Structure in retirement: Episode 131

Structure in Retirement James Metz is an 83-year-old who loves playing tennis and golf. He spends much of his time in active competition rather than exercise studios or on exercise bikes. He leads a very active lifestyle. While James is happily married, loves traveling and stays active, he finds that he doesn’t have a lot of male friends. James and I met through SCORE and he reached out to me in response to one of my newsletters James sold his business in Houston and moved in December of 1994. He soon found himself restless. James had a background in retail but soon found himself representing Sears. He claims it was one of the happiest times in his life. I wanted to see if I could help him find structure in retirement and his daily activities Today James faces a lull in the evenings, usually between 6 and 9 P.M. He has volunteered, been certified as a mediator and worked. Learn more about James and listen in on a brainstorming session about ways James could get involved during this episode. What is a certified mediator? A mediator certification instructs individuals on required skills to resolve conflicts directly and train others on workplace conflict resolution strategies. James decided to get certified as a mediator when he realized he wasn’t a good listener in his business. His wife claims it made him a better person and a better listener. EVERYBODY NEEDS STRUCTURE IN RETIREMENT – YOU ARE NOT ALONE Imagine, you were working from 9 to 5 and all of a sudden, you're retired! What do you do in your free time? It is a tough transition for some, especially those who spent almost all of their adult life working. It is a monumental change in life. Filling up all of that free time and trying to find a purpose with your new retirement lifestyle all seems overwhelming sometimes. James, along with millions of other retirees need answers to these issues. On Today’s Show we discuss: * Men being lonely in retirement * Brainstorming ways to fill James’ time * How to find structure in retirement * Learning to listen and take time to think about your answers * Difference between relationships between men and relationships between women * Men aren’t the same as women * It’s surprising what people will do when you ask * Importance of connection * James’ love for traveling * Planning ahead Image already added