Being a retired woman means more time with family members and socializing.  I’m now at the retirement age of 57 years old and seek more friends.  I have to replace contacts of co-workers and fellow college students.   I’m no longer competing in those ways.  I’ve lived to see a Great Niece born last year.  And, I think there will be more to follow in my future.  My family tends to expand at family reunions.  Pretty soon we’ll have to rent a hall for all the newcomers.

Retirement for women means that she can focus on her needs and not have to answer to a boss.  It means being your own boss to your own hobbies.  It is like taking on a new job—your hobby interests.  For me I’ve taken up: photography, games, walking, writing, volunteering, donating, piano, music and computing.

But, there is budgeting with a fixed income for the most part.  One has to learn that there will be no more working pay checks in retired life.  So, you can’t work for your money any more.  One has to live within ones budget on every level of spending.  One has to be prudent with the rising cost of living.  Gas and food going up in price.  Senior care can be an added expense.  I for one hire a housekeeper for my weekly chores around the apartment.  It costs money for my health aid service a few hours per week.

Being single like myself I’ve been socializing more to take up being alone time.  Retirement can be a little lonely and isolating if you let it.  But, you have to find resources available to you in your own community like donating and volunteering your extra time.  That is more socializing.

Like myself, I don’t grow old very gracefully and need medical disability attention now and then.  Otherwise, retirement is suitable for me in my older age.  What retirement means for women is really great.  It means you have made it through life so far for the most part.  It is now up to you to live a full life until you’ve completed your life cycle.  Some people don’t get the opportunity to be old.  It is an earned right to live into your golden age.  Retirement for a woman means you’ve made it!