Updated on September 23rd, 2022
Therefore at age 50 one needs to take a stock of his achievements and failures, one’s assets and liabilities and plans for future. At this age one still has about 10 to 15 years of working life to set the things right and make changes, if required.
Important questions that one must ask short of Retirement:
-Am I doing adequately to keep myself physically fit and in good health which will see me through for the next 25 years?
–Have I planned my Retirement well after considering all aspects
-Have I taken care to be financially sound to be able to maintain my current life style even after retirement ? Am I saving adequately for my Retirement?
-Will I be able to sustain myself without having to work after 65 to meet my financial commitments?
-Are my Children well settled and financially independent? If not, do I have plans in place to finance their requirement?
-Have I decided the place where I am permanently settling down? Do I have a house of my own?
-Do I have plans on how to spend my time constructively and meaningfully after retirement?
-Do I have a social network to keep me socially active?
-Do I have hobbies and pass times to keep me occupied in the activities I like?
-How is my relationship with my spouse and my near and dear ones?
-Have I understood and defined the purpose of my life?
-Do I have a routine to calm my mind periodically through techniques like Yoga, Meditation etc?
These are some of the questions that one needs to ask himself/herself at the threshold of retirement to build a clear vision of the life that lays ahead. If the answer to these questions is in the positive, you are well prepared to play your second innings of life. However, if the answer to many of these questions is in the negative, then it is a wake up call for you to make necessary amends. The fading years of life can be made the best period of you life by timely planning and positive action.
Thank you for this very thoughtful questionnaire — should be required reading for everyone at age 55 ! Please note that you have a redundant “and” in the penultimate question: “Have I understood and and defined the purpose of my life”
Thanks for your comments and observation. I have corrected the mistake. Regards
The questions are well based, but don’t you feel this does not meet the expectations of an average middle class family. Could this questionnaire help a large number of middle income group, I feel no.
It is a general questionnaire that one must ask oneself while planning for one’s life after Retirement. The issues of health, finances, place of settlement, social life, relationships, meaningful engagement after retirement and managing emotional stress etc are applicable to all, irrespective of the financial or social status. Maybe some more issues can be added. If you have any views, I would welcome it.