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Are you exploring all that retirement life has to offer? If
so, you may be considering how best to support the lifestyle that you’ve been
looking forward to. Choosing how to spend your time is likely at the top of the
list and is a well-deserved gift.
While working or raising children, having time to call your
own may have seemed illusive. But retirees often celebrate having the
opportunity to take up a left-behind hobby or to rediscover a passion they once
had.
More than a few, however, may be unsure which activities
might result in feelings of zeal. You may be wondering if you’d like to
rediscover an old passion or begin looking for a new one.
If you’re defining your retirement path toward aging well,
the following tips may help you successfully with your search.
What is a passion?
When you feel passionate about something, you experience a
depth of feeling that goes beyond just enthusiasm. People often describe the
sensation as losing a sense of time and place when they are engaged with their
passion.
A few examples may include:
You may also be the object of your passion. Some retirees
commit to finding ways to live their lives to the fullest – to aging well. They
may dedicate a certain number of hours every week for getting in physical shape
or exercising to better their mental health.
Others may decide to embark on an encore career and are
determined to put their efforts where their passions can be expressed. Giving
politics a try and running for a local office may be the focus for some.
Becoming a kindergarten teacher might be another’s dream in order to fulfill a
long-held passion to work with little ones.
Aging and rediscovering your passions
The journey of life can take us down many paths and along
the way we may find we had to leave behind personal interests so we could
concentrate on the more pressing tasks at hand. Growing older often returns the
opportunity to finally have time to spend as you like.
If you’re interested in rediscovering your passions or
creating new ones, consider these suggestions:
This can be a wonderful place to jumpstart your search if
you’re feeling a little lost. You don’t need to sign up for a class, although
that can also be a great idea. But look for any subjects that pique your
interest and let your mind explore from there.
If you’re having trouble zeroing in on what your interests
are, ask those who know you best what they think. They will likely point out
your frequent topics of conversations or areas that they’ve seen you become
excited about.
Sometimes we don’t even realize how we like to spend our
time. Look back on activities you choose, what television shows you watch or
books you read. See if there is a pattern you can capture. This could be your
starting point to define a passion.
Keep an open mind and don’t reject any initial ideas because
you assume they’re not passion-worthy. Be willing to try different options and
you might discover something about yourself that had remained unnoticed.
It can help to view this process as an adventure instead of
feeling pressured to pick the right passion. There are no wrong answers.
Keeping a positive attitude can help open yourself up to new possibilities.
Don’t give up. Keep searching.
Source: Forbes contributor Rob Pascale
How an independent living community can help
Retirement living can offer some of the best opportunities
to age well. Where you live can make all the difference as it provides a
supportive environment for you to discover and live your passions.
There are also features in an independent living community
that can play an active role in your passions. Consider a few of the advantages
you’ll find that contribute to creating an enriched life, such as:
You’ll find all of these benefits and more at an independent living community. Along with the easy and maintenance-free lifestyle, you’ll have even more time to spend on what brings you the most joy.
Forget everything you've heard about "aging gracefully" - Dr. Giselle breaks down why looking good after 55 isn't vanity, it's wellness. This no nonsense guide explores how body contouring procedures like liposuction, skin tightening with Renuvion, and strategic med spa treatments (tox and fillers) can dramatically improve quality of life for older adults. Learn why your body works differently after menopause, why diet and exercise aren't always enough, and how the right aesthetic interventions can boost mobility, confidence, mental health and social engagement.
Fear and greed are hard to overcome. Why do we let these emotions control our decision-making process when it comes to our financial well-being? Do we fear that when there is a market correction it is a sign of impending global doom? As a part of our emotional make-up, we have a tendency to linearly extrapolate. When things are going bad, they will only get worse, and when things are going well, they will only get better. We know that our past experiences tell us neither scenario is true, but we continue to fall into the same trap time and time again.At some point we have to come to the realization that market movements are part of the investment process, and the only way to prosper long-term is to eliminate the emotions that will make us buy high and sell low. The way to control emotions is to have a disciplined approach. Discipline puts us in control, not our emotions.Controlling our emotions helps us in all facets of life, and is a key element in understanding the Psychology of Investing. Investment decisions are similar to decisions regarding friends and family. Dont try to resolve an issue when emotional, BE DISCIPLINED. The Psychology of Investing is nothing more than an understanding of the emotions that influence our decisions. Buying high and selling low is not the inverse of buying low and selling high, but is an actualization of our emotions. Be disciplined in your decision making. Use fact and reason to the best of your ability and endeavor to understand, and by understanding, control your emotions. The Psychology of Investing is the first chapter in a book titled The Ten Commandments of Investing, a book that offers a unique perspective on investing by Al Weber, Senior Vice President at Raymond James. It is available in electronic format, at no charge, by requesting it at Katie.Burr@RaymondJames.com. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Erin Weber, CFP. Erin is a Financial Advisor with the Weber Group of Raymond James. She may be reached at 878.208.1285 or Erin.Weber@RaymondJames.com.Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC800 Cranberry Woods Drive, Suite 200, Cranberry Township, PA 16066Any opinions are those of Erin Weber and not necessarily those of Raymond James. This material is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See ad on page 112.
The search for the right primary care doctor can feel overwhelming. Many patients express frustration with long wait times, short visits, and difficulty accessing their physician when they need them most. In todays fast-paced healthcare environment, finding a doctor who prioritizes patient care is more important than ever. One emerging alternative is Direct Primary Care (DPC), a model that shifts the focus back to the patient by eliminating insurance hassles. Instead of dealing with copays and billing, patients pay a flat monthly fee for direct access to their doctor, longer appointment times, and a more personalized healthcare experience. Availability and Access How long will it take to get your first appointment? Some traditional practices have months-long waits. In contrast, DPC providers typically offer initial visits within a week, ensuring you receive care when you need it. Office Experience Time spent in the waiting room can be a major frustration. In conventional practices, patients may wait an hour or more before seeing the doctor. DPC practices prioritize efficiency, often reducing wait times to just minutes. Time With Your Doctor Short, rushed appointments can leave patients feeling unheard. In many traditional offices, physicians are booked in 15- to 20-minute intervals, limiting discussion time. DPC physicians often schedule longer visits sometimes up to an hourallowing for in-depth conversations, thorough exams, and more thoughtful treatment plans. Communication and Follow-Up Reaching your doctor can be a challenge. Many patients endure long hold times or leave messages that go unanswered. In the DPC model, direct communication is key. Patients often have access via phone, email, or text for prompt, personalized care. Urgent Needs Medical concerns dont always arise during business hours. Traditional practices may not offer same-day visits, pushing patients toward urgent care or ERs. DPC providers aim to accommodate same- or next-day appointments, reducing unnecessary trips and ensuring continuity of care. Choosing a primary care doctor is personal. Look for a physician who is experienced, accessible, compassionate, and committed to your well-being. Asking the right questionsand exploring models like DPCcan lead to a more satisfying healthcare experience. Editors Note: This article was written by Dr. Rebecca L. Byard, Family Medicine Doctor with Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh. She can be reached at 412-892-9170 or visit their website at wwwdirectcarepgh.com. See ad on pages 2-3.