lives In Poverty

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:55:53 -0700

It isn't much fun to have enough money to live well if everything around you is falling to pieces. We retired folks sure don't want the neighborhood to become a ghetto after we retire. Maybe we need to examine our attitude about paying taxes and what we get for them.

200 "Free At Last"

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:11:19 -0700

Many seem to fine that after spending a life time accumulating things they serve only as an anchor when we want to be free. Perhaps retirement is the perfect time to rid ourselves of more than just our jobs.

199 Health, Tai Chi and the Lost Wallet

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 10:52:17 -0700

Health and the practice of Tai Chi keep being touted in the press. Seeing the flowing beauty of actual Tai Chi can be memorable. Perhaps more memorable that loosing one's wallet. (first ran in 2008)

198 Dogs and Retirement

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 7 Oct 2010 21:51:57 -0700

Retirement may be a great time for having a dog. It can bring companionship and serve as a reason for getting some exercise. On the other hand, it may be the worst time to have a dog.

197 Alarm Clocks and the News

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 1 Oct 2010 14:37:47 -0700

Waking up to an alarm clock is not something retired people need to do. Neither do we need to wake up to an alarm radio broadcast of the news. Where does this word 'alarm' fit into a retired lifestyle?

196 The Pacific Northwest

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 10:40:38 -0700

Choosing a place to retire is an opportunity and a challenge. We like to think we can make a good decision. A double murder in our back yard before we even moved in gave us second thoughts.

195 Traveling by Plane

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 17:41:30 -0700

We have become use to flying around in what use to be friendly skies. Traveling by plane isn't what it use to be. It has not only became less enjoyable but now we find out it does a lot of damage to the environment.

194 Kicking Back Without Guilt

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 17:31:12 -0700

We like to think we are on the right track if we are busy. We are a busy culture. We like to do things. We have elevated it to new levels with multi-tasking. But what is to be said for just sitting still and enjoying life?

193 What do you do?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 14:12:11 -0700

Explaining to others what you do in retirement is not an easy task. People constantly ask that question but it is time consuming to answer it honestly.

192 Finding Meaning in Retirement

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 14:18:54 -0700

Sometimes we can't decide what to do with our retirement. We can't decide if we want to become a writer or a gardener. Would it be better to travel or study art. What to do?

191 Finding Meaning in Life

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 12:18:23 -0700

After ending our careers and passing through the stage of raising children many of us find ourselves once again searching for meaning during the retirement years. We search for something that will give meaning to our lives not just in retirement but in our lives.

190 Working with Your Hands

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 6 Aug 2010 09:42:27 -0700

Working with your hands brings a certain sense of satisfaction that many retired people pursue. Sitting behind a desk and tapping computer keys just doesn't seem to bring the same sense of achievement as fashioning a beautiful piece of furniture, creating a work of art or building a geodesic dome.

189 An iPad?

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:08:59 -0700

As retired folks do we really need to keep up with the latest technology? Can't we just sit back in the rocker and let the world go by? We can. But do we really want that?

188 On Becoming a Vegetarian at 67

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:05:15 -0700

What do you do when there is going to be no turkey at Thanksgiving Dinner? For us, it resulted in becoming vegetarians. It isn't really difficult at all. We have found it enjoyable and tasty.

187 How Will I Die?

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:52:46 -0700

Retirement is a time to reflect on our entire life. Sometimes considerations of our own death wade in for consideration. Is this something we need to worry about? Or, should we just focus on life?

186 Denialism and Grandchildren

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:34:39 -0700

Ever tell your grandchildren how important it is to tell the truth? We all know that it doesn't pay to live a lie. Sometimes truth doesn't fit our fancy but we know we have to deal with reality in life.

185 In Praise of Slow Travel

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 2 Jul 2010 09:02:16 -0700

Taking a road trip requires some planning. It may be best for all of us to slow down a bit as we set about to enjoy a vacation. It's something to consider. Sometimes less is more and in respect to travel it is absolutely true.

184 A Second Opinion

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 08:41:29 -0700

Retirement may mean many more trips to the doctor. Sometimes we don't agree with the doctor's diagnosis and desire a second opinion. Here is an example that illustrates the importance of asserting ourselves when it comes to our health.(Update of Episode 016)

183 Retiring Together

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 09:22:51 -0700

Are there special problems for couples who retire at th same time? Are the men always, "underfoot"? Here are some illustrations of what worked for us over 23 years.

182 Another Relocation Alternative

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 20:49:44 -0700

Here is an example of how you can stay in your own home town and yet move away at the same time. Living in two places at once is possible - in a way.

181 The Relocating Alternative

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 4 Jun 2010 14:21:51 -0700

Retiring and relocating are often times linked together. Once our job ends we are free to move about the country. Will be opt for that choice or not? It might work for us and then again....

180 What Now Part 2

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 27 May 2010 18:10:54 -0700

Retirement gives us time to do many different things with our lives. Our choices are often times determined by our imagination and our concept of what will bring us the most happiness. Here are a couple of examples that illustrate the decision making process.

179 What Now?

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 20 May 2010 19:56:12 -0700

After retirement we are faced with the deciding what to do with the rest of our life. How do we address this question? Are there any guidelines or suggestions? One constant seems to be universal: the desire for happiness. We had best know wherein it lies if we ever hope to find it.

178 How Much Money Is Enough?

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 13 May 2010 17:54:24 -0700

When considering retirement, we always wonder if we will have enough money. How can we possible know? Here is what we did - and it seems to have worked - so far.

177 When Should I Retire?

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 6 May 2010 17:30:00 -0700

Deciding if and when to retire are questions many or us wrestle. The pros and the cons can battle on endlessly. Here are some of the reasons my wife and I used making our decision. We are very happy with the consequences.

176 Nursing Homes

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:35:52 -0700

Retirement seems to be accompanied by the need to visit nursing homes. Parents or friends many times relocate to these facilities as we grow older. Dick Smith shares some of the lessons he has learned that might help with these sometimes difficult visits.

175 Learning from Friends

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:39:25 -0700

Ever notice how other people sometimes do the most interesting things? We can find examples and inspiration for what makes for a good retirement from others. Sometimes it is our own friends who help illustrate the range of possibilities.

174 Friend Turn Over

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 10:21:18 -0700

One thing that enhances everything including retirement is good friends. Keeping that fact in the front of our mind might make retirement much more fulfilling.Unfortunately, friends have a way of disappearing. What to do?

173 Deciding to be Happy

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 2 Apr 2010 13:23:32 -0700

172 Frog Spit Ch 2 Part 2

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:04:58 -0700

We continue our publication of Jackie Spinks' new memoir. This humorous rumination of early family life in a mill town in the Pacific Northwest will bring back many thoughts of attitudes and activities of days gone by. And for retired people it can serve as an inspiration of what is possible when one is 80.

171 Frog Spit Ch. 2 Part 1

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:05:01 -0800

Jackie Spinks continues her reading of her new book. Previous episodes can be found in the Archives and on Jackie Sprinks page.

170 Winter Olympics Vancouver 2010

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:36:39 -0700

What's it like to attend a Winter Olympics? We are having that experience now. So far...even for retired people and for people that are not "rich" it is a great experience! Sometimes life's exotic treats don't lie far from our door step.

169 "Frog Spit" part 2

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:28:48 -0800

We continue our publication of Jackie Spinks new memoir. This humorous rumination of early family life in a mill town in the Pacific Northwest will bring back many thoughts of attitudes and activities of days gone by. And for retired people it can serve as an inspiration of what is possible when one is 80.

168 "Frog Spit"

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:13:44 -0800

With this Episode we begin publishing "Frog Spit" a memoir written and read by Jackie Spinks. Jackie grew up in Bellingham, Washington and her humorous writing makes the people, place and time come alive. (This audio book will be published in an ongoing series. Publication of the written text will follow. Look for it on her archive page.)

167 Afraid of Missing Something

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 4 Feb 2010 17:29:14 -0800

Life presents us with all sorts of opportunities and choices. Sometimes we know exactly which we want to choose. Sometimes we want to do them all. What to do?

166 Thought that Go Back and Forth

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:27:45 -0800

Multitasking just seems to violate all principles of retirement. We are suppose to slow down and take life a little easier. Dick Smith talks about some of his conflicts and solutions to the problem.

165 Taking a Risk

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:16:38 -0800

Taking a risk by definition always implies a bit of danger; we could get hurt. Doing some thing new and different always includes this factor. We could fail. It can also make life a bit more interesting and exciting. What to do?

164 No One To Talk To

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:01:37 -0800

Having someone to talk to can be a problem for anyone. As we age conversational isolation can be a more sever problem. We seem to only engage with the TV - and it always just one way. No one listens to us.

163 The January Challenge

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 7 Jan 2010 18:02:22 -0800

January is a time of year when we try to change our lives for the better. Exercise is touted as one of the most important contributors to good health. We know that when we stop moving, we are in trouble. What to do?

162 Looking Ahead; Looking Back

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:36:41 -0800

In retirement some of us tend to look forward to the future. Others of us tend to look back over our own life. Either way, we make decisions as to the way we spend our retirement years. Making no decisions is a choice we try to avoid. For some of us, it isn't easy.

161 Weather

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:38:45 -0800

Our motto has always been to, "Never let the weather dictate what you do with your life". Some people pay a lot of attention to weather. There are lots of reasons to move or relocate when one retires. Weather is one of the main ones, but it is not the only one.

160 Aging and Expectations

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:36:07 -0800

Great expectations are things we associate with young people. But in this time period retired people may have thirty or forty years of good life ahead of them. What are the expectations? Do we prepare for this period in life? Perhaps we should.

159 Changing Our Ways

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 3 Dec 2009 20:17:15 -0800

Sometimes we just get tired of doing the same ol' thing. We want to change our ways. Here is a great example of a person doing just exactly that. And he isn't a spring chicken.

158 Elders and the Environment

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:34:35 -0800

Where did you learn to care about the environment? Who were your mentors? What role can today's elders play in the care of our earth? These questions evolved out of a recent conference I attended in Vancouver, BC. If your looking for something to do in retirement this might be a good choice.

157 From Career to Vocation

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:19:05 -0800

Many people turn something they do for fun into a career. Creating a joyful retirement may be the time to go the other way and turn a career into a vocation. Dick Smith is our guest.

156 Screen Apnea

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:52:35 -0800

Screen Apnea is like sleep apnea. It is a breathing problem. Ever notice how when you work on a computer or gaze at TV how the time just slips by. We tend to forget the rest of the world. Now it seems we even forget to breath; at least not like we should.

155 Chop Wood; Carry Water

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 19:50:34 -0800

Retiring means an active lifestyle for many. Just because we stop working for money doesn't mean we live in a world without things to do. Providing for family, friends, and humanity calls for action even from the enlightened, or perhaps especially from the enlightened.

154 Amounting to Something

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:37:56 -0700

Retirement brings many changes to our lives. The goal of "Amounting to something," is one we have lived with for a long time. Jackie Spinks believes that absence of this may be the great equalizer between men and women. She finds these the happiest days of her life.

153 "Who Made That Rule, Anyway?"

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:13:54 -0700

The way we live is often determined by a set of existing rules. Sometimes we may need to pause and inquire as to their validity. Retired people enjoy a lifetime of experience by which to substantiate their views.

152 "Flat-Earthers" How Do We Know What Is True?

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:04:38 -0700

Two widely divergent political groups dominate our countries politics. Why is there such a wide gulf between the two? Where do we get our beliefs? Are we even of the same species?

151 Venturing Into Politics

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 8 Oct 2009 20:06:47 -0700

Retirement years are time where one has time to read, talk, write and practice politics. Politics can become a main interest for many retired folks. Wisdom gained through years of living might make political life more meaningful for all.

150 How Much Is Enough

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 1 Oct 2009 14:21:34 -0700

Thoughts of retiring always bring thoughts of money. Do we have enough to live on the rest of our life? Here is an example of thoughts that we weighed when considering the money question. So far so good.

149 Out of the Box

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:59:28 -0700

Retirement is a major life change for us all. We find ourselves "Out of the box" we have been living in for years. Dick Smith shares some thoughts on this new beginning.

148 Bicycling and Retirement

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:12:42 -0700

Bicycling and retirement seem to go together for many of us. Bicycling can combine fun with exercise, running errands, and just getting around our community. It is good for our health, our pocket book, our environment and our health. Amazing!

147 Memoir is Retirement

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:07:23 -0700

Joining a memoir writing group can help in understanding our entire life. It helps us look back; it helps us examine the present and it helps us clarity our connection to others. Dick smith shares these recent thoughts.

146 Tenting, Biking and Elderhostel

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 3 Sep 2009 20:30:01 -0700

Tenting, biking and Elderhostel somehow seemed tied together. They seem to attract like-minded people: young at heart, adventurous, and interesting. Age does not seem to dampen their enthusiasm for life. Here is the story of three such travelers.

145 Contemplating Religion

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:05:16 -0700

Jackie Spinks takes a look at religion in this podcast. A lifetime of experiences have shaped her thoughts and beliefs. One thing about it: religious or not, we spend a lot of time trying to sort out our thoughts concerning this subject.

144 Retirement Talk and Technology

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:03:16 -0700

Here is a description of the technology used and the technological changes that have been required to maintain this podcast as it moves into its fourth year of production. If podcasting is something you have considered in retirement this information might be useful.

143 Desirability of Dumb?

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:53:10 -0700

Humorous writer Jackie Spinks had a conversation the other day that triggered some thoughts about the word "Dumb". Seems like that is in vogue these days. Heaven knows, we wouldn't want to be accused of being smart.

142 Retirement and Traveling by Train

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:52:51 -0700

141 Downsizing

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:38:11 -0700

The idea of Downsizing brings many questions to mind. The location and size of the house in which we live is important. Perhaps more important than we realize. It can be an opportunity to re-evaluate the way we live.

140 Michael Jackson Meets John Donne

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 9 Jul 2009 10:02:37 -0700

"Any man's death diminishes me...". John Donne's famous words were brought to mind by Michael Jackson's memorial service. We all have at least two things in common: we all make mistakes and we all die.

139 John's Departure

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 2 Jul 2009 10:00:22 -0700

Links to the past continue to be broken as we age. We learn to value what we have. Retirement has it's challenges and dealing with the death of a friend is one. Dick Smith shares his thoughts concerning his friend John.

138 Retirement and Reunions

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:46:59 -0700

Retirement and reunions seems to go hand in hand. The question: "Are you going to the reunion?" comes up often. I just experienced my first. Here's the story.

137 Retirement's Many Roads

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:27:11 -0700

My neighbor down the street retired last year and is still, "lost". He can't figure out what he wants to do with all of this time. Retirement can freeze us with over-choice. It is important to make a choice.

136 Gardening

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:15:31 -0700

In this episode Dick Smith shares his thoughts with us concerning his recent retirement project of creating a garden. The process has brought to mind other gardens and people that have been part of his life.

135 Doing the Dishes

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 5 Jun 2009 15:44:28 -0700

Daily routines present themselves to us in retirement - like it or not. Is it possible to turn these into pleasurable moments? The Myth of Sisyphus may be our salvation. Can we learn to, "love our rock"?

134 The Boxer - My Father

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 5 Jun 2009 15:37:12 -0700

Jackie Spinks relates a story about her family history. It seems her Grandmother was not fond of her daughter marrying a boxer. But a boxer with brown eyes and a car...hard to stay away from.

133 Retirement and Needs

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 5 Jun 2009 15:31:25 -0700

We all have needs throughout our lives. In this podcast Dick Smith considers our needs and how they relate to retired folks. What do we need to not only sustain us but to allow us to flourish at this stage in our lives.

132 Heroes

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 7 May 2009 17:39:14 -0700

We all have heroes. We need heroes. Pete Seeger is one of mine. Here is a guy with a banjo and a backbone who became an icon during his life time. What is it about people that make them heroic in our minds or our lives?

131 Time for Indulgence - The Coffee Shop

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:29:12 -0700

Taking time for coffee is one of the pleasure of our retired life. For over twenty years we have found time for a trip to the coffee shop on a daily basis. Some might call this a wast of time; but time that is enjoyed is never time wasted.

130 Road Trip Part 2: Lessons Learned

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:22:30 -0700

The last step in the Epicurean development of the Cult of Happiness is to reflect on our planning and actualization. In completing the Road Trip Series the reflections prove enlightening. There were steps to emulate and omissions that should be corrected.

129 Reviewing the History of Our Time

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:43:07 -0700

Dick Smith Finds inspiration while drinking coffee with other retired friends. Their conversation and minds mix and bring different views to lives that have spanned the same time frame.

128 Retirement, Poetry, and the Immigrant

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:37:16 -0700

Jackie Spinks tries her hand at poetry in this podcast. Her father - the immigrant - and the depression come together to give us a unique picture of the depression and the present economic predicament.

127 Road Trip Part 20: Retirement Values and Patriotism

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:24:57 -0700

Retirement may be a time to "kick-back" in some ways. It can afford us more time to consider our own values and those of our community. Dick Smith writes letters to the editor of the local newspaper expressing his values.

126 Road Trip Part 19: The Road Runs to Denver

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:20:36 -0700

I could move to Denver, Colorado. Driving from Jackson, Mississippi we made miles. The road was straight and flat. We did find some interesting stops, but the city of Denver and the local neighborhood of our friend were gems.

125 Road Trip Part 18: Mississippi

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:16:02 -0700

A memorable stop on our road trip was the great state of Mississippi. We went there to pay homage to two great American writers and visit a cousin. We left with a deeper understanding of what it means to live in the south.

124 Road Trip Part 17: Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway to Graceland

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:11:26 -0700

Driving the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway can be beautiful in the winter - beautiful vistas and little to no traffic. But the home of Elvis Presley was the highlight of these few days. For anyone of retirement age, visiting Graceland will bring back lots of memories.

123 Road Trip Part 16: Chesapeake Bay to Monticello

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:04:43 -0700

This retirement podcast comes from our turning point on our road trip. We turn west from Chesapeake Bay and head west. Without clear direction, we tend south and west. Charlottesville, Virginia becomes our next stop.

122 Road Trip Part 15: Washington D.C.

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 09:00:26 -0700

Washington DC is a destination point on this road trip. Retirement talk often evolves into discussion of our nation's capital. This retirement podcast tells of a four day visit to the famed city. It proves a demanding but rewarding city to visit.

121 Road Trip Part 14: Durham and Chapel Hill

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 08:53:48 -0700

Durham and Chapel Hill are college towns: Duke and the University of North Carolina. The towns are similar in many ways. They are great places to live according to the residents. Retirement Talk looks at each of them.

120 Road Trip Part 13: Savannah and Strength Training

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:55:25 -0700

This retirement podcast follows our road trip through Savannah, Georgia. It then moves through South Carolina and visit with a retired friend who has found his key to retirement in competitive weight lifting.

119 Road Trip Part 12: Sarasota

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:51:06 -0700

For many, the senior lifestyle dream involves moving to Florida. Our road trip included a stop in both Panama City and in Sarasota. We could visit some friends and check out the appeal.

118 Road Trip Part 11: Bay Saint Louis to Panama City

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:47:14 -0700

This retirement podcast follows our journey along the Gulf of Mexico focusing on Bay Saint Louis and Panama City. The real story is about visiting old friends. Retirees, be the boomers or seniors, can find pure enjoyment by renewing old friendships.

124 Road Trip Part 17: Blue Ridge Parkway to Graceland

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:15:57 -0700

117 Road Trip Part 10: New Orleans

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:41:02 -0700

"I love New Orleans". Everyone I met who lives in New Orleans said that. No exceptions. This retirement podcast is focused on our road trip stop in New Orleans. From the French Quarter to Katrina, I have a few observations.

116 Road Trip Part 9: From Ruidoso to New Orleans

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:36:32 -0700

Ruidoso, New Mexico works well with my friends senior lifestyle. They moved here at age 78 and love it. Big Bend National Park, Austin and San Antonio are also visited in this podcast.

115 Road Trip Part 8: Forced Retirement and Sun City

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:28:42 -0700

In this retirement podcast a more difficult retirement is discussed; a medical retirement. How does one deal with health demands that end work and force retirement? In this interview we meet and talk to a fibromyalgia victim. Hearing such stories help all of us gain perspective on our own lives.

114 Road Trip Part 7: Retirement in Sun City, Arizona

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:23:50 -0700

Retirement lifestyle choices lead many Americans to Sun City, Arizona. This interview gives one view of why it is such a great place to retire for some. Others may conclude that it is not for them.

113 Road Trip Part 6: Hope, Arizona and RV'ing

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:18:17 -0700

For many retirees their senior lifestyle revolves around traveling to warm climates with an RV. Here is an example of one place and one person who has been doing that very thing for 13 years. You might like it; then again...

112 Road Trip Part 5: Starting Out, or Actualization

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:52:18 -0700

The day the trip starts can be filled with surprises. Our road trip across the country was no different. It seemed like the gods were planning against us, but the trip did get underway. We went from Bellingham, Washington to Sutter Creek, California in this first leg of the trip.

111 Road Trip Part 4: Why Travel?

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:42:44 -0700

Why do we always seem to want to travel? It seems to be part of retirement lifestyle. Before we take a trip we might want to clarify in our mind just exactly what we hope to gain. Perhaps we are better off staying home.

110 Road Trip Part 3: A Place to Stay

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:36:46 -0700

There are many ways to travel. Where to sleep each night is a particularly important consideration. Our trip plan revolves around home exchanges as established basis from which to experience general areas. Here's the plan.

109 Road Trip Part 2 - The Vehicle

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 5 Dec 2008 10:33:56 -0800

This retirement podcast is part of a series concerning taking a road trip across America. A major consideration has to be what type of vehicle will serve the needs of an extended venture. Here is the path we took. The reasons and goals are discussed.

108 Our True Home

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 14:54:56 -0800

John McCain recently revealed the ownership of nine homes at the present time. Dick Smith had eight houses, but not all at the same time. Converting a house into a home is a trick. I'm not sure it can be done with nine at a time.

107 Road Trip USA - Planning

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:32:28 -0800

An often heard dream of many retirees is to, "Take a road trip around the America". We are gearing up for just such a trip. We will document our venture here through several podcasts. What works and what doesn't? When you take the trip you can avoid the mistakes.

106 "Because I Said So!"

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:31:13 -0800

We have all heard the words in the title of this retirement podcast. Sometimes they were said to us and sometimes we said them to others. Dick Smith believes retirement gives us time to change our mind and attitudes.

105 Being Taken Advantage Of

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 6 Nov 2008 14:03:43 -0800

Being taken advantage of is a lifelong problem. Retirement does not exempt us from this difficulty. We all fall victim sometime, or we know someone who has. We can learn from sharing our stories.

104 Risky Business

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:11:01 -0700

A senior lifestyle can include taking a risk. As we age we tend to avoid big risk taking. Sometimes we need to screw up our courage and step out on a limb. It makes life more exciting and interesting.

103 Mentors

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:12:45 -0700

We all remember people who had exceptional influence on our lives. In this memoir, Dick Smith relates some of his favorite people who played a role in making him who he is today.

102 Guilt, Stress and Retirement

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:42:42 -0700

Lessons learned in early life can stay with us throughout life. Guilt - unwarranted guilt - is one of those lessons that can remain undiscovered but yet produce life long stress. Overcoming stress is necessary for an enjoyable retirement lifestyle.

101 Abortion, Absolutism, and Aging

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 9 Oct 2008 13:36:43 -0700

Jackie Spinks looks back over eighty years of personal experience related to the issue of abortion and how our values are formed. One thing about getting older; it gives us perspective. We retired folks might want to share it.

100 Retirement by Projects

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 2 Oct 2008 15:03:51 -0700

Retirement Talk is one hundred episodes old and still growing. The role it plays in my retired life serves as a focal point for using projects as a method of retirement living.

099 Retirement and Neighbors

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 2 Oct 2008 15:03:39 -0700

Neighbors can make retirement miserable, or if approached with care, become tolerable if not enjoyable. Retired folks need to move cautiously when they venture into the neighborhood. Care must be taken.

098 "We are Here to Help You"

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:27:01 -0700

Sometimes choice of words affects us more than we are aware. Retired folks have years of experience on which to rely for clarity. We need to exercise due diligence.

097 Exercise - for the Brain?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 17:37:43 -0700

We know our muscles, lungs and cardiovascular system needs to get some exercise. We may not connect this exercise with the best thing in the world we can do for our brain. But, it seems to be true.

096 Government: Under the Constitution?

del@retirementtalk.org — Tue, 5 Aug 2008 21:35:16 -0700

One topic of conversation that is prevalent among the retired people I know is politics. There is a lot of experience and history among we older folks that can make for varied thoughts concerning the way we govern ourselves. This podcast offers a glimpse into a recent political discussion.

095 A Lifelong Interest - Geodesic Domes

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:00:55 -0700

Retirement brings many topics of discussion into our lives. Some may continue on from youth. Dick Smith shares with us his everlasting interest in geodesic domes.

094 Retirement and A Work of Love

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:52:23 -0700

Some times society values what we choose to do with our life in retirement with continued income. Imagine, doing what you really want and getting paid for it? My friend, Lewis, created a perfect match.

093 Recording Stories - "On The Loose"

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:48:01 -0700

Many of us imagine ourselves recording stories of ourselves, or someone else, before it is too late. It is a great thing to do in the retirement phase of life. In this retirement podcast, Dick Smith shares a story written in his Senior Memoirs Writing Group about doing the very thing.

092 Suicide - A Final Decision

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 3 Jul 2008 10:18:41 -0700

Suicide is a topic that is rarely discussed and yet remains a very real possibility. This retirement podcast is not taking an advocacy position but is just relating the story of four people I know who have chosen this path. It springs from retirement talk with some friends.

091 Aging and Frustration

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:42:45 -0700

Frustration seems to be part of life. Retirement and being a Senior Citizen doesn't make one immune to sleepless nights and worry over trivial matters. Hopefully, with all of our life experiences, we can manage it a bit better.

090 The Cleanest Wash - Housekeeping Excellence

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:16:10 -0700

Retirement gives us time to find the beauty in former daily routine. Jackie Spinks takes a moment to reflect on a time when life was hard and people were close. The Monday morning wash set the tone for neighbors, families, and towns.

089 Slow Down and Pick Up the Pace

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:56:29 -0700

Having a retirement of our own choosing is what most of us desire. We want time in our life to do whatever we choose. Other people and events have a way of under mining this dream of independence. We need all of our resources to live the retirement we have always imagined.

088 Senior Memoirs Writing Group

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 5 Jun 2008 12:11:27 -0700

Retired people and seniors have experiences and knowledge that needs to be shared. We all need to be heard and we all need to listen. Dick Smith shares with us his current experience in a memoirs writing group for seniors.

087 Staying Fit in Retirement

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:43:40 -0700

Staying fit is needed throughout life. Enjoyment of retirement calls for special attention to this need. Luckily, we have a head start on all other segments of society. We've had more practice.

086 Food, Weight, and Retirement

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:19:25 -0700

Retired people like to eat. We have time and tastes that make good eating possible. The problem: eating too much good food . It is easy to, "do lunch". It is easy to linger over a good meal. It is easy to gain weight and ruin our health.

085 Writing a Book - with a Young Child

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 15 May 2008 09:07:42 -0700

Dick Smith shares a story of a retirement activity that might be well used by many of us. Writing a book with a grandchild, or young child at a school, might be just the thing to create a little mystery and change our lives.

084 Being Prepared - for Death

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 8 May 2008 13:50:28 -0700

Death happens to each of us. Lying silently, tied to a container of drugs, in a nursing home for days or weeks waiting for death to finally end our pain is one way. There are many ways to die. Thinking and talking about this process is something that is in short supply

083 Does Retirement Call for a Dermatologist?

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 1 May 2008 09:14:36 -0700

Physical beauty is of paramount importance most of our lives. With age comes retirement and hopefully wisdom. We learn that there are more important attributes to beauty that the physical. This may be one of retirement's greatest benefits.

082 Looking Back - 60 years

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:00:39 -0700

Jackie Spinks is my guest. Her recent conversation has focused on the 1940s and her memories of why she formed opinions she held at that time.

081 Birds

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:56:17 -0700

Retirement and birds; how do they fit together? When four birds are killed by flying into my windows glass during breakfast, it got me thinking. Retirement may be a great time to speak up on behalf of birds.

080 Aging - and Music

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:52:49 -0700

From birth to death, music is a part of life. The love of one type of music seems to be every changing. Is there yet another door into the world of music? Perhaps retirement offers us another, yet unexpected, opportunity to expand our appreciation.

079 Technology - Keeping Up

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 3 Apr 2008 10:31:17 -0700

Technological changes keep coming at us. Some retired folks give up, What's a person to do? Should we become exhausted chasing something that never stops, or, kickback and let the world roll on without us? Do any of these "technological gadgets" really help us older folks? Or are they all for kids?

078 The Good Ol' Days - Dentistry

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:01:01 -0700

Jackie Spinks look back with clear vision at part of what makes up our past. Time in the dentist's chair was all part of the "good old days". Lets be honest.

077 Friends

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:21:43 -0700

We all have moments when we think we don't have enough friends. Where can we get some new friends? That is a question that is often asked. Maybe if we look back we will find direction to developing new friends.

076 Learning to Relax

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 5 Mar 2008 08:56:22 -0800

Retirement gives us time to examine ourselves better than ever before in our lives. Living with tension in our body can be something that has developed over a lifetime. We may not be aware of what has become, "natural". Learning to relax may still be within our grasp.

075 Retirement and Upkeep

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:18:02 -0800

It is easy to let things slide. The paint on the house ages. The drapes fade and sag. The belt gets tighter around the waist. Upkeep is need for the house, furniture, body and the mind. Neglect upkeep and the slide into old age becomes all to evident to everyone. Of course, some go beyond just keeping up to actually improving. Life get better!

074 War Stories - A Place and A Time

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:49:02 -0800

Telling old stories to folks that aren't interested is an open pit for retired folks. Dick Smith talks of the need for the telling and yet the care concerning when and where the telling takes place.

073 Alaska - Go Now!

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:20:13 -0800

Traveling to Alaska is one activity the seems to be on many a retired person's list. The lure of the North and Arctic is well founded. And the time to go will never be better than the present moment. The journey is easier than you might think. Retirement is the time to actualize that long held dream.

072 Age 80 and Looking Ahead

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 7 Feb 2008 16:53:10 -0800

Jackie Spinks takes a shot at 2030. She paints with a broad brush. She is familiar with making mistakes and seems only sure that more will be made, What will the future look like?

071 Relating to Grandchildren

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:38:30 -0800

Communicating across generations is a challenge. We must all invent our own methods. Computer kids pose unique challenges. We need a plan. Grandparents have a unique position to pass on wisdom gathered from experience.

070 Generational Criticism

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:10:18 -0800

Each generation seems to have its complaints concerning the generation following. Understanding this common condition may help us better manage our own views of human behavior.

069 Habits

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:47:13 -0800

By the time we reach retirement age we have almost cemented in some habits. We all have them. Yet, changing them is possible. The trick is to develop good ones rather than bad ones. Aristotle gave us some good advice on this one.

068 Politics, Truth, and Common Sense

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:28:44 -0800

Important political issues are like Elephants running through out living room. They are massive, numerous, and completely ignored. When it comes to politics, truth and common sense have taken on these Elephant-like characteristics.

067 New Year's Resolutions and A Life List

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 3 Jan 2008 12:59:01 -0800

New Year's Resolutions are intended to guide us through the year. A Life List can do that on a much more grand scale. Retirement is a great milestone when a new list might be in order.

066 Holidays and Getting Older

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:28:51 -0800

Holidays can be trying times for the retired. We are suppose to enjoy them. Best that we not get caught without a plan.

065 "This Old House"

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:18:48 -0800

Time takes a toll on a house and on a person alike. Repair and maintenance are needed. Retirement is a time to become a weaver of sorts. It is a time to repair and embellish. Dick Smith is my guest.

064 Would You Like To Be Young Again?

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 19:44:15 -0800

"I think old is better". Jackie Spinks has drawn some conclusions concerning various phases of life. She speaks from years of experience.

063 Getting Around

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 6 Dec 2007 16:19:30 -0800

Transportation can be a serious problem as we move into retirement years. We live in a car focused environment and our car days may be numbered. Getting to the store, post office, restaurant, etc. can be challenging. How do we cope with getting around as we age

062 Dredging Up Old Memories

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 08:35:03 -0800

Experiences can take on new form when evaluated later in life. We may have learned to be a bit more compassionate - even to ourselves. It may be worth the time to reexamine some of our troubling thoughts.

061 My Aumakua or Place In The World

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 13:59:18 -0800

Retirement is the last act in this drama called life. What will be the nature of this - final act? New dimensions other than work will have to serve to identify us.

060 Retired and No Time To Shave

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:06:36 -0800

Retirement can be a time of hesitation, retreat, and drift. Or, it can be a very busy time of doing exactly what you want. The key is to know what you want.

059 Retirement: A Time for Understanding

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 8 Nov 2007 10:46:27 -0800

Human development is well charted for the young. There is little guidance for the retired. Retirement gives us time to come to terms with what makes us and the world go round. It also gives us time to find the center of ourselves.

058 Casinos

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 1 Nov 2007 10:41:00 -0700

Casinos have sprouted up like flowers, or weeds, - blooming all along the roads. They can be dangerous places; especially for retired folks

057 Gun Control - Kenya Style

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:34:33 -0700

Reaching retirement age has it's benefits. Life experiences help shape our thinking. Political promises can appear transparent. Gun Control is a perfect example.

056 Retirement and Dogs

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:07:52 -0700

Dogs give us unconditional love. This can be an invaluable addition to life at the time of retirement. There can be problems, but having a dog can bring a whole new reason for living into our life. And it gets us outside.

055 Is the World Better Off?

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 14:55:39 -0700

We would all like to leave the world a better place. We like to think that our generation will correct mistakes made by our elders. Our children will inherit a better place. I was surprised by my conclusions.

054 Social Isolation and Retirement

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 4 Oct 2007 10:08:05 -0700

Social isolation is a major problem in retirement. We can loose all emotional contact with people. Our dignity and sense of self worth can force us to retreat. What to do?

053 Death, Escape, Retirement

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 19:23:53 -0700

Enjoying retirement is a result of many factors. The most important being that death has not snatched us away earlier. If we escape it long enough, we may enjoy retirement and a good story.

052 Retirement and Freedom

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:55:11 -0700

"Freedom" is a word that is often used in conjunction with retirement. For some, this freedom is appreciated and liberating. Other retirees seem to drowned in it. They can't move. What makes for these apparently different results?

051 Retirement and Technology

del@retirementtalk.org — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:25:00 -0700

This age of technology isn't easy for some of us. It requires that we learn something new constantly. Of course, learning can be fun and the world in which we live can be very exciting. Best to keep up than die early.

050 Retirement and Not Looking So Hot

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 17:35:39 -0700

Retirement is usually associated with growing older - and inevitable changes in our physical appearance. Our culture seems to worship youth. What are we retirees to do? Jackie Spinks shares some thoughts with us.

049 "Love Trips"

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 17:54:44 -0700

Love Trips refer to those trips we retired folks take to see our grandchildren, children, or parents. We usually fly. Is that method a transportation destined to end in light of global warming or climate change? This threat is very much a possibility.

048 Escaping Big Worries?

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 20:06:19 -0700

Major worries seem to follow us all the days of our lives: war, pestilence, and famine. Is retirement a time when one might be allowed a few moments of escaping this human condition?

047 Killing the Wicked Witch of Time

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 9 Aug 2007 20:20:37 -0700

How does our concept of time change when we retire? Does it change? Roy Ingham talks of the way time has changed for him since retirement.

046 Life as a Sandwich Board: Political Activism

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 2 Aug 2007 17:51:29 -0700

Retirement can give us time to do whatever we choose. Roy Ingham is 82 and is an inspiration to anyone who may choose to live a life as a true political activist.

045 Planning My Funeral

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 20:49:21 -0700

A recent funeral I attended drew my attention to the need, or opportunity, to plan my own funeral. It is more of a case of what you might not want than what you want to have included.

044 Retirement and Priorities

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:22:17 -0700

Many of us always claim that we want to get something done but just never get it done. Could it be that we just need to establish priorities? We need to shut things out of our life and make room for what we really do desire.

043 Retirement, Alarm Clocks, and News

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:31:20 -0700

Alarm clocks can be bashed when one retires. Life can be lived without alarms. One might also consider the onslaught of alarming news as well. Perhaps it is time to temper or tame it.

042 Death of a Son

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 5 Jul 2007 17:47:10 -0700

When a child dies, a difficult time faces the parent. This is true if the parent is young or retired. Dick Smith shares his experience of facing this time of tragedy at the age of 81.

041 Retirement, News, and Weather

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 17:42:48 -0700

Why do some of us devote so much of our time to being informed about news and weather? Is this good use of our retirement time? Why do we do this? What am I doing with the rest of my life?

040 Health, Tai Chi, and the Lost Wallet

del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 17:18:17 -0700

Health and the practice of Tai Chi keep being touted in the press. Seeing the flowing beauty of actual Tai Chi can be memorable. Perhaps more memorable that loosing one's wallet.

039 Retirement and Moving to be Close to Family

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 19:47:13 -0700

038 History - Learning from Other's Experience

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 7 Jun 2007 21:31:04 -0700

Sometimes it is better to let other's make the mistakes; listen to their stories and then move forward. Boomers and seniors have a lot to share with younger generations that might be very rewarding.

037 Retirement and Home Exchange

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 24 May 2007 14:24:59 -0700

Retirement brings lots of new opportunities. The Home exchange network. You agree to trade the use of your residence for that of someone else's. The trade is cash free.

036 Dignity, Identity, and Health Care

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 17 May 2007 14:38:24 -0700

Maintaining human dignity is a life long issue. Identity theft is a daily challenge. Our health care system sometimes makes demands on our dignity and identity that is a concern for all.

035 Owning an RV - What's It Like?

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 10 May 2007 17:43:42 -0700

How much does owning an RV cost? What is so good about it? What are major problems? What is life like in an RV?

034 Grandfathers, Granddaughters, and History

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 3 May 2007 17:29:32 -0700

Grandfathers should never argue with granddaughters. But, on the value of history a wide gap is developing between generations.

033 A Career for Life - "The Silver Tsunami"

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:50:40 -0700

A life goal for some of us is to retire and change our life. . Many older workers are choosing to continue work and never quit or change direction. Here is an example.

032 The Con

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 22:17:59 -0700

"The Con" is something we have to be concerned with all of our life. Here a couple of examples that may remind us of the importance of not allowing ourselves to be taken to the cleaners.

031 "A Ripe Old Age"

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 18:57:38 -0700

What does it mean to live to a ripe old age. Young Gene died at age 11 and a recent news story talked of a man 110 years old taking a new wife - age 30. What does all this mean concerning, "A ripe old age"?

030 Loneliness and Senior Citizens

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 5 Apr 2007 17:48:38 -0700

Loneliness is an issue for all people. Senior Citizens face a peculiar type of loneliness that may call for learning new behaviors. Jackie Spinks shares her outlook on the issue in this episode.

029 Advantages to Aging

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 18:06:25 -0800

Judging character, automatic muscle movements, and accumulation of skill and knowledge are some of the recently reported advantages of aging. This is good news for those of us that are in the retirement zone.
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028 Elderly Sex - A Personal Testimony

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 18:00:32 -0800

A frank statement of sex and the elderly is shared with us by a 79 year old woman. Be prepared for honesty and openness concerning this life time concern.

027 Mexico - Treasure of Sierra Madres

del@retirementtalk.org — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 09:48:12 -0800

Retirement and travel sometimes open unexpected opportunities. This is a story of trying to make connections with Humphrey Bogart, treasure and madness. Follow us on our trip to San Sebastian.

026 Dealing with Aches and Pains

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 10:19:40 -0800

Dick Smith shares ideas with us in dealing with the aches and pains that come later in life. He deals the aches and pains we have and those that others have. What to do?

025 Retiring in Mexico - Two Examples

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 3 Mar 2007 09:52:50 -0800

Thinking of moving to Mexico? Here are two examples of people who wanted something different. They moved to off-the-road places in Mexico: sun, beaches, surf, no automobiles, - paradise?

024 Retirement and Travel by Plane - Mexico

del@retirement.org — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 19:22:25 -0800

Traveling by plane can be more difficult as one gets older and as plane travel changes. Del talks of his recent journey to Mexico and the challenges and rewards.

023 Death and Decision Making: Part 2

Del@retirementtalk.org — Fri, 9 Feb 2007 19:28:37 -0800

Dealing with death and the promise of eternal happiness can effect our decisions in life. This story of a swami and enlightenment can shed light on this question.

022 Telling the Truth - A Luxury of Growing Older

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 4 Feb 2007 11:06:30 -0800

Jackie Spinks shares her experience of telling the truth when it comes to religious preferences throughout life. Why should shame or guilt be associated with, "atheist"?

021 Death and Decision Making

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 19:08:13 -0800

This is the first of a series dealing our concept of death and how that influences all the decisions of our life. Hopefully this story will lead you to consider your own deep thoughts concerning this matter that takes special meaning during the later stages of our life.

020 Worry and Getting Older.

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 18:29:17 -0800

There are things we worry about when we are young and then there are things we worry about when we get older. Some are the same, but many are different. Jackie Spinks talks about worry and the role it has played in her life and her families.

019 Work and Play

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 6 Jan 2007 19:19:19 -0800

Dick Smith finds that retirement allows time for reviewing and perfecting work skills that have been gained over a lifetime. It is also a time to pray at activities that one has always dreamed of.

018: Retirement Without Guilt

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 15:12:52 -0800

Many of us feel some sense of guilt when we retire. We think we should be working; doing something productive with our lives. What is to be said of the person who just wants to sit back, enjoy a few years of relaxation and assume the position of just being?

017: A Time to Reconnect

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 9 Dec 2006 21:12:14 -0800

At retirement we have the opportunity to review our lives in the records and memories of our extended families. This is a good time to dig out old family pictures and reconnect with former friends and relatives that have shared our lives.

016: Health and A Second Opinion

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 2 Dec 2006 16:54:58 -0800

Retirement may mean many more trips to the doctor. Sometimes we don't agree with the doctor's diagnosis and desire a second opinion. This example illustrates the importance of asserting ourselves when it comes to our health.

015: The Man in the Mirror

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 17:18:37 -0800

Retirement means that we must identify ourselves with the availability of a job title. The question, "Who are we?" becomes a bit more complicated. Friends can help in reflecting our new identity.

014: It's Not So Bad To Grow Old

del@retirementtalk.org — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 14:45:22 -0800

Jackie Spinks has lived over three quarters of a century. She concludes that life is not so bad as one grows older. Her gems of wisdom collected sparkle with humor.

013: What Do You Do?

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 09:06:33 -0800

The question of, "What do you do?" is asked many times of retired people. Here is an example of how very difficult it can be to honestly answer this question. Sometimes, "What we do", is not given to a short answer. We do many things.

012: Retirement Wisdom Concerning People and Priorities

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 08:58:19 -0800

Retirement affords us time for a consideration of our life. Sometimes the value of friends from the past can take on special meaning as we reflect on our time with them.

011: Taking Life As It Comes

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 08:55:44 -0800

Retirement can bring many challenges to each of us. Dick Smith tells us of his manner of dealing with change by, "taking life as it comes".

010: Retiring at the Same Time as Your Spouse

del@retirementtalk.org — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 08:54:15 -0800

Retiring at the same time as your spouse is often times seen as a problem - or a potential problem. Here is an example of how it seemed to have worked out very well.

009: A Relocating Alternative in Retirement

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 17:12:52 -0800

Contentment with where you live and a desire for a change sometimes creates conflict for the retired. We could move if we wanted to. Or, we could stay where we are. Is it possible to do both. We have..

008: Tying the Past to the Present

del@retirementtalk.org — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 16:59:40 -0800

Road trips after retirement can sometimes lend insight into history, the present time, and one's own life. Dick Smith and his wife Linda Sutherland illustrate this beautifully in this story.

007: A Sense of Place

del@retirementttalk.org — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 12:05:52 -0800

Developing a sense of place when moving to a new location can be a real challenge. Roy Ingham has moved twice since reaching age 65 and has made two such successful moves.

006: Road Trip via Car