Intelligent Senior Citizens

There was a discussion on the news the other day. Young people were complaining that people retire on Social Security then take jobs that could have gone to a younger person. With so many employed, should Senior Citizens stay out of the work force? Young people can’t compete with the experience an older person has accumulated over the years.
Intelligent Senior Citizens often have a need to work, not just for the money but also because it gives them structure. Working saves the older person from boredom and depression.
If no one is hiring these young people they should develop a plan to generate their own income.

Here in the state of Florida, well paid state employees retire with a generous pension and collecting Social Security then go back to work at a high salary, often the job they just “retired” from. Most of the officials I am referring to now have a yearly income over a million dollars! They say Social Security is going broke. I believe that people who have a net income over $250,000 should give up their Social Security payments so that people who depend on it will still have it.

This is an excellent time for intelligent senior citizens to be retired.  Ideally you have your house paid off and didn’t get another mortgage late in life…that would not be intelligent.  If you do still have a mortgage you could look into a reverse mortgage.

Your children should be on their own and making a living and have families of their own.  You could be married, divorced, widowed or never married. 

 Statistics show that married people live longer.  You are now free to do pretty much as you want to.  Some of us have taken part-time jobs to supplement their income and help add structure to their retirement years.  Some of the past times for intelligent senior citizens are:  Scrabble on line Computer games, especially games that are mentally challenging.  Walking is good for everyone and doesn’t cost anything.  It’s better if you have a dog to walk with you. 

Bookstores and libraries are great places for intelligent people of all ages but now you have time to read!  Movies are another popular past-time for Seniors.  With NetFlix movies are mailed to you.  Some areas have discount movie houses.  All movies charge less for persons over 60.  Join or start a social group.  Advertise on line or in the newspaper.  Mensa
is a great place for intelligent senior citizens.  You get to meet other intelligent people and make life long friendships.  Two ideas that seem contradictory are “Stay in the Moment” and “Plan for the Future”  I want to visit Italy when ever possible.  I think about it but I can’t afford it now.   I try to focus my attention to the moment I am in.  In other words, what can I do right now to make the most of the moment ?  Keep in touch with relatives.  Your children and grandchildren love when you notice what they are doing.  If you suffer from depression or lack of will or if your anxiety won’t let you relax, see a doctor, your mental health is so important to enjoying life.

A Place where Intelligent Seniors can ask questions of interest to Seniors and comment on the current topic, introduce a new topic or ask a question.

Question: What are you doing since you retired that you didn’t expect to be doing?

Question: What’s the worst thing about being retired?  The best?

Comments Please.