Many of us around the age of 60 find ourselves retired, semi-retired or soon to be retired. The job market and climate for older workers is not what it used to be so it’s time to be flexible and adaptable. It could be a blessing in disguise.
Health is critical to well being more so than wealth. If working another seven years did not increase life expectancy (or lowered it) would it make sense to work those years. Many have to work because they have bills and commitment; yet, some find themselves with bills and commitments and no work! Here are some suggestions.
First, maintain your health. If we think the situation is less than ideal now, it would be much worse if we were ill or just OK. Feeling healthy regardless of how wealthy is a key first step.
Second, lower your bills. Some retirees leave for cheaper places to live or even cheaper countries. By the time they give up their car, home ownership, heat and air conditioning, the cost of moving there, etc. they could have stayed where they were. Renting is more flexible than home repairs, a payment and taxes. I don’t suggest selling though; just keep it in mind. If income is down, the tax break on owning lessens. Ration car use or go to one car. Ration your own utilities as in many countries they just dress warmer when it gets cold and take it easy when it’s hot.
Third, spend your time triathlon training. Many gym memberships average about a dollar a day. The two I know of at that price point come with indoor bikes, treadmills, weight room and indoor pool. To keep cost down and be safe, a person could leave it at that. If you want to spring for a decent bike, good enough for amateurs over 50, bikes are available for under $1000.
Fourth, spend a lot of time training – up to two hours a day once you get used to it. Sitting on the bike for an hour, walking or jogging or running for a half hour and swimming the rest of the time is cheap entertainment. There is always some area of the three you can improve. Do weight lifting and another easy activity (which could include swimming) every other day. After two hours of training, take a nap for an hour or more. Pretty soon, half the day has passed where you’ve been occupied and feel great.
Fifth, don’t make doing an Ironman your goal. The Ironman is too draining. Qualifying for Hawaii will cost over $1000 and attending around $3000. Here is professional triathlete’s opinion on the Ironman – http://triathlon.competitor.com/2015/03/features/i-am-not-an-ironman-and-thats-ok_114099
Sixth, before doing even a short triathlon, train for two or three years so your first race is relatively easy and not a life and death endeavor. If you want to spend some money go to a training camp (especially one that focuses on your weakest area).
Seventh, don’t die on the job. Many people work until they are nearly spent and then retire hoping that retirement will give them their health back. Then the shock of retirement kills them. This only feeds the “you better keep working” narrative.
Eighth, these activities are very cheap when retired and only take time – Rest, pray, read, write and workout. With your help and God willing, you will be singing praises for a long time to come.
