Retiree Rebels: Ditch The Rocking Chair!

Finding happiness is not the same at the point of retirement as it was at age 5 or 6. There’s a lifetime of stumbles that often get in our way. Mary Helen and Carol in this edition of Kitchen Table Talks discuss figuring out what happiness means to us now, and what might be getting in our way of finding it.

When did this start? Younger people calling older people “adorable”? Carol Larson examines why this disturbing description was recent thrown in her direction. (Hint: It has to do with sex!)

Do you have a driver's license? Do you know the rules of the road? Mary Helen reflects on renewing her driver's license and what the rules say to her now in her bonus years. Safe driving, Retiree Rebels as the traffic signals become metaphors for helping us on the road to retirement. "Blinking yellow lights when you're about to do something stupid.Stop signs in front of people who could hurt you.Green lights shining when you're doing the right thing.It would make the whole experience easier.” The whole experience is life. (Bauer)

Helen Marks Dicks advocates for Wisconsin’s office of the American Association of Retired People (AARP), pushing for legislation serving seniors. But she also advocates for all of us to become as eccentric as possible. Helen lives her philosophy, and sat down with Mary Helen and Carol to discuss ageism, AARP issues, and pursuing authenticity in our “bonus years.”

Blame It On The Ukulele! More than a song lyric, the charm of Hawaiian strings has lately spiked the Uke's popularity across the US. One of the many new Uke groups is in Carol Larson’s neighborhood, and she interviewed members to understand the growing appeal of the Ukulele, especially among retirees. Many thanks to: Judy Christie, Carol Tyler, Dennis Carberry, Vicki Fondrk and the other members of the Fitchburg Ukulele Network (FUN)

What’s Your Brand? Are you job hunting? You already know today’s market is a lot different than when we were young. Career Strategist Donna Beestman says older workers have to put more than their history on a resume. She sat down with Mary Helen and Carol to explain how developing a "personal brand” can help you in a job search.

Mary Helen talks of the remembering we need to do in retirement to help ourselves and our families continue to understand the legacy we will leave.  Using her favorite holiday of July 4th she shows how remembering can make our past take focus in telling our stories.

Seniors Helping Seniors The idea has turned into a movement called Village to Village. In Madison, WI one of the founding associations of a senior run and senior targeted “villages” is called SAIL (Supporting Active Independent Lives). Executive Director Ann Albert talks with Mary Helen and Carol about the growth of a national movement.

Summer is the time for fun. Do you remember how to have fun? Carol Larson talks about how retirement can actually be hazardous to your health, and how she found her way to a happier life through the new sport of PickleBall.

Is it time for you to be selfish?  It may be the means to finding your next steps in retirement. John Vardallas, publisher of Today’s BoomeR, ditched the rocking chair early, and tells Mary Helen and Carol his personal quest for joy helped him craft a business he’s still enjoying today.

Mary Helen suggests that in our retirement watching our language can create a vibrant life. Keeping a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset will provide a way to view your retirement plans. Make sure to listen till the end for the 3 words that help you to create this growth mindset.

Does your present home suit your new retired life? Does the real estate decision you made 10 or 20 years ago no longer fit your circumstances? Ruth Domack, Certified Senior Housing Professional, says things change and you may need to adjust according to your new needs and wishes. Ruth also advises Mary Helen and Carol on the emotional strain of making those changes, especially the dreaded process of downsizing.

Do you sometimes feel unexplainably sad?  Former grief counselor Mary Lou Payer Martino says that can be a normal reaction to any major life change, including retirement. In this Kitchen Table Talk, Mary Lou joins Mary Helen and Carol to talk about how the loss of who you once were, along with all the benefits and status of your working life, can cause unexpected problems in retirement.

For this Mothers Day, Carol Larson reflects on how --beneath her mother’s quiet exterior-- beat the heart of a rebel.

Having trouble finding a new balance in your retiredlife? Too many things to do? Not enough? You’renotalone.  In this Kitchen Table Talk, Mary Helen Conroy and CarolLarsondiscuss the difficulty of finding what’s right for eachperson, andhow the very definition of balance changes inretirement.

Using the tool of review, Mary Helen revisited her favorite movie from the past, the Wizard of Oz. Listen to how the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Lion can bring you through the twister to Oz. All we need are our brains, heart and courage.

Do you hear voices? You know the ones in your head that say you’re "over the hill." Ever try shouting back?At the first gathering hosted by Retiree Rebels, we heard how society's negative view of age can deter people from pursuing their dreams. And we gained inspiration from people making their own voice stronger.

Is there a poem that resonates with your retirement? Does being a Retiree Rebel mean you’re taking The Road Less Traveled? Mary Helen and Carol find they are being drawn to poetry now that age and experience puts greater meaning behind the words, and they bring that appreciation to this Kitchen Table Talk (it is National Poetry Month).

Retirement can be hazardous to your relationship.  Financial issues, different expectations, and divorce all present major challenges to living 'till death do us part'.  Mary Helen discusses the staggering statistics on money and divorce in this week's podcast. Listen for tips on how both Dick and Jane can adjust their partnership to better fit their retirement.

Time and Energy, the two non-renewable resources in our lives. In this Kitchen Table Talk, Carol Larson and Mary Helen Conroy hash over how to pare down the list of what we do with our days so we can finally focus on our personal priorities.  Retirement offers a tsunami of choices. Conserving time and energy may help us discover our bliss. It's all about the choices we make.