On several occasions over the past couple years I have stopped to visit my Aunt only to find her surrounded by a group of girlfriends happily chatting and enjoying afternoon coffee together around her dining room table. Their group formed to mitigate social isolation during the Covid pandemic and continues to thrive. I immediately thought of interviewing them for my series on retirement and had the opportunity to do so on a gloomy day this past week. All of the ladies were raised in the area and continued to reside here as adults working and raising families before settling into retirement; six of the seven are widows living independently and enjoying a joyful retirement life. All are college educated and in their late 70’s/early 80’s.
Beyond necessary appointments, they all gleefully report letting their days unfold organically as an enjoyable part of being retired after decades of hectic work and family life. Leisurely enjoying a second morning cup of coffee while watching the world go by offers an unexpected sense of joy. In addition, they all take great satisfaction from being available to support/spend time with parents, kids and grandkids during their respective life stages; it seems being needed remains important as we age. One word of advice was to manage volunteer efforts to avoid overextension; pick one meaningful cause and/or one day a week to volunteer lest this area of giving becomes a burden in retirement.
When asked about their greatest joy or luxury in retirement, the word “freedom” was often used. Spontaneity to do what you want, when you want is important to these ladies; not having commitments leads to a sense of calm sought in retirement. The satisfaction associated with not being rushed was expressed as an unexpected retirement surprise as was successful independent living. Peacefulness also comes from nature and the time to observe and reflect on life experiences and the world around them; watching the birds, rabbits and chickens also brings joy to these ladies.
It appears personal development becomes less important when one is content and living one day at a time in the present although proactively taking care of one’s health remains a priority for these gals. One way they support each other in this is by walking together when the weather cooperates. Hobbies and past times mentioned through which lifelong learning continues include sewing, quilting, embroidery, puzzling, reading, cooking and baking with retirement allowing them to spend more time on these areas of interest and bringing about a renewed sense of satisfaction. Several ladies are still interested in regional travel and some expressed a “been there, done that” mentality when it comes to more international travel. I suggested they go on a cruise together which I think they would thoroughly enjoy!
Their advice to the younger generation, which mimics the responses from others to this question, is to work hard, save money and still make time for the important things in life. My afternoon with these ladies was most enjoyable and I was awed by their introspection and clarity on life in retirement. They are all happy and fulfilled in this life stage which is encouraging to me and I hope will be to others as we move toward, enter into or lean further into retirement life.