Your Non-Financial Retirement Plan: People and Play

Published: May 19, 2021, 10 a.m.

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Our theme this month is your non-financial retirement plan and in this episode, we\\u2019ll explore how relationships and play fit into that plan. These are two key components to a happy, fulfilled life.

You guys know how important this subject is which is why we had more than 500 people join the webinar last week. If you missed out on that webinar you can watch the recording at\\xa0RogerWhitney.com/resources. Press play to hear how important people and play\\xa0are to\\xa0your non-financial retirement plan.\\xa0

Have your relationships suffered over the last year?

Covid has tested many of our relationships over the past year. If you are like me, your family relationships have thrived, yet your friendships have suffered from the lack of in-person connection. With grey divorce at all-time highs, the spousal relationship is essential to remain happy, but friendships matter too. Hopefully, the change in lifestyle that we have all experienced this past year has given you time to reflect on the relationships that matter the most to you.

Loneliness disproportionately affects the elderly

Loneliness is a major contributor to depression and it disproportionately affects the elderly. As people age, they tend to spend more and more time alone. A recent study showed that time spent alone increases as people get older. People in their 20s and 30s generally spend 4 hours a day alone whereas those in their 60s spend 6 hours a day alone. People in their 80s tend to spend 8 hours a day by themselves and may only spend 1 hour with friends.\\xa0

Cultivate relationships with a younger crowd

One way to pursue new friendships is by forging relationships with those that are younger. Not only do younger people tend to be more active, but a younger crowd will likely not leave you as the last man standing as you age.\\xa0

If you don\\u2019t have younger friends it is easier to do less and less each day. It can become harder to leave the house and stay active without the motivation of others to help you stay engaged. This can lead to atrophy--mentally, physically, and emotionally. Retirement isn\\u2019t a time to just sit around waiting for what is to come. You\\u2019ll likely have 30+ years ahead of you. The more you get out and play now the better quality of life you\\u2019ll have in the years\\xa0ahead.\\xa0

Retirement isn\\u2019t an event, it\\u2019s a transition

Our relationships evolve over time, and retirement can change the friendships that you have. Some friendships may fall away as the season of your life changes. However, it\\u2019s important to recognize the relationships that are worth\\xa0preserving. Some friendships\\xa0should be fostered through the changes in life.

Retirement isn\\u2019t a single event, it\\u2019s a transition. This is a time in life when you can cultivate new relationships. Think about who you choose to associate with foster friendships that will challenge you to be your best self.\\xa0

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN

PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT

  • [2:30] As we age our network of people decreases over time
  • [9:40] It\\u2019s harder to get out of the house as you age

COACHES CORNER WITH BW

  • [12:35] 6 essential characteristics of a healthy relationship
  • [26:02] Grey divorce is more and more common

Q&A SEGMENT

  • [30:15] Should Richard take Social Security
  • [31:56] Navigating Medicare after moving to a different state
  • [34:03] Security surrounding online money management platforms
  • [39:07] A word of wisdom from Cynthia

TODAY\\u2019S SMART SPRINT SEGMENT

  • [42:40] Let what you learned about relationships and play marinate this week

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Ted Lasso

Boomer Benefits

Rock Retirement Club

Roger\\u2019s YouTube Channel -\\xa0Roger That

BOOK -\\xa0Rock Retirement\\xa0\\xa0by Roger Whitney

Work with Roger

Roger\\u2019s\\xa0Retirement Learning Center

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