Retirement means different things to different people. Far too many seem to believe that retirement means giving up and waiting to die. Feeling that their “best days” are behind them, they spend day after day watching television, playing solitaire, golfing or drinking lunch with the guys at a local bar.

The hours waiting to begin another restless night of sleep are filled with “activities” of no real interest to them. They feel no stimulation, self-worth, sense of achievement or connection in life. Family and friends tolerate them but do not seek to be in their company.

Is it any wonder that these retirees suffer imagined or, at least, exaggerated maladies? What better excuse to schedule another visit to the doctor or take another pill? Many seniors get to the point of attempting suicide and more than a few succeed. In fact, older men are particularly vulnerable.

Then there is the case of Phil Coyne, the 99 year old usher at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Phil started as an usher at the age of 18 and, after 82 years, recently decided that he finally had to give it up. Even those who have years to go before retiring should read his story here.

http://triblive.com/sports/pirates/13508023-74/pirates-on-99-year-old-usher-phil-coyne-legends-never-really-retire

Note: Not everyone has the stamina or health that Phil has. However, far more retirees can and should do more real living. As I have told people for several years now, “Don’t be in a hurry to give up because we all have a long time ahead to be dead.”