Growing Older Can Be One Big Joke If You Want It to Be

Thousands of members of The Red Hat Society live by the motto that growing older can be one big joke if you want it to be. The Red Hat Society is an international organization for women, aged 50 and over, who like to laugh at growing older. There are now roughly 2000 chapters of the society, first started in 1998, in 11 countries. All chapters have frivolous names, such as Whine and Roses. Best of all, there are no rules to follow.


Given that there are no rules, being male is probably not a problem either. Nonetheless, I think I will pass on this one. I never have looked good in pink, purple, or lavender.

Note: This article is adapted from the book 1001 Ways to Enjoy Your Retirement (Published in Spanish, Korean, and French but not in English).


NOTE: The above retirement quotes and retirement sayings are adapted from:

The 237 Best Things Ever Said about Retirement by Vipbooks Author Ernie Zelinski available at:

The Retirement Gifts Café

Advice on Whether to Take Early Retirement - Also Retirement Sayings and Quotes

According to a new retirement lifestyle survey, the ongoing volatility within financial markets has prompted a massive increased awareness toward retirement savings by Australian baby boomers.
More than three out of four Aussie baby boomers are beefing up their savings strategy as a result of the turmoil, according to a Commonwealth Bank survey.

The majority of changes included making bigger or additional contributions to their retirement savings plan, while about a third said they were investing more in other investments outside retirement plans such as shares or property.

Interestingly, the Retirement Lifestyle survey found almost 40 per cent of those surveyed considered retirement an opportunity to pursue a new career or learn new skills.

"This trend suggests that many people see retirement as a series of transitions where some form of work or community service can continue into the retirement years,'' Commonwealth Financial Planning general manager Tim Gunnin said.

According to TD Waterhouse's first Canadians and Retirement survey of already-retired Canadians, retirement is different from what many Canadians imagined it would be.

Twenty percent of women found retirement quite different from what they imagined, versus 15 percent of the men.

A quarter of Canadian retirees aged 55 to 70 found it hard to adjust to a life no longer defined by their work. Financial constraints meant they could not do all the things they used to do for 22 percent of those surveyed.

Retirement advice was offered by retirees to those contemplating retirement.

• Workers should develop a full life outside of work instead of waiting to do so at retirement
• Workers should take care of their physical and mental health
• Workers should save for retirement as early as possible.
• People should pay off all debt before retiring.
  Above all, individuals should take time to prepare for and understand what they want from retirement.

According to the TD Waterhouse only 15 percent of indiviudals are “completely living out their retirement dreams.” Lack of planning appears to be one reason for this.

Surprisingly, the best part of retirement is simple pleasures, say the retirees. Spending time with family and engaging in hobbies also are satisfying as is volunteering.



NOTE For retirement quotes see:

The 237 Best Things Ever Said about Retirement by Real Success Author Ernie Zelinski

and

Importance of Money in Retirement (Quotes and Sayings)

The Joy of Not Working: A Book for the Retired, Unemployed, and Overworked by Ernie J. Zelinski

The Joy of Not Working is all about learning to live every part of your life - employment, unemployment, retirement, and leisure time alike - to the fullest. You too can join the thousands of converts and learn to thrive at both work and play. Illustrated by eye-opening exercises, thought-provoking diagrams, and lively cartoons and quotations, The Joy of Not Working will guide you to enjoy life like never before.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy The Joy of Not Working

1. You are more independent and more creative than most people.

2. You were born a lover of life and not a workaholic.

3. You don't want the cheese; you just want to get out of the trap.

4. You like books that are reader friendly with lots of cartoons, quotations, and exercises.

5. You like books that make you smile and challenge traditional ways of living and thinking.

6. You agree with the words of Bertrand Russell: "To be able to fill leisure intelligently is the best product of civilization."

7. You are receptive to the concept that we can achieve more if we relax, enjoy life more, forget about what the majority in society thinks is important, and focus on the things that really matter.

8. Your parents and co-workers will not approve of your adopting this book as your lifestyle Bible.

9. You know a good deal when you see one - if a book has been published in 17 languages in 20 different countries and has sold over 225,000 copies, it must have great value.

10. You know something important that the hard workers of this world don't know: the secret to a happy and fulfilling life is to work smart and not hard.

Purchase The Joy of Not Working on Amazon.com with this direct link:

The Joy of Not Working on Amazon.com

Purchase The Joy of Not Working on Amazon.com with this direct link:

The Joy of Not Working on Amazon.com Visit one of Ernie Zelinski's Blogs:

RETIREMENT JOBS - THE FUNKY CAREER CHANGE BOOK FOR PEOPLE TOO SMART TO WORK IN CORPORATIONS

For many baby boomers, a retirement job will be the perfect time to begin a second career.

Of course, some or all of the above retirement jobs may not appeal to many people given that there are more exotic retirement jobs to pursue. Based on my research on what the creative and bold retirees are doing, here are some of them.

This is a review of one of my favorite career change books that is also a great value to retirees who want to work in retirement and are interested in retirement jobs.

From a Review in Synchronicity Magazine

Real Success Without a Real Job by Ernie J. Zelinski reads like a conversation with an old friend. The author found success in an unconventional way after losing his job as an engineer and has come to understand that the true path of happiness, contentment, and satisfaction lies in the discovery of one's ture passion or calling.

While pointing out that it may not be for everyone, the author proceeds to tell us of exciting realities that await those who dare to dream of a life lived on their own terms. We, not some faceless corporation, decide on the hours, vacation time, with whom we want to work, and what we are going to do today. To be able to say, "I love what I do and I have my freedom," is priceless to those who are not the corporate type.

Zelinski reminds us that real success is not measured merely by the 'all might dollar' but more so, by having a few good friends and the time to spend with them. He wants us to seriously consider if what it is we 'do', is what makes us happy and if it isn't, why not consider 'doing' that which does make us happy.

The book is 'peppered' with quotes from people like Henry Ford, Jerry Garcia, Mother Teresa and Mad Magazine that give us an inspiring look into the mindsets of all these successful people and ideas. A quote by William James encompasses the central concept of the book, "The greatest discovery of my generation is that man can alter his life by altering his attitude."

One thing all these people seem to have in common is a committment to their vision. 'Work' isn't where they go each day. The task at hand becomes something to accomplish that will bring their dream closer to fruition. When you have an idea and exert the effort, success will follow.

Real Success Without a Real Job by Ernie Zelinski is a pleasure to read and its positive, up-beat message is full of hope and encouragement for those who are ready to become their own boss.

Purchase Real Success Without a Real Job: The Career Book for People Too Smart to Work in Corporations by Ernie Zelinski at:

Real Success Without a Real Job at Amazon.com

or

Real Success Without a Real Job at BarnesatNoble.com

Retirement Planning Basics

When happy and successful retirees are asked what advice they would offer to a person just entering retirement, most will respond with a variation of Spend as much — or considerably more — time thinking about how you will utilize your days and months as you do contemplating your finances. As one retiree told a newspaper reporter, "Retirement could well represent 25 percent or more of your whole life. Why leave it to chance?

Top Five Replies from Retirees to the Question: "What Would You Do If You Could Replan Retirement?"

• Save more or save less money - 39 percent
• Take better care of their health - 29 percent
• Live closer to their children - 24 percent
• Retire earlier - 23 percent
• Get involved in more hobbies - 21 percent
  

How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free — The World's Best Retirement Gift

Over 90,000 Copies Sold

Published in 7 Foreign Languages

5 Reasons You Want to Receive How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free as One of Your Retirement Gifts

1. You want to have a good day - everyday - when you retire!

2. You "Absolutely, Positively" want to retire happy, wild, and free.

3. You want to inspire yourself with new accomplishments once you retire.

4. You want to gain the courage to take early retirement - in fact, the earlier, the better.

5. You have always wanted to fire your boss and take control of your destiny.

Purchase How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free on Amazon.com before you submit your retirement letter with this direct link:

How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free on Amazon.com

The Joy of Not Working — The World's Second Ideal Retirement Gift

Over 225,000 Copies Sold
Published in 17 Languages


Like The Bible, The Joy of Not Working tells you everything you need to know to resolve your Life crisis, but doesn't exclude humor in its presentation. Check Chapter 7, "Lighting the Fire Rather than Being Warmed by It", pages 118-120, for a list of 200 activities for your consideration.

— Helga Roberts writing on AuthorsDen.com


Purchase The Joy of Not Working on Amazon.com with this direct link:

The Joy of Not Working on Amazon.com

Retirement Planning Articles

Retirees Urged to Watch Out for Detoothers

The UPDF 3rd Division commander, Brig. Patrick Kankiriho, has advised retiring soldiers to watch out for spouses who love lavish lifestyles.

"If your spouse is a spendthrift and is not willing to adjust, abandon her, as she is bound to lead you into misery."

He made the remarks on Friday during a function at Rubongi Barracks in Tororo district where 57 UPDF soldiers retired. He told the retirees that they had left the army with a modest financial package which they should invest wisely.

"Irresponsible spouses are planning how best they can get a fair share of the money you have worked for before eloping away with other men."

He added that such women prefer staying in the cities. "She will insist that you rent an apartment in town then she will lure you into spending money on luxuries till it is finished."

Kankiriho also cautioned the soldiers against over drinking. "If you do that, you will never regret why you retired from the force," he added.

This bit is a great Singles Advantage to add to the revised edition of The Joy of Not Being Married:





Over 90,000 Copies Sold
Published in 7 Foreign Languages

Purchase How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free on Amazon.com before you submit your retirement letter with this direct link:

How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free on Amazon.com

Retirement Articles and Resources



1. Retirement Planning Tip - Retire to Where Retirement Living Is Best! - American Chronicle Retirement Articles by Ernie Zelinski - Soon retirement day will have come and gone. For your many years of service to the organization, you will have received congratulations from co-workers, a gold watch, and perhaps even a book on how to retire happily. If you are one of the fortunate ones, a generous company pension, government social security, and investments will give you the opportunity to pursue many interesting activities. According to financial experts, you will have it made. Indeed, you should live happily ever after. Not so fast!

2. Magical Retirement Planning - Make Retirement the Beginning of Life, Not the End! - American Chronicle Retirement Articles by Ernie Zelinski - PARADISE apparently isn't in the United States, at least for people planning to retire. In fact, almost 500,000 retired Americans live outside the United States, in places like Mexico, Thailand, Costa Rica, Panama, and Portugal.

3.Retire Happy Before You Expire! - Positive Retirement Quotes to Help You Do So - American Chronicle Retirement Articles by Ernie Zelinski - Retirement can be the best time of our lives. Unfortunately, the first part of many people's lives is wasted on boring work and the last part is wasted on a boring retirement. The good news, however, is that many more people enjoy retirement than those who don't.

4. Dynamic Retirement Living - Being Over the Hill Means Picking Up Speed! - Best Syndication Retirement Articles by Ernie Zelinski - Thinking young can help you to stay busily and happily involved in your so-called retirement years. Here are examples of several elderly people who kept active in their "retirement" years:

5. Your Magical Retirement Plan - Retire to Where Retirement Living Is Best! - Best Syndication Retirement Articles by Ernie Zelinski - Whether retirement is a distant dream, just around the corner, or if you are already retired, give some consideration in your retirement plan to living and traveling in a country other than where you are today.

6. Retirement Planning Tips on the Best Places to Retire - There are three other main motives why retirees may move to a new location. The first is to relocate to a beautiful location with a better climate and find refuge there. It can be a place formerly reserved for annual vacations somewhere close to the mountains, beside the ocean, or in a nice warm climate.

7. Top-Ten Inspirational Retirement Quotes to Help You Retire Happy, Wild, and Free - Amazines Retirement Articles by Ernie Zelinski - Unfortunately, retirement often gets a bad rap from many media people and other individuals who themselves have not been able to successfully cope with retirement. Fortunately, however, people who can't cope with retirement are in the minority. "Retirement works out quite well for people," states Joel Savishinsky, a professor at Ithaca College.

8. SelfGrowth.com - Retire Early So That You Can Retire Happy Before You Expire! - Positive Retirement Quotes to Help You Do So - Retirement can be the best time of our lives. Unfortunately, the first part of many people's lives is wasted on boring work and the last part is wasted on a boring retirement. The good news, however, is that many more people enjoy retirement than those who don't.

Clearly, retirement can be a challenging life transition, either financially or personally. Many people have lots of time on their hands, but way too little money. Others have lots of money, but don't know what to do with their time.

In this regard, Samuel Johnson declared, "Money and time are the heaviest burdens of life and the unhappiest of all mortals are those who have more of either than they know how to use."

9. SelfGrowth.com: How To Absolutely, Positively Make Retirement The Beginning Of Life - And Not The End! - In the course of a lifetime people pick up the knowledge and skills to build careers, raise their families, and accumulate material possessions. But not much of that prepares them for life in retirement. How do they handle leisure time? How do they keep their minds in tiptop shape? How do they adjust to a life without structure and purpose?

Fact is, retirement planning for the separation from work requires mental and spiritual planning more than most people realize. A long-term retirement plan to achieve your retirement goals is essential if you want a meaningful and productive retirement. The degree to which you plan beforehand how you are going to spend the bulk of your free time will determine how much fulfillment you experience in retirement.

So what's your retirement plan look like? If you are like most people contemplating retirement, you may have given some thought to the financial aspects of retirement planning but absolutely no consideration to the personal aspects.

Visit one of These Websites:

The Retirement Quotes Cafe

The Best Places to Retire in the World

Where to Retire? What Makes a Certain Place One of the Best Places to Retire?

If you are thinking of relocating to one of the best places to retire in the world, but don't know where, the question that arises is, "Where to Retire? What makes a good place to retire?" You must examine your priorities: What type of climate do you want to live in? What activities do you like, and are they available in your list of possible cities or countries to relocate to? Do you care more about a low cost of living or health care? What about safety?The following checklist may provide some help.

Top-17 Things to Look For and Enjoy in a New Retirement Location

1. The climate is exactly what you are looking for.
2. The people are friendly - warm smiles and hometown hospitality have never gone out of style.
3. Whether it's the hills, rocky outcrops, thick forests, breathtaking mountains, pristine lakes, or raging rivers, the beautiful scenery beckons you to reside there.

Note: For the last items on this list of The Top 22 Things to Look For and Enjoy in a New Retirement Location that will help you choose where to retire, see Chapter 8: Relocate to Where Retirement Living Is Best in the bestselling retirement book on Amazon.com called How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free.


Check out Where to Retire on Squidoo:

book 1001 Ways to Enjoy Your Retirement on Squidoo :

Check out excerpts from the book 1001 Ways to Enjoy Your Retirement on Squidoo :

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