Ted Kaufman > Quotes

“assessing a new community, remember that retirement brings with it a different sense of your role and importance. If you’ve been a high achiever or in a prominent position, you’re probably accustomed, perhaps unconsciously, to a certain deference and to the recognition and privileges that attend your position. Leaving your position (whether you move or not) will change that. Moving into a different community will exacerbate this shifting sense of identity. Some welcome the freedom to redefine themselves, and others find it unsettling. If, or more likely when, you decide to downsize, be prepared for a potentially disruptive and upsetting process. You may very well be shocked at the amount of “stuff” you’ve accumulated. Decluttering will not be easy. Partners will likely discover quite different emotional attachments to certain possessions. You’ll likely discover that your kids really don’t want most of the stuff you thought they’d want, including items you value. The process will also take longer than you anticipate. When you complete the move to the smaller space, you’ll discover you didn’t dispose of nearly enough.”
― Ted Kaufman, Bruce Hiland, Retiring?: Your Next Chapter Is about Much More Than Money

“As you begin, remember that when it comes to shaping the next chapter of your life, there are no universal, generic, all-purpose, surefire methods. Nor answers. Nor formats. You may prefer getting it down on paper to help compare alternatives or sort out conflicts. Or you may find that, as one friend put it, “my plan kind of happened.” The right way is whatever works for you in your circumstances.”
― Ted Kaufman, Retiring?: Your Next Chapter Is about Much More Than Money

“evidence continues to build that people who make the effort to develop their spirituality tend to cope better with life’s challenges and experience less stress in their daily lives.”
― Ted Kaufman, Bruce Hiland, Retiring?: Your Next Chapter Is about Much More Than Money

“next set of questions focuses on four dimensions: your body, your mind, your heart, and your soul. First, we’ll ask you to think through how you’ll maintain and preserve your physical health and fitness. Next, we’ll ask you to do the same for your intellectual powers. Then we’ll move to the “softer” challenges—how to preserve your emotional health and your relationships with others”
― Ted Kaufman, Bruce Hiland, Retiring?: Your Next Chapter Is about Much More Than Money

“discover you’re gradually adopting a life of contemplation and humility. Many of our friends say these can be the best years of your life. A friend shared the story of her grandfather who lived actively, walking in Rittenhouse Park every day and immersed in charity work until his last six weeks. He had three rules: Surround yourself with people of all ages. Have interests beyond your family because family members have their own lives to lead. Learn something new every day. At some point you’ll probably begin to experience some physical and mental limitations. For instance, you may begin to find travel more difficult and instead wish to seek activities that reduce stress. You may no longer want to take on complex responsibilities that require you to lead and redefine your involvement so that you’re active but not in charge.”
― Ted Kaufman, Bruce Hiland, Retiring?: Your Next Chapter Is about Much More Than Money

“Create a list of what you do—and don’t—eat and drink. Advice on what to eat is its own industry—and a particularly unregulated one. The blizzard of advice can make it hard to separate fads from science, which suggests that common sense is a good starting point. You already know the fundamentals: avoid “bad” fats, lighten up on the carbs, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, and go easy on the meat.”
― Ted Kaufman, Bruce Hiland, Retiring?: Your Next Chapter Is about Much More Than Money

“It isn’t just church or religion. It can be found in nature, in art, and by serving others. The list is long, and the message is clear: whatever you find solace or comfort in is what’s right for you. While this may seem outside the realm of science, evidence continues to build that people who make the effort to develop their spirituality tend to cope better with life’s challenges and experience less stress in their daily lives.”
― Ted Kaufman, Bruce Hiland, Retiring?: Your Next Chapter Is about Much More Than Money