PREPARING FOR RETIREMENT.

Preparing for retirement is a very important aspect of a person’s working career. This process should start 7 to 10 years before the proper retirement

date. Meanwhile, Retirement is a word that scares many people. This is because they feel it is the end of the road for them. They fear the loss of

power, control and fame. These people worry about how to survive as the source of income goes. More so in a country like Nigeria where pensions

and gratuities of civil servants are not paid. Some private organizations have no retirement plans. But there are still some private organizations

like the oil, gas, marine, dredging, or mining industries that have retirement benefits for their staff. It is as if the person lost his job.

Preparing for retirement cushions the effect of the process. In Africa, especially Nigeria, it is perceived as a death sentence. People fear

retirement because they link it with old age. No one wants to get old, yet, aging is inevitable. Indeed, the retirement age is towards old age. At 60 and

above, elderly tendencies begin to show . Consequently, insecurity, psychological challenges make it worse. It is also the period when health

challenges become worse. The person’s life changes drastically. Therefore, it is important that adjustments are made to secure a good quality of life. In

all, preparing for retirement is an intrinsic step to having a healthy, happy old age. Now, how do we go about this preparation?

PREPARATION HINTS FOR RETIREMENT

1. Accept aging is normal:

Firstly, the potential retiree must prepare his mind towards retirement. He should gradually accept that retirement is near . It is important to begin

discussions with spouse and children on the implications for them as well. Most times, retirees are in denial of the impending phase of life. One of the

most important things at this time is to accept aging as inevitable and a good phase of life. People view retirement with bitterness and anger. It

should not be if preparation is in place. An existential perspective will help, whereby one accepts what he cannot change and change what you can. One

must get older but how it is received is what determines how you live. Fearlessly accept your real age and work towards getting the best. Nigerians

have a habit of age reduction so they remain in service. Do not live that lie. Retire in good health and be grateful for life. Age gracefully and keep happy.

2. Financial preparedness:

Secondly, Financial preparedness requires financial intelligence. Whatever financial plans you make today determines how comfortable and happy

you will be when you retire. Pay attention to other possible sources of income that will come in handy at retirement. If you have none , it is time to

have those options . Adjust now. Start a business on the side as a support. Also you can invest in stocks, bonds, and properties if you can afford it.

Invest for growth. Set aside funds because health issues arise at retirement and healthcare is expensive and not readily available in Nigeria. Be realistic

in your planning. Be sincere with your partner, and plan to include your spouse. You will need two heads to navigate through the very hostile

financial environment of Nigeria. Do not wait to start investment or start a business after retirement. Set up now so its running before you retire.

https://www.merrilledge.com/article/7-steps-prepare-for-your-upcoming-retirement .Seek more financial advise from investment banks.

3. Health preparedness:

Thirdly, as at the time of retirement, most retirees develop age related health issues. For instance men in their 60s and above commonly have

prostrate issues, while women fear post menopausal related challenges. https://familyfaculties.com/2020/07/19/making-postmenopause-great/.

Healthissues are expensive and stressful so save for it. You can also look into the novo national health insurance of Nigeria. There are affordable

family packages that can cover you and your spouse. It is also advisable to be up to date with all necessary immunizations for the elderly. Be on top of

your game. Start a regular health check up with a doctor. Keep an eye on basic numbers. For example on Blood pressure, Cholesterol levels, kidney

functions, liver functions, PSA(men), mammogram(women), pap smear(women), HBA1C(diabetes) and more. Try to establish a good rapport

with any required specialty doctor. Health care in Nigeria is tough. It is better to prevent complications as much as possible.

4. Preparing suitable accommodation:

Fourth point is evaluation of your home. In preparing for retirement, consider where you will live. Accommodation has to be safe, and

affordable. Plan to live where you have quick access to a hospital. Furthermore, think of cleaning and maintenance cost. Owners of large homes

find out that it was a useless decision. Because children leave home and relocate making the large edifice unused. Consequently, it is wise to sell and

build a smaller home that meets the needs of the elderly. Build to massage your ego and status, but plan to sell and move out to a healthier

accommodation at retirement. For instance , the retired elderly will be more functional in a bungalow than duplex. Do not worry, your children

will build if you equip them. Besides, they may not fancy your design. Nevertheless, retired couples can relocate to the village if they are renting

but make sure your village has a good hospital for emergencies. Plan while you have time.

5. Preparing Social Life for retirement:

Fifthly, plan to have a good social life. After retirement, you lose friends that were colleagues and subordinates. Subordinates may not have need for you

anymore. Some friends would also move away from same location or you move. However, you need company of people to thrive mentally. Therefore,

build secured and lasting relationships while still working. Visit people, be strong in village meetings and church. Champion philanthropy, and do not

snub people. You will need company when the mask drops at retirement. It is also advisable to play games that excite you and keep you happy. For

instance draft , golf and more. Contact games are not the best to avoid fractures and exertion. Be creative . Treat people well because they are the ones that will help you at retirement.

6. Revamp your Marriage (if still married):

Furthermore, most men are older than their wives with a margin of 10 to 15 years. As a result, the woman may not retire with him. She will still be in

her middle age and active. Frictions arise because of financial issues, insecurities, control, grudge, pain and unforgiveness. Look ahead to after

retirement. You will both need one another. Even if the woman is still working, she needs to come home to peace like the man . So plan to have

happy retirement with your spouse. Do not build more resentment, bitterness, or anger. Begin to make amends. Think of the good moments or

plan to have one. Before retirement, make friends with your spouse. At the end of the day , you both will have each other. When the nest is empty and

all the children gone to make their lives, you must stand by one another. Thus, prepare a relationship that is blissful. Life is transient. Be transparent

to one another. Relinquish your rights to infidelity because after retirement, the illegal partners will be gone. Because sex will not be as great

when stolen, impotency begins to set in, money reduces. In fact, the tools of infidelity wane. Nevertheless, it is imperative that you build a wholesome

friendship with your spouse. Prepare how to take back your sex life by discussions and create other forms of affection. Talk, touch, laugh, listen to

one another. Pray, worry, and cry together. These are all ways of love making. In a few years, you will stand in the presence of one another, more

naked than at the beginning. Prepare to be naked without shame or guilt.

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Last words:

In conclusion, it is most important to prepare for retirement. That way, you live a healthy, happy , fulfilled old age with your spouse. When the chips are

down, you both are left. Companionship comes of essence. Friendship is then essential. Loneliness is deadly so keep the fire between you and your

spouse. It is also so unsafe to be alone as a retiree is most vulnerable to fraudsters. Take care of legal openings to protect your family while you can.

At retirement, you may be uncoordinated and loosing it . Be honest and begin to draw your children close and prepare them to take over family

decisions in case you become impaired after retirement. Retirement must come. Are you prepared?

Further Reading:

• https://www.huffpost.com/entry/13-ways-to-transform-your-marriage_b_58d32ac7e4b002482d6e6e4d
• https://www.google.com/search?q=preparing+for+retirement+and+post+retirement&oq=preparing+for+retirement&aqs=chrome.1.69i
• https://www.stanbicibtcpension.com/PensionManagers/Financial-Planning/Establishing-a-Retirement-Plan
• https://www.google.com/search?q=health+insurance+scheme+in+nigeria&oq=Health+insurance+in+nigeria&aqs=chrome.4.0l8.45923