China Seniors

Conclusion

You are as young as you feel. For a senior, once he or she has retired, time suddenly becomes immense. After working everyday from 8 to 5 and having a routine and purpose, suddenly there is nothing scheduled. It is important that the senior makes preparation for this day well in advance. How to occupy and use this time in a meaningful way is crucial. Remember that there is usually a spouse or other family member that needs to be calculated into the formula. Oddly enough, many people think of retirement planning only in terms of financial. The reality is though, even if money isn’t a major problem, what to do could be. Seniors may qualify to retire but often don’t want to because they may simply feel like they don’t have anything else meaningful to do. Especially abroad, where raising grandchildren isn’t as “socially acceptable” but rather thought of as the actual parents’ responsibility, seniors want something more respectable to do. Taking the grandkids to the park everyday probably won’t cut it. For the Chinese however, being pre-occupied with the grandchildren is often quite sufficient.

Funds are another factor. During the working career, there was a steady monthly income, what happens when that stops? Is there a pension or retirement fund to offset this stoppage of money? Have you set aside a nest egg to afford a life style that you have grown accustomed? This financial planning needs to be done at an early age; otherwise it will be more difficult during the later stages of your career. Although persons over 60 have a great deal of experience to offer, the reality is many companies will be reluctant to hire a person at that age. That being said, staying positive and looking for part time work can prove to be a suitable means to getting by as long as health permits. A key is to learn the secret of contentment. Instead of thinking that retirement means it is time to travel the world, learning how to live a simple yet meaningful life can do wonders. Some of the older expats that come to China for a visit or longer stay can do so not because they are millionaires but because they have learned to live on a budget.

Health is still the highest concern. A major medical problem, if not covered by insurance or a government program can drain the financial resources of an individual very quickly. Not much use to save up for that dream holiday and travel if you are unable to walk. So the best solution is to keep healthy. Eat well and take regular medical check ups to prevent a problem before it occurs. At older age, recovery from health issues takes longer. A twisted ankle from that Salsa or Mambo dance probably only took an overnight soak and massage but as you age, it could takes weeks and may be prone to more serious damage.

The final goal is to leave a legacy. After spending almost a lifetime at work, it’s time for the senior to think of what is to be left behind. It isn’t about money, as they say: “You can’t take it with you” and no one says on their final days: “I wish I had worked more.” So try to take some advice from Juan Cornet and enjoy life by do something you like. Make it a goal to be remembered for being a kind and good person. Success as a senior is about knowing how to live not simply being wealthy. As countless examples have proven money isn’t everything. While we all need money to get by, the actual amount necessary could be a lot less than we think. This is especially good for seniors to remember. A simple yet happy life full of meaningful activity may be the biggest secret to being a successful senior.