This is the year when many of my classmates turn 50. So obviously me too 🙂

Here are my thoughts on preparing for retirement. Many planners who are dealing with people past their earning prime, will benefit to know some of this.

In my experience I have found that people who are doing their own business are more alert – to business opportunities and to their own physical and mental requirements. They are also less concerned about retirement than their service counterparts! However they too need to retire – somewhere they have to accept that the younger gen may NOT WANT their older parents continuing to interfere in the business. The younger gen may want to make changes which you may not be allowing…so hey get out of  the way!

Start planning for your RETIREMENT from the age of 50 or 52 years…..a good age to start. Worrying about what to do at the age of 60 cannot start at the age of 60!

I think doing the following things are useful / important to be in good shape – mentally and physically:

1. develop a serious hobby – play a guitar, ride a cycle, run the marathon, – hardly matters, but it should be something which you always wanted to do passionately.

2. join groups, clubs, – groups and friends have a great impact on your life. Groups with common interests will help you talk, walk, eat, ….the passionate hobby of yours!

3. learn something new – and try to do something physical like reading, writing, knitting, cooking…using both hands improves dexterity.