There was a program on TV this morning about retirement, and how wonderful it is ... lots of time for hobbies, meeting people, and all of that. One thing that was missing was any sort of discussion over what the purpose of retirement is. Surely it is to prepare for, and provide, care for ourselves and our loved ones as we grow old.
I wondered how many of the wealthy retirees enjoying their pilates sessions had sorted out powers of attorney, or knew whether their pensions would allow them to enjoy their lifestyle for ever? (Also, why were people talking about maintaining their lifestyle from working into retirement - I used to get up at 5.30 and catch the 6.47 to London every day, I don't want to do that now! I also used to spend £1200 a month on the mortgage, and £500 on a season ticket... why would I want to maintain that?)
I was just seventeen months into retirement (and had not actually started to draw my pension) when Viv was taken ill. I wasn't prepared at all for dealing with carers, district nurses, doctors, social workers and the rest. Shouldn't that be what we should be doing in retirement, one way or another, rather than just frittering our time away on our social lives - even if that does keep you healthier?
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