Quality of life in retirement

Boomers are living 30 years longer than people did in the last century. So what are we doing with these extra years after we retire? Some of us are busier than ever with hobbies, grandchildren, travel, and other projects. I often hear my retired friends say, "I don't know how I ever had time to work!" Others find vegetating on a golf course less stimulating than the high-powered careers they have retired from.
How to live well, not just simply live longer?

A very interesting book that was recently reviewed in Costco's magazine (www.costcoconnection.com) deals with this subject. It's called "The Longevity Prescription" by noted author Dr. Robert Butler. He suggests that four strategies are extremely important: Getting enough solid sleep, managing stress, nurturing social connectivity, and having a sense of purpose. How each individual incorporates these elements into their lives is a challenge that will pay dividends in terms of the quality of life in retirement.

I find that by setting a goal that involves a lot of effort to achieve can help me kill all four birds with one stone. I frequently sign up to participate in a big event, Cycle Oregon, which is a week-long, 420-mile bike ride. First of all, when I ride my bike 30-50 miles in a day, I have no trouble sleeping well at night! Vigorous physical activity definitely helps manage stress; you can't be worried about anything when you are huffing and puffing and focusing on your cycling technique. Riding solo all the time gets boring, so I have joined a couple of cycling clubs and make arrangements to ride with friends, thus meeting new people and nurturing these relationships. Having a goal like Cycle Oregon gives me a sense of purpose, and adds an interesting dimension to my regular routine of cycling for fitness.

So make your retirement the best time of your life! Check out our web site, www.oregonretirement.info for some ideas. If you're a cyclist, visit www.cycleoregon.com

Cycling in retirement

As we age our joints don't seem to function quite as smoothly as they used to! Many of us retirees have been physically active our whole lives, and it's frustrating not to be able to run marathons or play several vigorous sets of tennis or make first tracks on the ski slope and be the last one in line at the end of the day.

How to get that endorphin rush, burn lots of calories, and be able to enjoy the great out of doors? One answer is bicycling! Whether you cruise around on local bike paths, or take your gear and ride across the country, cycling is a wonderful activity for mind and body alike. Retirement offers more free time, which is a requirement for long distance cycling. It also saves the planet from fossil fuel emissions if you can run errands on two wheels instead of four.

Oregon is blessed with many beautiful wineries, which make logical locations for cycling destinations. Yesterday my cycling group, The Rogue Recyclers, had a lovely ride in the Applegate Valley near Grants Pass. Check out our post-ride libations at Schmidt Family Winery www.sfvineyards.com, and watch us on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hk7E1RSDF5k

For more wineries, please visit www.Oregonretirement.info
(P. S. I didn't really fall into the pool!)