Long-Term Retirees Share Secrets to a Fulfilling and Active Retirement Life

Bernita Clark, now 82, found retirement unexpectedly fulfilling after her challenging journey to secure a stable financial future. Divorced at 40 and single-handedly raising her two daughters, Clark initially doubted her ability to retire. However, she made a strategic career change at 46, entering the field of computer systems analysis with a railroad company that offered a defined-benefit pension plan. This move proved pivotal, allowing her to retire at 64. Post-retirement, she pursued passions like travel to national parks, painting, and costume-making. Despite occasional part-time work to supplement her income, Clark remains financially secure, owning her home outright and enjoying a debt-free lifestyle. Leslie Giles, 83, from Ohio, experienced a more turbulent retirement. After retiring in 2001 due to job cuts, he transitioned to part-time volunteer work and later became a security guard in his 80s, driven by the need for purpose after his wife’s death from Alzheimer's in 2020. Giles managed to maintain a balanced financial strategy, keeping expenses low and investing wisely. Donald Kimmel, 78, from Florida, slowed down but never completely stopped working after retiring at 62. He continued as a freelance consultant in osteoporosis research for several years, flying to conferences and offering expert testimony on drug patents. Kimmel and his wife relocated to Florida for a warmer climate, and he kept himself engaged by managing vacation properties and mentoring students. His proactive approach to staying relevant and involved has contributed significantly to his fulfilling retirement. Richard Adelmann, 82, from New Jersey, faced significant personal losses soon after his early retirement at 52. Adelmann’s first wife passed away only a few years into retirement, leading him to return to work in affordable housing projects. He found a new partner, an educator whose husband also died, and together they worked with endangered youth. Adelmann’s resilience is evident in his ability to navigate health issues, including cancer, and the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. He emphasizes the importance of mental and physical activity, cherishing small moments of joy. Elayne Schulman, 82, from Florida, experienced both highs and lows during her 20-year retirement. After a decade at IBM, where she supervised educational software development, she retired at 62 alongside her husband. They moved to a waterfront town, planning a peaceful retirement. However, a trip mishap left her husband partly paralyzed, and he was later diagnosed with terminal bone cancer. Schulman herself suffered a stroke in February. Despite these setbacks, their financial planning provided a cushion for emergencies, and she continues to find solace in family moments and peaceful reflections. Rich Colorado, 87, from California, credits his active lifestyle for his robust health in retirement. Born in El Salvador, he held two long-term jobs, 17 years in a bowling alley and 27 years as a scale technician. Despite lacking a formal savings plan, he retired in 2002 at 65. Colorado stays fit by bowling three times a week, teaching chess, and maintaining a healthy diet. His engagement and routine have helped him age gracefully, with minimal health issues. Bill Bengel, 84, from central Michigan, also values staying physically active despite health challenges. He retired from General Motors over 24 years ago, spending two decades at his lake house and taking up woodworking. Bengel saved diligently, setting aside 10% of his salary increases for retirement. A partial leg amputation two years ago forced him and his wife to move back to central Michigan, but he remains committed to improving his mobility and keeping his mind sharp through reading and family activities. These retirees offer valuable insights into making the most of retirement. They highlight the importance of financial planning, maintaining social connections, staying active, and embracing side gigs to stay engaged and fulfilled. Industry experts like Rob Williams, a managing director at Charles Schwab, agree that having a solid financial plan enhances confidence and adaptability during retirement. Companies with pension plans, like the railroad company where Clark worked, play a crucial role in providing retirees with a steady income stream. For individuals concerned about market volatility, Williams suggests that a well-thought-out financial strategy will weather the storms of economic changes. Each of these retirees has demonstrated resilience and a proactive attitude, showing that retirement can be a time of growth and joy, even in the face of adversity. Their stories serve as a reminder that financial preparedness, social engagement, and a positive mindset are key ingredients for a successful and long-lasting retirement.