Approaching 78 – Thriving with My Five ‘F’ Words
As my 78th birthday approaches, I find myself celebrating not just another year but a vibrant way of living I call “ReFirement.”
Yes, you read that right. Instead of slowing down post-career, I’ve chosen to ignite new passions, embrace life’s joys, and savor its challenges. With a promise that my “F” words are the good kind, I’ve built a framework that keeps my days exciting and my spirit young. Inspired by my great-grandmother’s zest for life into her tenth decade, I’ve defined my ReFirement with five guiding words: Family, Fitness, Fulfillment, Friends, and Fun. These sparks fuel my flame, ensuring I thrive well into my 90s and beyond.
Let’s explore how these five words shape my life – and perhaps, yours, too.
Family – Rooted in Connection
Family is the foundation of my ReFirement. Staying connected with my blended family of children and grandchildren enriches my life and strengthens my roots. Whether through weekly Zoom sessions with my long-distance grandson for story time, quick phone calls and text messages to catch up with our adult children, and cherished summer reunions when we’re all together in person, I’ve discovered that nurturing family ties is a two-way gift.
Last year, I helped my grandson publish his first eBook based on adventures we shared during my week-long visit. It’s a memory I hope he treasures forever, just as I cherish the legacy stories passed down from my grandmothers, who taught me the value of creating moments that matter.
Family bonds connect us, remind us where we come from, and ground us in love.
Fitness – Body, Mind, Spirit, and Money
Fitness is about much more than staying physically active. It’s about caring for the body, nurturing the mind, uplifting the spirit, and managing finances to live stress-free. For me, fitness means weights, walks, and veggies – though chocolate tempts me daily.
Physical activity is a game-changer as we age. Research published in The Lancet confirms that it reduces the risk of chronic diseases and bolsters cognitive health.
I balance this with mental workouts, like lifelong learning classes and creative endeavors. One highlight? I took a poetry class that led to my poem being published in The Apple Tree.
Daily meditation, inspirational readings, a connection with nature, and a bond with my congregation enhance my spiritual fitness.
Financial fitness is equally crucial. My years as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® taught me that managing money wisely reduces stress and increases freedom. Whether budgeting for travel or giving back to causes I love, financial health allows me to thrive without worry.
Friends – My Chosen Relationships
Friendships are a lifeline, especially as we age. Research from the National Institute on Aging shows meaningful connections can stave off loneliness and boost mental health. My circle of friends brings joy, laughter, and support – essentials for thriving.
One of the gifts of later life is the ability to focus on relationships that truly matter. I’ve rekindled old friendships and built new ones through book clubs, discussion groups, and other local events. Whether we’re sharing tea, heartfelt stories, or silly jokes, these connections light up my days.
Looking ahead, I plan to move into a Continuing Care Retirement Community in a few years. It’s an intentional choice to ensure vibrant friendships surround me as I continue my life journey.
Fulfillment – Purpose and Passion
Purpose is the glue that holds my ReFirement together. Studies in the JAMA Network reveal that having a clear sense of purpose improves physical health and even extends life expectancy. For me, fulfillment means waking up excited for the adventures and joy ahead.
Much of my purpose comes from giving back. I mentor younger professionals, help nonprofits grow their endowments, and empower widows through financial literacy. Recently, I joined a program tutoring third graders to improve their reading skills – an experience that’s as rewarding for me as it is for them. Sharing my skills and passions creates a ripple effect of positivity.
Fun – Embracing Joy in Everyday Moments
Fun is the fuel that keeps my spirit alive. Whether attending a local arts festival, savoring a yummy, sticky s’more made at our backyard firepit, or marveling at a live theater performance, I embrace every opportunity to smile.
Simple joys make me happy, like reading on my backyard swing, planting pretty SunPatiens, or baking a batch of gingersnap and chocolate cookies. My husband, Charlie, and I like to take goofy photos with laughter flowing freely. These moments remind me that fun doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful.
ReFirement – A New Vision of Aging
ReFirement isn’t about denying age or chasing youth. It’s about living boldly and embracing each chapter with open arms. As I look toward my 90s and beyond, I’m determined to keep my flame burning bright by focusing on family, fitness, friends, fulfillment, and fun.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What helps you thrive in your post-career late adult years? Do you resonate with any of my five “F” words? What small changes could you make to feel more energized each day as we rewrite the story of aging together?
Tags Reinventing Yourself
Kathleen, great update on your refirement concept. I wanted to jump into the family discussion. My family is very important to me and we are close. However I know that many families are fractured or live far from each other. I have seen how some of my friends have made their own family with friends. Maybe this is not ideal but dwelling on what you are missing rather than what you have is a recipe for unhappiness.
Good to hear from you, Maureen. Thanks for your thoughtful feedback! I know the idea of “refirement” resonates with you. Your point about the importance of family—whether it’s the one we’re born into or the one we create—is meaningful.
Focusing on what we have rather than what’s missing is wise advice. Building a chosen family with friends is a wonderful reminder of the power of connection and community.
Thanks again for sharing your perspective—it’s a valuable addition to the conversation. I hope my future writing continues to inspire your comments.
Love the five F words. Excellent article.
Thank you so much, Jean! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the “five F words.” Wishing you continued joy and fulfillment as you incorporate them into your life.
This is beautiful. I love the word “ReFirement.” I am going to claim it for my 75th year this year. Also, I am adding a sixth word to your five—FAITH! Without it, I find the other five don’t have the “spark” to ignite the joy of life in all things.
Marilyn, thank you for your beautiful comment! I love your addition of “Faith” to the list—it’s such a profound source of strength and joy for many. Wishing you a wonderful year of “ReFirement” as you celebrate your 75th!
Kathleen, You have given me something to think about. I too am approaching 78 and I am finally getting better at making choices for ME, instead of for my kids, my friends, my spouse.
An aside, if you don’t me getting into your business – when you are ready to join a continuing care retirement community – take a lot of time to look into all aspects of the one(s) you are looking at, especially if there is a substantial buy-in that can’t be refunded. Do a lot of research. We almost bought into a very nice one that would have taken a large chunk of our life savings and we actually moved into one for several months that had aspects of daily living that weren’t what we expected.
Thank you, Vera, for sharing your journey and thoughtful advice! I’m so glad the article resonated with you. And your insight about thoroughly researching retirement communities is invaluable—I’m sure it will help many readers. Wishing you all the best as you continue to make choices that reflect your happiness and priorities.
Except for family, I embrace the five F’s I would replace the family F with the word “Food”. The article covered it briefly under fitness, then mentioned a few foods later in the article. For me, getting good nutritious and fun food is a joy. I wouldn’t think of “resisting” chocolate. And I enjoy trying new recipes.
As far as family goes, my family consists of my wonderful husband of 45 years. “Family” brings up visions of children and grandchildren. That’s fine for those who have them, but we chose to live child-free. We are a family of two. We also have our chosen family of very close friends, and our extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews and their children who we visit all over the America.
Great article. Thanks
Thank you, Roxanne, for sharing your perspective! I love how you’ve expanded the idea of family to include chosen family and how much joy you find in food. Your story is a wonderful reminder that fulfillment comes in many forms. Wishing you continued happiness with your wonderful husband and extended family.