What to do in retirement

Eric turned his culinary skills into a rewarding part-time retirement activity!

What to do in retirement! That was not an issue for me! Since my late 40s I’ve worked for myself and age 65 came and went, just another birthday! I’m always surprised when I’m reminded of my age. I didn’t expect to be here at 92. I remember when I was 60 thinking about what I’d be doing if I got to 80. The years went by in a blink. It was only when I reached 90 that suddenly my age became a topic and questions were asked about how this old guy still keeps running around!

I think that having worked for myself made it easy for me to reach old age without realizing I was actually getting old. I still work on a challenging project I started in 2005. I get up in the morning with something to do.  I have a couple of cups of coffee, Then I exercise starting with the elliptical while listening to TV news. Later I have a protein drink and continue to work on my project. I write fitness posts. Breakfast is at noon. It’s shreddies and milk with blueberries and raspberries. My next food will be dinner at 6pm -I don’t eat a lot.

I think that having things to do that keep me busy, interested, and planning for the future are very good for me. These are ‘mind’ things but I didn’t start exercising years ago to help my mind. My intention was to exercise my body and now I find out that my physical exercising may have helped my mind!  That would be a truly great side benefit!

Deb's meticulous garden; it's her passion, her therapy, a work of art! She grows and cans enough for the entire winter and more!

Statistics show we live longer and spend much more time in retirement. What’s going to keep us interested and challenged? For one thing we have exercises Then chores around the house. Cut the grass. Like most older people we’ll have doctor’s appointments. But we really want to find something interesting and worthwhile to do. Something to look forward to.

It’s a scary thought that there may be 30 plus years ahead and not have something interesting to do!  There are endless cruises, resorts, parks and other things. But maybe we all don’t have endless money either. How about community work? Part time work in your specialty? A mentor to young people?

Eric's Maine Woods Gym!  In the middle of the beautiful Maine woods! If you get through this course you're fit!

How about our friend Eric Davis, a truly great chef! His culinary skills were spent at several of the finest restaurants in Miami. Retired now but still sought after. He chose a world-renowned resort in Maine where he spends half the year and puts in a few hours several days a week. He enjoys his cabin in the beautiful Maine woods with his unique Maine Woods Gym! He’s dedicated to his partner, my amazing daughter Deb, who keeps busy with her antique book business and magnificent garden! A lifetime of experience has enormous value! They both exercise and stay fit!

I’m fortunate to have reached old age fit and healthy. I don’t plan my day around exercising. I fit my concise 9-step exercise routine into my day so I have time to do other interesting things. I have plans for the future that I work on and expect to see completed!  That is a strong motivation to keep fit and healthy!