How Has Retirement Changed You?
How Has Retirement Changed You?
All the good threads on retirement got me thinking about yet another aspect of it: how have we changed in retirement? Or haven't we? When we retire, we end something like 50 or 60 years of school and careers that pretty much dictated our lives, in ways both good and bad. In retirement (and hopefully in good health physically and financially), we're "free to be me." But what has that meant for you? Have you discovered a "new you"? A new talent or skill buried in all those years of routines and obligations? Are you an adventurer when you thought you were a homebody? A teacher when you thought you'd never have enough patience for students? A writer when you thought you were poor with words, or an artist when you were certain you could never learn to draw? An idea person when you never thought you had an original thought in your head? Or anything else when you thought of yourself only as whatever it was you were doing all those years?
"Yes, investing is simple. But it is not easy, for it requires discipline, patience, steadfastness, and that most uncommon of all gifts, common sense." ~Jack Bogle
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
All of the above.
I'd also add spiritual, when I thought I couldn't care less.
I'd also add spiritual, when I thought I couldn't care less.
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speak less than thou knowest" -- The Fool in King Lear
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
I have not changed except for getting older, can not stop the aging. Sorry.
Chaz |
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Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
Fallible, the discoveries you refer to took place with me when switched to working part-time, 7 years before I fully retired in 2008. Working part-time gave me midday time to pursue some volunteer work at area schools, while not having to work enabled me to go out on weekday evenings because I wasn't so work out from work (which also got me home too late).
But working even part-time became a nuisance to try to schedule my various activities so the only way out was to stop working altogether. Once all the pieces of my early retirement puzzle fell into place, I quit my job (back in 2008) and never looked back.
If you want to read more about early retirement, I can suggest this forum: http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/
But working even part-time became a nuisance to try to schedule my various activities so the only way out was to stop working altogether. Once all the pieces of my early retirement puzzle fell into place, I quit my job (back in 2008) and never looked back.
If you want to read more about early retirement, I can suggest this forum: http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
I haven't changed, have I? I don't think I have, but then again...... Maybe I "cuss" less.....Maybe I sleep more.....Maybe I am more tolerant.....Maybe I am more at peace without work pressures....Maybe I stopped regretting about what could have been and instead, became more appreciative and grateful for the life I lived....Maybe I appreciate living longer than I thought I would and enjoying it more.....Maybe I am happier than I ever have been.
Maybe retirement did change me.
Maybe retirement did change me.
Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered you will never grow. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
Do people procrastinate more or less in retirement than during their working years? I frequently find myself procrastinating, and I am wondering if retirement may exacerbate this tendency. On the other hand, abundant time and reduced stress may facilitate decision making and execution.
Victoria
Victoria
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Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
The nice thing about retirement, Victoria, is that there's time to procstinate and still have plenty of time left over to do the things you want to do.VictoriaF wrote:Do people procrastinate more or less in retirement than during their working years? I frequently find myself procrastinating, and I am wondering if retirement may exacerbate this tendency. On the other hand, abundant time and reduced stress may facilitate decision making and execution.
Victoria
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Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
When I was working, the quality of my work was often impacted by all sorts of time constraints and interruptions.VictoriaF wrote:Do people procrastinate more or less in retirement than during their working years? I frequently find myself procrastinating, and I am wondering if retirement may exacerbate this tendency. On the other hand, abundant time and reduced stress may facilitate decision making and execution.
Victoria
Once I retired, I had to keep reminding myself that I didn't have to rush anymore. As a result, I can take my sweet ass time on whatever I'm doing. But, I don't procrastinate because the projects become more enjoyable when there's no rush.
BTY, there's another Boglehead retirement thread you can check out: http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtop ... 7#p1602305
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
I have this, probably delusional, image of the first years of retirement with days expended toward recovering health - losing 50 pounds; exercising and healthy eating as a full-time job. Has anyone here gone from an obese worker to fit retiree?
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
Not sure. hmmm. can I get back to you on that later?VictoriaF wrote:Do people procrastinate more or less in retirement than during their working years? I frequently find myself procrastinating, and I am wondering if retirement may exacerbate this tendency. On the other hand, abundant time and reduced stress may facilitate decision making and execution.
Victoria
"Earn All You Can; Give All You Can; Save All You Can." .... John Wesley
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
I have lost 25 pounds and am off 2 meds. Blood pressure and prilosec.bUU wrote:I have this, probably delusional, image of the first years of retirement with days expended toward recovering health - losing 50 pounds; exercising and healthy eating as a full-time job. Has anyone here gone from an obese worker to fit retiree?
It is easier to find the time for exercise. My physician said he has many patients who go hypotensive on him after retiring from Megacorp type jobs and he has to take them off their BP meds.
Read "Younger Next Year". I did in the months leading up to my retirement date. It can be done, what you are dreaming of.
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
Thanks... Wishlisted that book
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Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
Great post Fallible. I have similar views to the above posters. For me personally i have had no revelations other than the joy of achieving a lifelong dream of a comfortable retirement. Its a source of daily pleasure that i never had prior.
I dont stress over the need for new accomplishments or being "useful". After a lifetime of hard work and all the stresses of career and raising a family i treasure owning my own time and doing with it whatever i please. Having the financial wherewithall tops the icing on the cake. Instead of saving travel articles i can now put them into practice. I have shelves of books i have only reviewed and i can now read them.
Fundamentally its about time and the freedom to do with it as i please.
I dont stress over the need for new accomplishments or being "useful". After a lifetime of hard work and all the stresses of career and raising a family i treasure owning my own time and doing with it whatever i please. Having the financial wherewithall tops the icing on the cake. Instead of saving travel articles i can now put them into practice. I have shelves of books i have only reviewed and i can now read them.
Fundamentally its about time and the freedom to do with it as i please.
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Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
Younger Next Year............an excellent choice. Over the years i have gifted it many times.dickenjb wrote:I have lost 25 pounds and am off 2 meds. Blood pressure and prilosec.bUU wrote:I have this, probably delusional, image of the first years of retirement with days expended toward recovering health - losing 50 pounds; exercising and healthy eating as a full-time job. Has anyone here gone from an obese worker to fit retiree?
It is easier to find the time for exercise. My physician said he has many patients who go hypotensive on him after retiring from Megacorp type jobs and he has to take them off their BP meds.
Read "Younger Next Year". I did in the months leading up to my retirement date. It can be done, what you are dreaming of.
Last edited by reggiesimpson on Tue Feb 05, 2013 12:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
What may seem like procrastination, Victoria, may be far more beneficial than some realize.
I highly recommend Frank Partnoy's book, Wait. http://www.amazon.com/Wait-Science-Dela ... 1610390040
I also see retirement (a word I embrace) as an opportunity for enhanced mindfulness.
Lev
I highly recommend Frank Partnoy's book, Wait. http://www.amazon.com/Wait-Science-Dela ... 1610390040
I also see retirement (a word I embrace) as an opportunity for enhanced mindfulness.
Lev
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Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
Exactly.Mel Lindauer wrote:The nice thing about retirement, Victoria, is that there's time to procstinate and still have plenty of time left over to do the things you want to do.VictoriaF wrote:Do people procrastinate more or less in retirement than during their working years? I frequently find myself procrastinating, and I am wondering if retirement may exacerbate this tendency. On the other hand, abundant time and reduced stress may facilitate decision making and execution.
Victoria
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
I wonder if a certain friends of mine is practicing some constructive form of "procrastination". His license plate reads "I GO SLO".
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
I still procrastinate in retirement but I don't know if it's worse because I'm retired. It does seem a different kind, though. I realize now that, when I was working, it wasn’t always procrastination but a tired brain from lack of sleep or various kinds of stress. In retirement, my procrastination is the real thing but, as Mel said, there’s more time to procrastinate and still do what you love doing.Mel Lindauer wrote:The nice thing about retirement, Victoria, is that there's time to procstinate and still have plenty of time left over to do the things you want to do.VictoriaF wrote:Do people procrastinate more or less in retirement than during their working years? I frequently find myself procrastinating, and I am wondering if retirement may exacerbate this tendency. On the other hand, abundant time and reduced stress may facilitate decision making and execution.
Victoria
"Yes, investing is simple. But it is not easy, for it requires discipline, patience, steadfastness, and that most uncommon of all gifts, common sense." ~Jack Bogle
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Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
Haven't really found a 'new me' guess I am enjoying the old me. Tennis is a passion and a big part of what I do. Relaxing, helping my family and generally letting the day come to me. After 2 years, I'm doing well. Got my wife talking about retiring...she's 61. Cheers
Last edited by EternalOptimist on Tue Feb 05, 2013 2:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
Not sure.......I'll get back to you tomorrow about that!VictoriaF wrote:Do people procrastinate more or less in retirement than during their working years? I frequently find myself procrastinating, and I am wondering if retirement may exacerbate this tendency. On the other hand, abundant time and reduced stress may facilitate decision making and execution.
Victoria
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
This seems to be what many of the posters here have experienced: no great changes, just enjoying themselves in their own individual ways, letting the days come to them and seeing where that takes them, being themselves and being happy.EternalOptimist wrote:Haven't really found a 'new me' guess I am enjoying the old me. Tennis is a passion and a big part of what I do. Relaxing, helping my family and generally letting the day come to me. After 2 years, I'm doing well. Got my wife talking about retiring...she's 61. Cheers
"Yes, investing is simple. But it is not easy, for it requires discipline, patience, steadfastness, and that most uncommon of all gifts, common sense." ~Jack Bogle
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
I prefer to think of retirement as time to develop myself more fully. No fundamental changes, just refining the areas that have been there. For now that means more depth, but it might mean adding breadth as I continue to grow and explore.
How would you describe yourself? I would like to be considered a student.
Jerry
How would you describe yourself? I would like to be considered a student.
Jerry
"I was born with nothing and I have most of it left."
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
Somebody else also mentioned 'student' on another retirement thread. What does that mean?NAVigator wrote:I prefer to think of retirement as time to develop myself more fully. No fundamental changes, just refining the areas that have been there. For now that means more depth, but it might mean adding breadth as I continue to grow and explore.
How would you describe yourself? I would like to be considered a student.
Jerry
"Yes, investing is simple. But it is not easy, for it requires discipline, patience, steadfastness, and that most uncommon of all gifts, common sense." ~Jack Bogle
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
I like this definition of student; "any person who studies, investigates, or examines thoughtfully".
Jerry
Jerry
"I was born with nothing and I have most of it left."
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
I wondered how it tied in with retirement, but that is good, a student in the best sense of the word. To answer your question, how would I describe myself in retirement, the most meaningful is free. I feel like most of the posters here and on the other retirement threads: I haven't been basically or greatly changed in retirement, but I have been set free to dwell on things I love and develop new interests, similar I think to the depth and breadth you mentioned. I feel very lucky to experience this freedom.NAVigator wrote:I like this definition of student; "any person who studies, investigates, or examines thoughtfully".
Jerry
"Yes, investing is simple. But it is not easy, for it requires discipline, patience, steadfastness, and that most uncommon of all gifts, common sense." ~Jack Bogle
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
I mentioned 'student' in this thread. Right now I am in a formal degree program, but even after the graduation I will be taking Coursera and edX courses, and engaging in self-directed studies.Fallible wrote:Somebody else also mentioned 'student' on another retirement thread. What does that mean?NAVigator wrote:I prefer to think of retirement as time to develop myself more fully. No fundamental changes, just refining the areas that have been there. For now that means more depth, but it might mean adding breadth as I continue to grow and explore.
How would you describe yourself? I would like to be considered a student.
Jerry
I wrote 'student' in response to the suggestion of 'consultant.' While consulting is a legitimate occupation or activity when one's services and opinions are sought, it's tedious when it's forced on others. Studenting is more versatile and humble, and we all are students before we become consultants.
Victoria
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Winner of the 2015 Boglehead Contest. |
Every joke has a bit of a joke. ... The rest is the truth. (Marat F)
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
Thanks. That thread was so large I forgot who said what, i.e., my "remembering self" (System 2, Kahneman?) misremembering. Even beyond the consultant ref, we are all students, lifelong learners, with the deeply curious and brilliant minds even and ever more so. When I was in ninth grade (warning: it's my flawed remembering self again), the school superintendent gave a speech in which he said "We never stop learning." My first thought was classroom learning and I was dismayed since I was not a great fan of it nor a great student. But as he went on, I realized that he meant learning outside the required classroom, continuing to learn on our own whether in a classroom setting or sitting beneath a shade tree reading what we wanted to read. I remember (uh, oh...) thinking how right he was, although to this day I wonder how, at age 13 or 14, I could've been so sure of that. Anyway, thanks again for the nice clarification.VictoriaF wrote:...
I mentioned 'student' in this thread. Right now I am in a formal degree program, but even after the graduation I will be taking Coursera and edX courses, and engaging in self-directed studies.
I wrote 'student' in response to the suggestion of 'consultant.' While consulting is a legitimate occupation or activity when one's services and opinions are sought, it's tedious when it's forced on others. Studenting is more versatile and humble, and we all are students before we become consultants.
Victoria
"Yes, investing is simple. But it is not easy, for it requires discipline, patience, steadfastness, and that most uncommon of all gifts, common sense." ~Jack Bogle
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
Hi Fallible,Fallible wrote: my "remembering self" (System 2, Kahneman?) misremembering.
This brings up another question to retirees. Neuroscientists have established a correlation between the quality of one's sleep and the memory. Both decline with age, but retirement provides opportunities to sleep in and to have naps. Do retirees take advantage of these opportunities? Has extra sleep improved the memory?
Victoria
Inventor of the Bogleheads Secret Handshake |
Winner of the 2015 Boglehead Contest. |
Every joke has a bit of a joke. ... The rest is the truth. (Marat F)
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
How have I changed in 8 years of retirement? Basically, I'm on the same page as many previous posters; I spend more time doing what I like and have always done.
During my working life I was an avid jazz musician, an amateur, but playing in public some. When I retired, at 58, I really stepped up my work on music. As a result I've gotten a lot better. But I also realize that at 66 I'm not going to make it into the "local professional" level. This isn't so much because of my playing level, but because it is hard to break into the scene when you're approaching 70. Often people give encouragement with the "You're never too old," but I think as you get older you begin to realize that some things are not going to happen. So that's something I learned in retirement, and it's OK.
During my working life I was an avid jazz musician, an amateur, but playing in public some. When I retired, at 58, I really stepped up my work on music. As a result I've gotten a lot better. But I also realize that at 66 I'm not going to make it into the "local professional" level. This isn't so much because of my playing level, but because it is hard to break into the scene when you're approaching 70. Often people give encouragement with the "You're never too old," but I think as you get older you begin to realize that some things are not going to happen. So that's something I learned in retirement, and it's OK.
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
Hi Victoria,VictoriaF wrote:Hi Fallible,Fallible wrote: my "remembering self" (System 2, Kahneman?) misremembering.
This brings up another question to retirees. Neuroscientists have established a correlation between the quality of one's sleep and the memory. Both decline with age, but retirement provides opportunities to sleep in and to have naps. Do retirees take advantage of these opportunities? Has extra sleep improved the memory?
Victoria
If the forum can bear one more right now, this could be another good retirement topic since memory is an aging concern. As for me, I honestly am not sure more regular sleep patterns in retirement have improved my memory, although I’m more mentally alert overall and have more physical energy after a good night’s sleep, 7-8 hours. I haven’t been concerned (yet) about memory problems or noticed any changes, but a recent online article in Nature Neuroscience about natural brain changes affecting sleep quality did concern me. Here’s the NYT article on it (though you may have seen it):
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/28/healt ... .html?_r=0
Fallible
"Yes, investing is simple. But it is not easy, for it requires discipline, patience, steadfastness, and that most uncommon of all gifts, common sense." ~Jack Bogle
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
Exactly the opposite. I was in better shape when I was working. Now I munch all day long and it shows.bUU wrote:I have this, probably delusional, image of the first years of retirement with days expended toward recovering health - losing 50 pounds; exercising and healthy eating as a full-time job. Has anyone here gone from an obese worker to fit retiree?
Also, whenever someone asks me what do I do with all my free time I answer "Whatever I want".
So far I have done:
1) Adult Ed for conversational Spanish.
2) Keyboard playing
3) Calligraphy
4) Drawing
5) Wood working.
I have gotten moderately proficient with some and not so proficient with others. As always it boils down to practice, practice, and more practice. That's when it starts to feel like work and I set it aside for a bit. When I start to pressure myself to get-er done, then the fun disappears so I look around for something else to try.
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
Interesting about feeling the "work." A surprise for me in retirement was that I've worked just as hard, if not harder, on a new hobby. That's partly because I have more time, but mainly because I love the work, or at least most parts of it. But I think you're smart to quit when the work is not fun. That's what retirement is all about.Hexdump wrote:...
Also, whenever someone asks me what do I do with all my free time I answer "Whatever I want".
So far I have done:
1) Adult Ed for conversational Spanish.
2) Keyboard playing
3) Calligraphy
4) Drawing
5) Wood working.
I have gotten moderately proficient with some and not so proficient with others. As always it boils down to practice, practice, and more practice. That's when it starts to feel like work and I set it aside for a bit. When I start to pressure myself to get-er done, then the fun disappears so I look around for something else to try.
"Yes, investing is simple. But it is not easy, for it requires discipline, patience, steadfastness, and that most uncommon of all gifts, common sense." ~Jack Bogle
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
Hi Fallible,Fallible wrote:I haven’t been concerned (yet) about memory problems or noticed any changes, but a recent online article in Nature Neuroscience about natural brain changes affecting sleep quality did concern me. Here’s the NYT article on it (though you may have seen it):
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/28/healt ... .html?_r=0
Fallible
Thank you for the link. I've seen some comments about this research, but the New York Times' article is more comprehensive. I don't agree with everything there, for example:
We don't know what can and cannot be reversed. The brain plasticity research has overturned previous notions of the brain deterioration. Perhaps, age-related atrophy of the medial prefrontal cortex could be slowed, stopped or even reversed.NYT wrote:Doctors cannot reverse structural changes that occur with age any more than they can turn back time.
Victoria
Inventor of the Bogleheads Secret Handshake |
Winner of the 2015 Boglehead Contest. |
Every joke has a bit of a joke. ... The rest is the truth. (Marat F)
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
Thomas Jefferson insisted students in his University be called 1st years....4th years, not freshmen...seniors. It is still that way today at UVa. Ostensibly, the reason for this insistence on Jefferson's part is that you never stop learning.
"Let us endeavor, so to live, that when we die, even the undertaker will be sorry." Mark Twain
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
But neither you start learning when you enter a university,SGM wrote:Thomas Jefferson insisted students in his University be called 1st years....4th years, not freshmen...seniors. It is still that way today at UVa. Ostensibly, the reason for this insistence on Jefferson's part is that you never stop learning.
Victoria
Inventor of the Bogleheads Secret Handshake |
Winner of the 2015 Boglehead Contest. |
Every joke has a bit of a joke. ... The rest is the truth. (Marat F)
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
Hi Victoria,VictoriaF wrote:Hi Fallible,Fallible wrote:I haven’t been concerned (yet) about memory problems or noticed any changes, but a recent online article in Nature Neuroscience about natural brain changes affecting sleep quality did concern me. Here’s the NYT article on it (though you may have seen it):
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/28/healt ... .html?_r=0
Fallible
Thank you for the link. I've seen some comments about this research, but the New York Times' article is more comprehensive. I don't agree with everything there, for example:
We don't know what can and cannot be reversed. The brain plasticity research has overturned previous notions of the brain deterioration. Perhaps, age-related atrophy of the medial prefrontal cortex could be slowed, stopped or even reversed.NYT wrote:Doctors cannot reverse structural changes that occur with age any more than they can turn back time.
Victoria
I think you may have caught an important weakness in the article, though not necessarily in the research. As you know, I'm very interested in but not as knowledgeable as you about the brain, so looking at the article from a journalist's point of view, I see two concerns with the statement you pointed out, "Doctors cannot reverse structural changes that occur with age any more than they can turn back time.": One, the reference to turning back time at least implies that doctors can never reverse the structure (although can we even say that about turning back time???); two, no source for the statement is given and if you're going to say 'never' about anything, you'd better be quoting the most knowledgeable source you can find (here I'd try for Eric Kandel) and even then I bet a credible source would begin with something like, "Based on what we now know..."
Good catch and maybe now I'll worry a little less about that "natural" change.
Fallible
"Yes, investing is simple. But it is not easy, for it requires discipline, patience, steadfastness, and that most uncommon of all gifts, common sense." ~Jack Bogle
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
Turning back time may, in fact, be impossible, but going back in time is still a hope . In comparison, rebuilding the brain structure is much easier. All we have to do is implant a 3D printer inside the brain .Fallible wrote:I see two concerns with the statement you pointed out, "Doctors cannot reverse structural changes that occur with age any more than they can turn back time.": One, the reference to turning back time at least implies that doctors can never reverse the structure (although can we even say that about turning back time???); two, no source for the statement is given and if you're going to say 'never' about anything, you'd better be quoting the most knowledgeable source you can find (here I'd try for Eric Kandel) and even then I bet a credible source would begin with something like, "Based on what we now know..."
Good catch and maybe now I'll worry a little less about that "natural" change.
Fallible
A general problem with statements that include never is that it's impossible to prove absence. As Nassim Taleb vividly points out, a single case of the contrary evidence overturns centuries of never.
Victoria
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Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
+1 for "Younger Next year".dickenjb wrote: Read "Younger Next Year". I did in the months leading up to my retirement date. It can be done, what you are dreaming of.
I read it a few years into retirement and have had a better motivation to life a healthier, more physically active life.
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
You mean you didn't see Superman and how he turned back time to save Lois?! The impossible must first be imagined, visualized (think Einstein).VictoriaF wrote:...
Turning back time may, in fact, be impossible ...
...
As for Taleb, I'm now 48 of 142 on the library wait list for Antifragile.
"Yes, investing is simple. But it is not easy, for it requires discipline, patience, steadfastness, and that most uncommon of all gifts, common sense." ~Jack Bogle
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Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
Other than being older and less stressed I don't think I've changed much. Now I only report to Boss Wife, and she's a lot easier to negotiate with when it comes to relaxing project schedules.
The surest way to know the future is when it becomes the past.
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
I do everyday things more leisurely. Most notably, I used to be a somewhat aggressive driver, now I go to great lengths to avoid or ignore them. I seem to have more awareness of my environment, and possibly more generous, but at the same time I tend to suffer fools less willingly. I've become less receptive to uncertain situations, particularly adventurous travel, unfortunately. I've discovered that most of the quirks I thought I'd work through or outgrow were apparently part of my nature. My parent once commented that when you get old, you're just the same as before, just more so. Seems accurate so far.
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
This was basically what I've wondered about retirement - if we do change in retirement, is it fundamental or more superficial; e.g., could a Type A personality become more Type B in a less stressful lifestyle, or are the types set in stone (our natures)? I don't know.gd wrote:... I've discovered that most of the quirks I thought I'd work through or outgrow were apparently part of my nature. ...
"Yes, investing is simple. But it is not easy, for it requires discipline, patience, steadfastness, and that most uncommon of all gifts, common sense." ~Jack Bogle
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
On the topic of sleep, Science Friday had a 1-hour program today Science of slumber: How sleep affects your memory.
Victoria
Victoria
Inventor of the Bogleheads Secret Handshake |
Winner of the 2015 Boglehead Contest. |
Every joke has a bit of a joke. ... The rest is the truth. (Marat F)
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
Thanks! I listened to it all and was surprised at the many different kinds of sleep with each affecting the memory differently, not to mention the many different kinds of sleep disturbances. Even napping differs from nocturnal sleep. Interesting that there was some disagreement, if I heard it right, about the value of naps. When working, catnaps while flying or on a long shuttle/cab rides worked for me and in retirement longer naps can help if I don't get enough of the nocturnal kind. Did you listen to it? What did you think.VictoriaF wrote:On the topic of sleep, Science Friday had a 1-hour program today Science of slumber: How sleep affects your memory.
Victoria
"Yes, investing is simple. But it is not easy, for it requires discipline, patience, steadfastness, and that most uncommon of all gifts, common sense." ~Jack Bogle
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
I think sleep is one of the major perquisites of retirement .Fallible wrote:Did you listen to it? What did you think.
I agree with you that the science of sleep is getting ever more complex. I first encountered sleep research fifteen years ago in a lecture by a Stanford professor Dr. William Dement. But even after all these years, many aspects of sleep remain mysterious.
In the program, they provided an interesting contrast between a nap and nocturnal sleep. While a nap is a poor substitute for a good night sleep, a two-hour nap enforces memory better than a six-hour night sleep. Naps are good for moving specific, detailed information from the short-term memory into longer-memory storage; nightly sleep, on the other hand, is essential for the conceptual memory consolidation.
Another interesting discussion was about meditation not substituting for sleep. Supposedly, the reason for sleep is to turn off the consciousness so that the unconscious would be able to do its work.
Victoria
Inventor of the Bogleheads Secret Handshake |
Winner of the 2015 Boglehead Contest. |
Every joke has a bit of a joke. ... The rest is the truth. (Marat F)
Re: How Has Retirement Changed You?
I've come to understand that retirement is a time when one's true underlying character is discovered. When our lives are driven by external obligations, it's harder to know who we really are. I have friends in retirement who have studied and gotten new degrees, developed new skills, taught and mentored others, taken on civic and social responsibilities and so forth. I can see that their occupational achievements were really driven from within by their inner character, and not the desire to make money, prove themselves to others, achieve status, etc. I regret saying this, but - so far at least - I'm not all that pleased with what retirement has revealed to me.
We don't know where we are, or where we're going -- but we're making good time.