As someone who loves sounds, sixty-five … well say no more.
We have the sizzle of the S, the pause to create and put effort forward with I, mixing XTY is a kaleidoscope of sound evoking thoughts of fun, the F and a poetic opposite V invites a time of reflection and gratitude.
Please say, or type, it with me one time: 65.
For Canadians, of course, 65 has meant the end of their working days — something, which perhaps, had more of a grip years ago on the workforce than it does today.
My father closed the chapter on a 36-year career with the province’s municipal affairs department in 1986. Three years before he retired, Dad — I’m not making this stuff up — began counting the days to his final one.
He was, absolutely, thrilled to be entering the golden years for one fundamental reason.
Dad had a new project: building a retirement home for my mother and himself in his hometown, Meota, Sask., on a cliff overlooking Jackfish Lake. Dad’s pride and joy, which he shared with our family for the next 20 years.
My mother retired in 1988 to join Dad in their new lifestyle of the lake and being grandparents.
I consider their transition at 65 as the most important lessons they taught my sister Joan and Brad, my brother — to always have a vision and be active when one retires.
And, for that matter, in everyday life.
That was almost four decades ago, when the people lining up for Old Age Security and the Canada Pension Plan were more frugal with their finances.
A quick internet search backs up that statement.
A survey from benefits.com said 14 per cent of Canadians can retire confidently. But here’s the interesting thing: five per cent of survey participants said they have sought advice from their financial adviser.
So one can safely assume people are working longer. Financial climates have forced the longevity of the workforce and technology — good or bad — has made it more convenient to work remotely.
The downside of that, of course, is that duty can beep, vibrate, or ring 24/7, not getting a real break.
I have thought about what retirement might look like for some time now.
I am so very lucky in so many ways. One of them is being a writer, and I’ve learned many moons ago writing isn’t a job.
It’s a lifestyle.
I think when that day comes I’ll continue to write: maybe even things I have always wanted to, but time always seem to get in the way.
Volunteering, too. Because after writing about volunteers, and being a beneficiary of volunteer efforts all my life, I know how valuable volunteers are.
And I want to spend more time with The President, Batman and Robin, otherwise known as Nick, Christopher and Matthew … my grandsons.
I am looking forward to life after 65 and all it has to offer.
It’s only a calendar flip away, you know.
On Sunday I turn 65.
The timing just sounds right.
camtait58@gmail.com
TAIT: Retirement a transition to new challenges, projects
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11.12.2023
As someone who loves sounds, sixty-five … well say no more.
We have the sizzle of the S, the pause to create and put effort forward with I, mixing XTY is a kaleidoscope of sound evoking thoughts of fun, the F and a poetic opposite V invites a time of reflection and gratitude.
Please say, or type, it with me one time: 65.
For Canadians, of course, 65 has meant the end of their working days — something, which perhaps, had more of a grip years ago on the workforce than it does today.
My father closed the chapter on a 36-year career with the province’s municipal affairs department in 1986. Three years before he retired, Dad — I’m not making this stuff up — began counting the days to his final one.
He was,........
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