How to Make Your Final Years in the Office More Comfortable

As we reach our late 50s and early 60s, you may be wishing you could hurry up and retire. That is natural.  However, financially, it is probably not possible.  Despite that, there may be a few things you can do to make your last years in the office a little less unbearable.  Making a few changes today can help you enjoy those last few years of your career, and help stretch out your working years to maximize your retirement benefits.

The years before retirement can feel strange. You might notice changes in how colleagues treat you, or perhaps your body doesn’t feel as spry as it once did. The good news is that you can take steps to make these final working years more enjoyable and comfortable so you don't feel forced to retire too soon.

Don’t Allow Anyone To Underestimate You

Age discrimination creeps into many workplaces, even when it’s not obvious. Colleagues might assume that you can’t handle new technology or that you’re less capable than your younger workers.

Push back against these assumptions to make your final years in the office more pleasant. Stay current with industry trends and speak up in meetings. Volunteer for projects that interest you, and don’t let anyone sideline you because of your age. Your experience brings a valuable perspective that younger employees often lack.

Prioritize Better Furniture

Even small changes to your workspace can make a big difference in your comfort level. Furniture can play an important role in workplace wellbeing, especially as your body changes with age.

Consider requesting an ergonomic chair that supports your back properly, or ask for a standing desk converter if sitting all day causes discomfort. A footrest, wrist pad, or better lighting can also reduce strain and help you feel more comfortable throughout the day.

Start Working From Home

Remote work has become much more accepted since the pandemic, and many companies now offer flexible arrangements. Explore work-from-home jobs or ask about a hybrid schedule if your job allows it. Be open to change and insist on the same privileges of other people in your office.

Working from home eliminates your commute, lets you control your environment, and often reduces workplace stress. You might find that you’re more productive and comfortable when you can work in your own space.

Save Your Money Wisely

Financial security becomes crucial as you approach your final years in the office. Review your savings plan and ensure you’re making the most of your retirement account contributions.

Meeting with a financial advisor can help you fine-tune your goals and timeline. Cut unnecessary expenses now to free up extra cash, and explore catch-up contributions. Small adjustments today can help ease financial stress and let you focus on enjoying these last working years. The more money you can accumulate before you retire, the easier your future will be.

Reconnect With Yourself

Career transitions can trigger anxiety, even positive transitions, such as retirement. Take time to explore who you are outside of work.

Try journaling to process your thoughts and feelings about this life change. Meditation is another way you can reconnect with yourself while reducing stress and giving you clarity about your future goals.

Also, don’t hesitate to seek therapy if you’re struggling with the transition. Many find it helpful to talk through their concerns with a professional.

Embrace This Chapter As Comfortably as Possible

These final working years don’t have to be something you just endure. You’ve earned the right to feel good about this stage of your career. Choose what’s best for you and make your final years in the office more comfortable, while working as long as you need to in order to maximize your retirement benefits.

Post and Photo credit: Logical Positions

Support this blog by checking out Deborah Dian's video reviews of Amazon products (Ad) in her Amazon storefront.  You'll find hundreds of favorite health and cosmetic products, children's toys, clothing items, books, jewelry, groceries and gifts.  Check out these personal product reviews, watch the ones that interest you, and safely buy the items you like directly through Amazon! 

Here's the link:

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Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.  You will receive two to three monthly emails containing the most current post.  I do NOT send out advertising emails, and I do NOT sell your email address.  

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from a relevant Google or Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. It simply helps me keep this retirement blog operating.

If you are interested in learning more about common issues as we age, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire, common medical issues as you age, travel and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

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Moving to a Continuing Care Retirement Community

The Calligraphy CCRC in Napa, CA

"If you wait until you are sick, it will be too late." These were the words one of my daughters said as she stood behind me in the office of the Continuing Care Retirement Community I was visiting near her home.  She and her sisters had been of tremendous help while their father, my husband, was dying the year before, and they were afraid that eventually they would be in charge of taking care of me at the end of my life.  I know how difficult it was for them and I wanted to save them from having to go through that experience again.  

At the same time, my husband and I had been married for over 50 years before he died, and I had never made a major decision without being able to discuss it with him.  I worried that I might be making a bad financial decision, or doing something I would regret.  However, my daughters pointed out that I had been looking at a variety of CCRCs for years, even while my husband was alive.  I had simply never made the commitment to move into one.  As I wrote the check for the deposit, I realized I had finally made the decision.

If you are considering moving into a CCRC, either by yourself or as a couple, here are some things you should consider.

What is a CCRC?

A Continuing Care Retirement Community, or CCRC, is designed to give senior citizens confidence that they will have a home where they will be cared for until the end of their life, whether they become frail, or develop dementia, cancer or any other serious health condition.  Meals and housekeeping are generally provided, as well as a variety of age appropriate activities.  They usually have staff on hand to assist you if you fall or need to be taken to a hospital.  It is NOT the same as a skilled nursing home.  While living in a CCRC, you may go into a nursing home to rehabilitate from a serious health situation, such as heart surgery. However, once you are able, you can return to your own apartment in your CCRC where they will provide follow-up care, such as bringing meals to your apartment and checking to make sure you are OK.

Preparing to Move into a CCRC

How do you get ready to move into a CCRC? First, as my daughter pointed out, you want to make the decision while you are still healthy enough to handle the stress and experience of going through a move.  As my daughter said, if you wait until you are very sick, it will be too hard for you to do everything necessary.

The first thing you will need to do is to downsize the number of possessions you plan to take with you.  In most cases, you will be moving into an apartment or cottage that is much smaller than your current home.  

I did this by giving away and selling most of my furniture, which was too large for my new apartment.  I kept my nightstands and bedroom dresser, but not my king size bed.  I gave my formal dining furniture to a daughter.  I also gave away my large sofa and matching love seat.  In addition, I donated or gave to adult grandchildren nearly all my kitchen supplies.

What did I keep?  I kept the things which meant the most to me.  I kept my clothing, bathroom supplies, books, photo albums, favorite artwork, my digital Aura frame, family photos, and a few favorite antiques and items of furniture that would help me put a personal stamp on my new home.  In addition, I purchased a queen size bed and a couple of lift recliners, which would be helpful after the knee surgery I expect to get in the near future. 

Moving into Your CCRC

Despite the dozens of items, and hundreds of pounds of belongings which I gave away, I was overwhelmed by the number of boxes I had when I moved into my new apartment.  Even though I thought I had given away everything which I did not need, I quickly discovered that I still had more than I needed. At the suggestion of the move-in assistant at my new community, I hired a woman who helped me unpack and find a place for most of my possessions. This kept me from becoming depressed at all I needed to do.

I also made a number of trips to the dumpster after I moved into my new retirement community.  It would have been better to downsize even more before my move.

If I have one recommendation, it is to be brutal about getting rid of things before you move.  You will not need very much in your new home.  For example, I love yoga and brought along three yoga mats. However, I discovered that the community has plenty of nice yoga mats which I could use.  I gave away two, and still kept one of my yoga mats, but certainly did not need to keep all of them.

Adjusting to Life in a CCRC

After I got my possessions unpacked, I realized there would be an adjustment period.  I missed my old friends in the community where I had lived before.  I had trouble remembering the names of the other 150+ residents in my new community.  I was unsure what to do, where to sit at dinner, and which activities to join. In general, I felt insecure, like a new kid at school. This is normal, but still a very uncomfortable feeling.

Fortunately, I soon met another new woman, and we began to eat dinner together and invite other people to join us.  This made it easier to get to know the other residents.  However, we had to initiate meeting other people, although everyone was friendly and kind when we approached them. We decided that the two of us would sit down in the evenings at a table set for six, and then ask other people to sit with us.

I have also found it is helpful to participate in as many activities as possible.  In just the first few weeks of living here, I have gone to art and exercise classes, made a wreath for my door, played Bingo, listened to live music in the main lobby, and joined a trivia game. I also plan to go on some of the excursions which are being organized by the community and will probably join the book club.

Be Patient After You Move

It is important to be patient after you move into a Continuing Care Retirement Community.  It may feel quiet and a little lonely, at first, until you get into the swing of things.  It will take time to meet other people and decide which activities you enjoy. You will be rebuilding your life in a new community, with new people, and it will take time to adjust.  

I have to admit I have had my moments of panic, when I wanted to reverse course and move back to the community where I lived before moving here.  However, I know how much that would hurt and worry my daughters.

Do Not Wait Until You are Frail

Some people wait until they are already frail before they move to a CCRC.  They may be on chemotherapy after a cancer diagnosis, or they could have advanced Parkinson's disease, suffering from Alzheimer's, or experiencing other severe medical problems. 

If you wait until that point, it will be difficult for you to participate in planning your move and deciding what you want to bring with you. It will also be more difficult for you to make friends and become active in the new community. You could end up going directly into a skilled nursing home, rather than choosing a comfortable CCRC.  It is better to move into a CCRC while you feel somewhat healthy and you are able to make new friends and participate in the activities which are offered.

If you follow these suggestions, you are likely to have a very pleasant experience and enjoy your new home.  Remember, you can still stay in touch with your old friends and, if you choose a CCRC near your family, you will be able to see them, too. The loneliness and awkwardness will eventually go away.

You can support this blog by checking out Deborah Dian's video reviews of Amazon products (Ad) in her Amazon storefront.  You'll find hundreds of favorite health and cosmetic products, children's toys, clothing items, books, jewelry, groceries and gifts.  Check out these personal product reviews, watch the ones that interest you, and safely buy the items you like directly through Amazon! 

Here's the link:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/deborahdian-favoriteproductsvideosandblogs

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.  You will receive two to three monthly emails containing the most current post.  I do NOT send out advertising emails, and I do NOT sell your email address.  

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from a relevant Google or Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. It simply helps me keep this retirement blog operating.

If you are interested in learning more about common issues as we age, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire, common medical issues as you age, travel and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

5 Mistakes Business Owners Should Avoid When Retiring

Retiring from the business which you have owned and guided for several years is no small task. It requires careful planning, forward thinking, and often some tough decisions. 

Although the process can be overwhelming, it’s also crucial to avoid blunders that can make this process even more difficult. If you’re ready to make this significant transition in your life, here are five mistakes business owners should avoid when retiring. 

Having No Retirement or Succession Plan

One major misstep you should avoid is not having a solid retirement or succession plan in place. Without a clear strategy, you risk leaving your business in chaos and jeopardizing your financial future.

A retirement plan outlines your personal financial needs, while a succession plan ensures your company will continue to operate smoothly under new leadership. Start planning early to avoid unnecessary stress down the road.

Presuming Your Kids Want the Company

It’s easy for business owners to think their children will want to take over the family business. However, this presumption can lead to hurt feelings or unmet expectations when kids have different career aspirations. 

Before making any long-term decisions, have an honest conversation with your children about their plans and interests. Knowing their intentions will help you decide whether to seek an external buyer or explore other leadership options.

Shutting the Business Down

Another mistake business owners should avoid when retiring is shutting down their companies. Your business likely represents years of hard work, and closing it may not provide the best return on your investment. 

Instead, explore alternatives like selling it, merging with another company, or transitioning it to a new owner. These options can help preserve the legacy you’ve built, while easing your financial burden. You may even be able to structure a sale which allows you to have an ongoing income for years in the future, either because the new owners are making payments to you, or because you are receiving a salary as a consultant.

Not Knowing Your Business’s Worth

You should also avoid selling your business without knowing its actual value. Doing so may cause you to undervalue it during negotiations, leaving money on the table, or overprice it, which can discourage potential buyers. 

Instead, make sure you have an idea of its worth before you start this process. People have often found the use of a business valuation calculator to be beneficial since it can give them an initial sense of a price before seeking out the assistance of a business broker.

Using the Sale for Their Retirement

Some business owners rely entirely on selling their companies to fund their retirements. Although this plan may seem logical, this strategy comes with significant risks. 

The market might not deliver the price you expect, or buyers may not materialize quickly. Instead, diversify your retirement savings with a combination of personal investments and savings plans to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. The sale of your business should be just one part of your retirement plans.

 By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll protect both your financial future and the company you have worked so hard to build. Take the time to plan thoughtfully and leave your business in a strong position, ensuring a rewarding retirement for years to come.

Post and Photo credit: Logical Positions

Support this blog by checking out Deborah Dian's video reviews of Amazon products (Ad) in her Amazon storefront.  You'll find hundreds of favorite health and cosmetic products, children's toys, clothing items, books, jewelry, groceries and gifts.  Check out these personal product reviews, watch the ones that interest you, and safely buy the items you like directly through Amazon! 

Here's the link:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/deborahdian-favoriteproductsvideosandblogs

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.  You will receive two to three monthly emails containing the most current post.  I do NOT send out advertising emails, and I do NOT sell your email address.  

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from a relevant Google or Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. It simply helps me keep this retirement blog operating.

If you are interested in learning more about common issues as we age, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire, common medical issues as you age, travel and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com