60 Arrived.

Last month was my 60th birthday. I can't believe it arrived. For almost a decade I was dangling around telling people I'm in my 50s. Now that is not the case, I ponder what now? An R&B singer, Aaliyah had a song titled,  "Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number". I thought of this, and say, really is it just a number? 

To me, it's a statement that I'm no longer in "that" demographic of individuals who are under 60. I'm with the group now that borders on pre retirement age to full on, no longer working. Well generally. I think of my high school classmates who are all turning 60 this year in 2025. To think just 35+ years out of high school we were young and invincible. As life moves on, we take on our careers, family, and new lifestyle of being adults. i.e. paying taxes, voting, and managing our lives as best as we can. Surreal. 

Union Square, San Francisco, CA  

Personally, as I prepare my impending retirement from my current employer, I'm a bit anxious and at the same time excited. On the other hand, fear creeps in my mind, as a single middle age man I constantly ask myself, "Do I have enough to retire?", "Will there be someone to take care of me as I age if I'm unable?" I've always been independent, self reliant, and been on my own for the most part of my life. But those two questions seem to haunt me in my mind and in my retirement plans. 

Today, I skipped going to the gym. My excuse was I'm getting over a cold and didn't have the energy to deal with crowds of people in my gym for a body pump class. The other reason is I simply didn't feel like it for a Monday. 

Union Square, San Francisco, CA  

As I reflect and begin to embark in my new decade of my life, my thinking as changed on focusing on my age. It wasn't an issue before but at this AGE, it seems to be an issue. I begin to think, "I'm I slowing down on my workouts?" "Has my mental health becoming an issue if I stop working?" "Will a flight of stairs become a crazy thought of falling?" Some of these things seem to bother me. 

But I do know that I can only control what I can. Adapt with a new way of living. The other day, I played a tennis match with an opponent who appeared older. In the game of tennis he played serve and volley strategy. Which is when he serves, he moves towards the net to cut off my return, basically shorten the point or rally. I stopped doing that years ago and decided to play at the baseline. The other thing I've decide not to do is chase down a drop shot. A while ago, my doubles partner said to not chase these balls down as I'm not as quick as I use to be. I tend to disagree. I want to get every ball as if I was still a 16 year old. Sadly, it's true, I have to adjust my game with my 60 year body and just let it go. Again, adapt. 

Union Square, San Francisco, CA  

I'm a few months away from choosing a full retirement from my current job, finances has been utmost my main concern bringing doubts on whether it's ideal to retire. Maybe I'm forcing the issue as I turn 60. I spoke with others who retired before me and many of them agree, they wished they retired sooner. I know I'll find something else to do with my time; spending time with family, pick up a new hobby or continue with the ones I have, and also travel as much as I can financially in the next 10 years. Some say it's the "go go" years, which I'm able to walk, run, and handle the rigors of travel. When 70 arrives, it may not be as worthwhile, this decade they call the "no go" years. 

My eye is still on the prize to retire early while I can and enjoy my saved earnings to do some of the things I would enjoy. I'll stay in my rent controlled apartment in San Francisco, and another two years, my home outside of the City will be paid for so more disposable income in my pocket. This I believe will serve me well for the first decade of enjoying retirement. As 70 comes into play, I'll have this extra money and nowhere to go to enjoy but find that my medical expenses might be where my money will be used for. I'm generally in good health. Gained a few but for the most part I'm managing. 
As July arrives, I hope to be in a much better outlook with myself personally, mentally, and financially. 

Union Square, San Francisco, CA  

Again, adapt as this will come in from time to time. 

Union Square, San Francisco, CA  

  

Independent Retirement: Is it Easy to Retire and Live on my Own?

I'm literally 5 months away before I pull the trigger. I started to see the light at the end of the tunnel on this retirement journey. Looked at my finances as usual, looks like I'm in rather good shape; budgeted for a couple of trips I'll be taking before my retirement and after. 

Next week will be my 60th birthday and that number, 60 is quite large and intimidating. I never thought I'd see myself being 60, I always thought it was someone else, but wow, I'm going to be there soon. What I also looked into was my health. I've lined up a couple of yearly medical routine check in with my primary doctor and also schedule an eye check up. 

All usually around my birthday. Cross fingers I won't encounter any significant changes in my health. I do admit I've gained quite a few over the years. Not sure if was due to getting older or I'm less active these days. I've been doing free weights, some running, and strength training but not at the level I was when I was in my late 30s and 40s. Don't want to admit I'm slowing down, but I think I have to be self motivated post Covid era. Many friends and colleagues are on their own schedule and I find myself training on my own and having to call people out for get togethers. Seems like everybody I know are becoming home bodies.  

This seems to be a precursor in my impending retirement. The fact that I'm living on my own and quite comfortable doing it isn't going to be a tough thing to do. It's not a transition there. But the activities I'll need to create on my own will be key to my success in living in retirement on my own. I won't know how I'll feel or encounter after being in this stage for the first few months. I see it as a honeymoon period. I'll take off for a week for London as one of my bucket list trip. I've never been to London. So I'm going to take it easy but hit the spots that interests me. I won't go all out and try to cover all the attractions. As always moderation. When I get back, then I'll need to settle back in. Most likely downsize more in terms of paper work as many won't be of concern. I could probably place some or all in the cloud or server. Goal - to be paperless but have documents accessible from anywhere if needed. 

So, here I go in counting down my months before leaving the building. Stay tuned!