On this episode of the “Retirement Readiness” podcast, Tim Regan and Katie Umland discuss the importance of staying active both before and in retirement. From grabbing groceries to going on ski trips, it’s important to consider what activity level you hope to achieve during your golden years.
Life doesn’t end when you retire; rather, it’s a chance to truly embrace your hobbies and live the life you want. And while it’s important to have the savings and plan in place to fund your later life, it’s also crucial to think through what “active” might look like for you and incorporate that into your plan.
“‘Active’ can have lots of different definitions, both before retirement, but then also in retirement,” Tim explains. “And what we found is that the people that are in retirement that are active mentally, physically – those are the ones that have longevity. They’re the ones that feel fulfilled.”
So what can you do to keep your mind and body in shape?
From taking classes online to in-person piloting classes, your imagination is truly the limit. However, Tim and Katie suggest that recent and pre-retirees also consider the progression of what their physical activity level might look like years and even decades down the road. As you age, you may have to adapt certain activities to fit your needs, which is fortunately becoming easier thanks to modern medicine and technology.
For example, Tim shares a story about a couple who have long enjoyed bike-riding together, but needed to find new ways to facilitate those rides. Over the years they’ve been able to keep up with their hobby through the help of recumbent bikes and even an electric motor adapted to the bike.
Whatever you choose to try, it’s critical that you get out of your comfort zone occasionally. The moments we spend outside of our own “fishbowl” are what lead to true growth and learning. Katie notes that those moments might feel like relearning what you like to do without the constraints of a job, children, and other responsibilities.
“Maybe when I’m a little bit uncomfortable, maybe that’s a sign of what I should be doing because that’s a growth opportunity for me,” Tim agrees.
Hit “play” to learn more about staying active in retirement, and or click here to explore our other “Retirement Readiness” episodes.
Key Timestamps and Topics
- 00:02:05 – There are many different perspectives on what being active in retirement means.
- 00:06:10 – With advancing technology, it’s easier than ever to stay active in later years.
- 00:09:29 – Importance of having a sense of purpose in retirement for longevity.
- 00:10:45 – A partner can help you keep active and hold you accountable, while also offering social engagement.
- 00:12:45 – After your kids grow up and move out, it’s important to pick up hobbies with your spouse but also activities you enjoy on your own.
- 00:16:35 – Getting out of your “fishbowl” is key to continuous learning both pre- and post-retirement.
- 00:18:45 – Tim shares how he’s pursuing his pilot’s license in 2024, a goals that’s been on his bucket list for many years.
- 00:22:00 – Tim and Katie invite listeners to submit questions for the Mailbag segment via email or phone call.
3 Key Takeaways
- Your version of “active” might include both your mind and body – and it probably looks different from others’.
- As you age, you may have to adapt your activities to fit your needs, which is fortunately becoming easier thanks to modern medicine and technology.
- It’s important to be uncomfortable sometimes and get out of your “fishbowl” to learn new things, even in retirement.
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