They lied to us. 

This morning on the elevator Connie and I were commiserating with a friend, a fellow octogenarian, we exchanged the normal pleasantries-how are you, how’s it going, what’s new, how are you feeling? “Can’t complain” was the standard answer.

But then he said … “they lied to us, where are the Golden Years?”

Have we been duped by advertising? “Golden years” refers to the later years of life, typically retirement-originally in the context of age 65, which ideally are years of leisure, fulfillment, and enjoyment after a lifetime of work. The term became popular in the 1950s due to advertising campaigns that portrayed retirement as a period of financial security and relaxation . Florida, Del Webb, insurance companies, even Geritol promoted the gold to be found in retirement.

My friend and his wife both have chronic health issues so I can understand his feelings. Nevertheless I doubt they lack financial resources. They spend the winter at their place in Florida.

However, I’m not sure the above description of Golden Years is accurate. Financial security sure varies by a lot among retirees. Life and its vicissitudes continue into retirement. Why should we expect anything different? 

Recent HD posts have raised questions about fulfillment and relaxation in retirement. Some folks take great pains to plan their activities and leisure time or lack there of, plus, of course, finances, but you can’t plan everything Or even make sure a plan works. 

Things aren’t going too great right now for us, but they could be a lot worse and for many retirees they are. 

Personally, I’m not disappointed In retirement.

So, is your retirement tin, silver or 24 carat?