The Big 5-0

A good friend of mine just turned 50, and he told me that almost overnight, his brain shifted gears to focus on retirement. "It’s like my mind swapped out all my big adventure plans for thoughts of quitting work!" he joked while we had coffee.

But I could tell there was more to it. Lately, he’s been talking about downsizing with his wife, sorting out their pensions, and figuring out how much they actually need to feel comfortable in the future.

We had a good laugh, but it was clear—turning 50 had sparked something deeper in him about retirement, just like it did for me a few years back.

Has hitting 50 done the same for you?

SILVER SELECTIONS

SEXUAL HEALTH 😅

• Let’s no be so tight-lipped about sex as we age. To enjoy fulfilling intimate relationships in our 50’s, it's important to bring conversations about sexual health out of the shadows and into the open. (link)

• We can anticipate changes in our sex lives as we age. Here is a checklist for guys to improve our sex lives. (link)

PHYSICAL HEALTH 🏃🏾‍♂️‍➡️

• Why it’s never too late to start getting in shape - Here is a guide for aging men. (link) 

• Weight training for men in their 60s. (link)

FRIENDSHIP 🫂

• Loneliness is a real thing as we age. Make new friends mid-life (link)

MENTAL HEALTH 🧠

• Guys in our age bracket feel there is a stigma in admitting or addressing their own mental health concerns. We can’t help it, we are a product of how we grew. But let’s change that. Here is some background: (link)

HOBBIES 🎉

• Great travel ideas (link)

• Golf trips on a budget - across the USA (link)

3 things Boomers think are important, but aren’t

Just as every passing generation retires their widely held beliefs, here are a few that are leaving with the Boomers:

Maintaining a Large Home: A big house with a lot of space used to be a status symbol, but many now prioritize minimalism, efficiency, and sustainable living.

Traditional Gender Roles: The idea that men should be the breadwinners and women should focus on homemaking is outdated for many. With the kids now (or nearly) out of the house, our traditional roles are open to changing.

Retirement as a Time to Slow Down: The idea that retirement should be a time of rest and relaxation is evolving. Many retirees today seek new challenges, start second careers, or engage in active hobbies, viewing this phase as a time for reinvention rather than winding down.

QUESTIONS

Got burning questions? Let us know and we’ll find answers, or create an article over the topic. We’re here to help even if your back isn’t! 😉

Here’s one I’ve asked myself: How can I stay active and healthy as I age?

To me a balanced approach is necessary. I prioritize things this way:

Prioritizing nutrition: with a balanced diet gives me a balanced life

Maintain mental sharpness: I do New York Times Wordle, Connections, and Strands, basically daily.

Schedule regular health checkups: to monitor key health indicators.

Stay connected by nurturing friendships, relationships and remaining socially active.

Manage stress: I try to discard my negative thoughts that creep in. This needs a deeper dive.

Prioritize sleep: I’m a different person if I can get 6-7 hours of quality sleep. Often I only get 4 hours.

Focusing on gratitude reminds me to remain happy for all things.

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