Retirement Ready....Bruce Manners
Posted
on May 05, 2015
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 That's Bruce at left, and above with a couple of young future retirees.
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Stand in Chairman Noel Halford introduced us to an address by Bruce Manners on the subject of being "Retirement Ready".
Bruce who has at various times been a professional fisherman, pastor (in Broken Hill) and editor for a church newspaper told of his concern three years ago re his impending retirement. Having only a generic idea of the needs and issues Bruce decided to research the matter. So much so that his focus on the topic manifest as a goal to write a book on the subject outlining the findings of his research studies. We were privileged to get an overview in his 20 minute address of the key thrusts of the book. It sounds a wonderful readable summary of what matters in retirement.
One can imagine that in line with the easy listening style and the informative content of his address the book will be a pleasant read.
The key point is the need for a Whole-of-Life-Approach by the retiree. That is consider a range of factors, they all interact in balance. One noted in his slide on this point words among others such as money, family, interest, community involvement, sex (yes but no elaboration in the address), health, part time work and attitude.
There were three particularly important ones.
1 Money
Typically one can save while working in superannuation funds, consume that in retirement and if need be invoke the safety net of the pension. It is a very complex area and Bruce implored us to have a plan and seek appropriate financial advice in forming that!
Ongoing work, if health permits, is to be encouraged. Bruce felt despite successive governments pushing this idea, that the reality is that it will be limited and so he could not envisage at present any great extension to the likely "age of retirement". He referred to a convenient web site www.moneysmart.gov.au on how to understand the financial factors at play.
2 Health
This is more important than the financial issue. Without continuing good health and or appropriate management of the aging body could not enjoy retirement no matter what one's financial state. His research had firmed his thinking that...Good Eating...Regular Exercise...Emotional well being...Regular Medical review (Especially for men) and ....Awareness of Family History ...were important.
3 Attitude
This is the most critical and moreover unlike money and health is under our own control!
Citing research studies of the longevity of population samples Bruce told how a "positive" outlook had marked effects. One study noted an extra seven years life expectancy.
Putting some meaning into that hackneyed phrase, ie Positive Attitude, Bruce cited work by psychologist Seligman and summarized it with five words Positive.....Engagement.....Relationships.....Meaning.....Achievement.
Audience interest was high,with many questions. Alas Bruce thought "golf" was a highly stressful sport and contrary to retirement well being--although it must be conceded that golf tragics spent an eternity trying to better their handicap so maybe it does extend ones life.
Thanks Bruce for an enjoyable address, we offer our best wishes for the book.