Here are three ways you can navigate the retirement transition safely during Covid-19 while still connecting with people, enriching yourself, and having fun.
1. Be together separately.
Although we’re still learning new things
about Covid-19 every day, some consensus has emerged on how to interact safely
with people you’re not living with: stay outside; main a minimum six-foot
distance; wear a face mask; wash your hands thoroughly and often.
So, while meeting other couples at
restaurants probably isn’t a great idea right now, it’s possible to have
backyard get togethers. For an extra layer of safety, have everyone bring their
own food, drinks, and chairs.
Outdoor sports are another option,
especially activities like bike rides and hikes where everyone keeps moving and
can maintain their distance. And though most public health experts advise
against sports that require sharing equipment, games like golf, softball, and
tennis can be played safely if everyone brings their own gear.
The pandemic is affecting communities
across the country in very different ways. But wherever you live, exposure to
Covid-19 is a high risk for seniors, especially if you have any preexisting
medical conditions. Please review guidelines from your local health officials
and talk to your doctor if you’re considering activities with people outside
your household.
2. Make new online connections.
The new tech skills you learned while
coping with lockdown open a world of virtual options in retirement.
By now you’ve probably mastered video
chat, but many of the same apps you’ve been using also allow you to watch
movies and play games with friends and family.
If you picked up a new interest from all
the free quarantine classes on social media, you could pursue that subject with
more formal online learning. Dedicated online education platforms are
plentiful; your local university or community college might have new online programs
as well. Plus, colleges and universities often offer discounted enrollment to
seniors.
The pandemic forced organizations of all
shapes and sizes to restructure and move at least some of their operations online.
If you’re comfortable with your computer, you might actually have more
part-time job or volunteer opportunities available to you right now. And as
more people do more business online, you might spot an ideal niche to plant
your own flag and start your own dream company, all from the comfort of home.
3. Review your retirement plan.
The plan we’ve worked on together is built
so that we can make adjustments as your needs and goals evolve. Early
retirement is a significant change. We’ll need to review your retirement budget
and projected annual withdrawal rate. We’ll have to re-access your health care needs
to make sure you and your spouse get the necessary coverage. We’ll need to
discuss if early retirement is going to change your living arrangements. We’ll
need to review your estate planning documents to ensure your loved ones are taken care of
and avoid potentially devastating consequences.
In short, we’ll need to talk. But the work you’ve put into following your plan and growing your nest egg means that you have options. We’re excited to help you chart the best path forward and start the next chapter of your life.
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