Don't plan on retiring without a plan.

Dear readers: The last column was addressed to those who are reluctant to retire because they like their occupations so much. This column is for those who have not liked their employment and who are only waiting to reach the appropriate age to retire. Again, there are a number of considerations.

Anyone who plans to retire must have a plan for future activities. Be certain not to ignore the fact that you will have large quantities of time that will need to be filled somehow. What will you do during those hours that no longer will be occupied with commute traffic? The hours when you were bound to your office? I can almost hear the words "sleep" and "TV". However, you are certain to wake eventually, and I hope to discourage you from vast quantities of TV. Try to avoid activities in general that require little or no thought. It will be tempting to those individuals who will be glad to escape a less than stimulating position to utilize the ever-present TV for longer than is really sensible.
Obviously you need a good substitute for the time that your present job occupies, but this time select an area with which you will be comfortable. As always, my suggestion is for mental exercise. There are certainly some mental activities that will challenge you and that you will enjoy. If you do not at present do any types of puzzles, try a variety of them at a doable level to check out which of them you might like to try in a more difficult form.
Another idea might be to expand a present hobby, or if you do not have one, consider learning a completely new subject. Initiate a plan to do an activity that has attracted you in the past, a topic that has interested you over the years, perhaps, but that you have never had the time to pursue.
If you have travel plans, learning an appropriate language would provide you a real mental challenge. In any case, choose a stimulating subject that will occupy your interest and make you think. Taking an appropriate class to learn a language or another subject that attracts you can have advantages. Others who are considering the same directions will also attend, and present a good opportunity for making new friends.
I always encourage all retirees to volunteer. You will not want to pursue your present field of employment, so consider perhaps, your favorite charitable organization, or some other activity that you especially enjoy. Helping others is so important and so rewarding for you. You will also likely be working with other volunteers, and the resulting social interaction is also of the utmost importance.
There are, of course, other activities that all older adults should pursue. Although a recent study indicates that physical activity does not help to promote mental fitness, I personally find that aerobic exercise makes me feel much more relaxed and well in general. If you do not now exercise regularly, however, be sure to check with your physician before beginning. Perhaps you could also join a gym and ask a trainer to help you set up an appropriate regimen.
Your retirement should be such a rewarding experience. Enjoy it!