Page 58 - Workbook3E

Your Support Network
This is your family and the friends, neighbors, colleagues, clubs, and religious groups you’re involved with. Each member of your support network adds something to your mental and emotional health— recognition, companionship, love, opportunities for service and being part of a team.
As you make your retirement plans, think about the individuals within your support network. Try to determine whose support may change
or who may be lost entirely. For example, many people have close relationships and friendships with their co-workers. Will you enjoy life
without your co-workers, or can someone else fill that role?
The Married Life
Marriages are always changing and evolving. Retirement can place unexpected strains on your marriage. You may suddenly find yourself spending more time with a partner who you hardly ever saw before. With communication and caring, your spouse can be your closest friend and most valued supporter.
For example, Marie may not bring Dave to her book club, and he might not take her fishing with him every trip—but they can pursue shared interests. The following
suggestions may help you plan for some possible changes retirement may bring:
• Plan your retirement together and be supportive of each
other. Discuss finances openly and work together to agree on your retirement plan.
• Develop new activities and routines; learn to make spontaneous decisions. More freedom to do things brings some of retirement’s greatest joys.
• Build friendships—help each other rediscover old friends and find new ones.
• Share roles by exchanging or dividing household chores. You can create new ways of thinking about your lives and understanding one another better.
• Respect each other’s privacy. You each need a space or sanctuary for pursuing your own interests or hobbies—somewhere like a den, workshop, spare room, or sun porch.
• Above all communicate and listen openly to each other. Be thoughtful when addressing problems, or offering suggestions.
“There is no wilderness like a life without friends; friendship multiplies blessings and minimizes misfortunes; it is a unique remedy against adversity, and it soothes the soul.”
~ Baltasar Gracian
54 Workbook 3: Prepare for the Future