seniors - Angela Robertson

Becoming a centenarian is a significant milestone that calls for a celebration. Kath looked forward to her 100^th birthday and planned to celebrate this momentous occasion with family and friends. At her 90^th, 95^thand 99^th birthday parties, the family always displayed a photo board showing lots of pictures of her life and family and friends, but Kath said, “there’s very little time to talk about who everyone is”. Explaining she said, “I’ve enjoyed a good and happy life, and they have all played an important part in it. This time, I’d like to give something back”.

At her 100^th birthday party she gave each of her guests a very special gift to show how much she valued their friendship over the years – an illustrated book of short stories capturing the defining moments of her life. For Kath, the project was a labour of love – for her family and friends it is a personal treasure that has given them tremendous joy. It was a privilege to work with Kath on this project to preserve her memories and honour her life. Everyone’s life is unique and worthwhile. Everyone has a story to tell. It’s the greatest legacy you can leave your family and friends. If you are interested in capturing your personal or family story and need a hand, contact me, Angela Robertson at kiaora@angelarobertson.nz

People over 60 today are surely the most active and adventurous ever. The second half of life is a chance to:
• Enjoy the freedom to focus our time and energy on what we want to do
• Fulfil long nurtured ambitions
• Spend time with people we like, love and appreciate, who enrich our own lives
• Establish new routines
• Increase community connectedness and contribution
• Grow in ways that were not possible when life was filled with the full-time workday stressors and cares we had when we were raising our families

Many of us are:
• Working – 1:4 people over the age of 65 are currently in paid employment
• Starting businesses
• Volunteering
• Travelling
• Writing blogs
• Learning new things
• Retraining
• Starting new hobbies and activities
• Building the home, we’ve always dreamed of
• Teaching and mentoring others
• Helping others in a myriad of ways e.g. caring for elders or caring for grandchildren
• Renewing friendships
• Making new friends
• Starting and/or joining clubs
• Researching our family history
• Writing our memoirs or novels
• Working on legacy projects
• Simplifying our lives
• Exercising more

These are just a few examples – the list is infinite.

Later life offers us the opportunity to be ourselves and do what we want to do. It offers new possibilities for personal growth, a chance to expand our horizons, and the opportunity us the opportunity to utilise our skills and share our talent and expertise to our advantage.

It takes skill and planning to ensure that second half of our lives are as happy, healthy and secure as they can be. To minimise anxiety – start your planning early. Financial planning is a must – but a fulfilling second half of life is about so much more than money. It is up to us how we spend our days. Life is not a dress rehearsal and as Carl Jung said –

“The greatest potential for growth & self-realization exists in the second half of life”

What’s your road map to retirement? Would you like some assistance? Contact me kiaora@angelarobertson.nz

Planning A 100th Birthday Celebration – A Centenarian’s Extra Special Gift

Reimagining Retirement