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Living a
Joyful Life after Retirement ... Page 2
continued
A common attitude seems to be, "Yes, getting old is rough. But so what? I learned
years ago that life can be hard and that each day I have a choice--I can give up or I can
overcome my obstacles as best I can and get on with living."
Stay Busy
Why do many women do better than men after retirement? One reason my women friends
repeatedly emphasize is that they have no trouble keeping busy outside of the workplace.
After retirement, homemaking responsibilities such as cooking, shopping or cleaning out a
closet, coupled with time spent helping children and grandchildren, not only give many
women a reason to get up in the morning but also a way to express love and caring.
By contrast, many retired men have way too little to do. A few learn how to participate in
what they grew up considering "women's work," learning finally that it can be a
joy to provide basic needs, such as good food, a clean welcoming home or care for a small
child; too many don't. And the unfortunate consequences of being free of day-to-day chores
seem to be depression and illness.
Welcome Animals
Although I knew that many studies have found that people who live with animals tend to be
healthier and happier than those who don't, I was nevertheless surprised when I realized
how many active, interested older people--especially those who live alone--have close
relationships with animals.
Dogs figure prominently in the lives of many fulfilled oldsters. Not only is a dog a
friend and companion, but it also helps the older person in several other important ways,
including getting exercise, making friends and feeling needed. For example, when I called
one 80-year-old to talk, she put me off until later--she had a date to go dog-walking with
a 38-year-old friend she had met when their dogs had run off together to chase a deer.
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