David Hack, Freelance Writer

Lay groundwork for happy retirement

Retirement means having or eight hours of free time each day 2000 additional hours per year to do what you want. How you view that time is a matter of perspective and may be influenced by the planning you've done before retirement. Ron and Becky Daly of Cedar Rapids definitely see retirement as an opportunity to engage in their many and diverse activities.

Ron has retired from being a school psychologist working for the Grant Wood AEA and Becky retired this year from teaching at Washington High School. Both totally enjoyed their working experiences as school employees and both are excited about the new adventures that await them.

Because Ron retired before Becky, he has taken over most of the housework, shopping and cooking. He finds retirement gives him time to take advantage of a store’s specials rather than buying something just because you’re there. It’s easy to return for things when they are on sale. Becky is appreciative of their additional time to do things together because of the redistribution of household chores.

“Retirement allows you the total freedom of picking exactly when you want to do what you need to get done,” Ron said, referring to his golf game. He much prefers playing several times a week during the least busy time on the course to squeezing in a game or two in an entire season while he worked.

Ron’s list of activities is almost endless. He has ridden his bike two thirds of the way across the country and plans to finish this summer. He motorcycles, gardens, travels, fishes, boats, snowmobiles, and in the winter time runs a snow plowing business. Because he has so many interests, going from full time employment to retirement was not difficult at all. "I think I canuse the old cliche, I don't know how I ever had time to work," Ron admits.

Becky shares Ron’s enjoyment of most of those activities, but adds her own retirement plans. Instead of biking on the highways, she would like to visit each state and bike their trails. She also says she has a chest full of craft projects, sewing and needlework waiting for her.

But retirement is more than filling time with personal activities. Ron and Becky now have more time to help Becky’s father and his wife who will be moving into an extended care facility this summer. They will also be better able to help their adult chilren establish their own independence. Spending more time with family and friends is high on their list.

Retirement also means Becky and Ron have more time to give to the community. Ron volunteers as a surrogate parent for special needs children through Grant Wood AEA. Becky plans to volunteer with the upcoming poitical election and with some special projects at school.

Being able to freely enjoy participating in chosen activities is possible for the Dalys because they planned ahead. As public employees they participated in the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System. In addition, Ron says they lived conservatively and made some financial plans that allow them to “look at being financially comfortable.”

“For people fearful of retirement,” Ron advises, “relax, pick and choose activities. You can teach an old dog new tricks. Retirees can learn to live a continually fulfilling life.”

“Being teachers, we’ve kind of eased into retirement because of the summer break. However, I think we’re also kind of goal oriented and that makes it exciting to look at all the time ahead,” Becky adds.

Cedar Rapids Gazette, Mind & Body, July 10, 2004