Life Got Tougher as a Senior

"Old age is not for sissies." ~ Bette Davis

I thought life would be easier and more straight forward as I got older.   After all, I would be more experienced and knowledgeable.

I was wrong.  

Here are the reasons:

• Complexity -  There are lots of decisions to be made as a senior: when to retire; when to start social security; which Medicare options to use, how to withdraw retirement funds, where to invest retirement funds.  Too bad the government doesn't offer free senior concierge service to navigate.
  
  
• Bureaucracy - There are lots of "opportunities" to deal with government and insurance regulations and rules:  Social Security, Medicare Premiums,  Tax Deductions and Credit, RMD withdrawal options, Long Term Care Insurance, Health Care Insurance.   If one doesn't closely track statements and claims, one can end up paying much more that required.
  
  
• Technology - I love the old days of talking immediately to a real person in the U.S. for help with issues.   Nowadays, I get folks in other countries or worse yet, an incompetent AI assistant.  Or I am expected to do everything though apps or online websites. 
  
  
• Aging Impacts - Worst case, my favorite and best service providers (health care, maintenance, repair) retire before I stop needing them.  Also, I'm not as agile as I was in my 40s.  More aches and pains, which require OEM parts to be replaced, with the requisite higher health care costs.  I do not look forward to looking for and moving to an assisted living facility if I ever need to.
  
  
• Loss of Friends and Family - My contemporaries are passing away slowly.  Parents at first. Then  teammates from high school, college and recreational adult leagues.  Followed by neighbors, former colleagues at work, and other acquaintances.   I haven't been making new friends fast enough to replace the losses.  
  
  
• Contrarian Factors - Life happens and can be a negative.   Inflation, significant health issues, shortage of savings, loss of spouse or significant other.

Finally, my personal approach is the prepare for the future as much as possible, live in and enjoy the present, and have a positive attitude when adjustments need to be made.

For more on Reflections and Musings, check back every Saturday for a new segment.

This is not financial, retirement nor aging advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2025 Achievement Catalyst, LLC