Perks for the 55 and older rider?
04-06-19, 04:58 AM
#26
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I had a similar offer from a Senator here. I can hardly wait for all the things he is going to do for me.
04-06-19, 06:22 AM
#27
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Both my wife and I are retired early in our mid 50’s. She just now only a week into her new found freedom. Getting up every morning and still getting paid is an amazing feeling. Doing pretty much what we want when we want is what we consider living free. No more corporate grind, commutes, or being on the corporate wheel. Hearing someone say I will never retire is sad. Or someone saying I just could never retire because I would get bored with nothing to do is sad as well. Often times it’s because they have really failed to financially plan and just can’t retire.
We take advantage of every perk or discount available.
We take advantage of every perk or discount available.
Last edited by Patriot1; 04-06-19 at 06:26 AM.
04-06-19, 06:35 AM
#28
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Nah, I did nothing for many years, I'm sorry, but it sucks. IMO, YMMV. It's impossible for me to truly enjoy having "free time", if every single day is a day off. That gets old real quick, and can be very tough to break out of. I feel fortunate to have gotten that particular urge (to do absolutely nothing) pretty much out of my system,
Last edited by Lemond1985; 04-06-19 at 06:51 AM.
04-06-19, 07:35 AM
#29
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Disagree strongly. Doing "nothing" every day soon becomes a routine, just like going to work every day was, and you can (very easily) adjust to the new work-free schedule in a few weeks. You adjust your expectations, and have about the same number of "good days" and "bad days" relatively speaking. Boredom becomes an issue and your mind starts inventing problems out of things that didn't used to bother you.
Terrible things the neighbors are doing, real or imagined health issues, noise, finances, relatives, pets, politics, family issues, inactivity, idleness, isolation, relationships with other people, whatever. You will find plenty of things to worry, obsess, and stress-out about. Doing nothing can become every bit as draining as going to work every day. And an idle life without a "purpose" (i.e., going to some stupid job every day) is fertile ground for depression, so it often takes a toll on your mental health too.
So I think "doing nothing" is highly overrated. Don't believe me? Don't get out of bed for a week, and see what happens.
Terrible things the neighbors are doing, real or imagined health issues, noise, finances, relatives, pets, politics, family issues, inactivity, idleness, isolation, relationships with other people, whatever. You will find plenty of things to worry, obsess, and stress-out about. Doing nothing can become every bit as draining as going to work every day. And an idle life without a "purpose" (i.e., going to some stupid job every day) is fertile ground for depression, so it often takes a toll on your mental health too.
So I think "doing nothing" is highly overrated. Don't believe me? Don't get out of bed for a week, and see what happens.
like when you Mom asked "What did you do?" when you were a kid and you answered Nothing, when you probably rode your bike.
04-06-19, 08:17 AM
#31
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Nah, I did nothing for many years, I'm sorry, but it sucks. IMO, YMMV. It's impossible for me to truly enjoy having "free time", if every single day is a day off. That gets old real quick, and can be very tough to break out of. I feel fortunate to have gotten that particular urge (to do absolutely nothing) pretty much out of my system,
I do look forward to retirement and to not have to deal with the officious pinheads at work.
My family, my dogs, my bikes...together with gardening and the much anticipated beekeeping will keep my mind, soul and body engaged.
Watch out Morgan.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/trevorn.../#7742135adfa5
04-06-19, 08:19 AM
#32
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This may be a bit off topic but I thought is was a little relevant...
I've been retired for about 2 years now. I had always looked forward to the day and I'm glad it finally came.
One of the things that I've noticed is that many of my friends and work associates always want to know what you've been doing with all your free time. They are usually surprised when I tell them about all the "down time" I experience. They always appear ready to hear about all your adventures, but when you tell them "Yesterday I just kicked back all day" they sometimes seem to have a bit of a problem processing that. I think it's hard for some people to realize that in most cases it's not so easy to stay busy 24/7/365 (not that I'd want to anyway).
There is no shortage of things to do around this house. I enjoy keeping our cars clean and detailed, I enjoy working in my yard. We have 5 or 6 bikes in the garage that can always use a cursory "clean and lube". Suffice to say, there are plenty of things to do around the house that would mimic a full time job. Then there are trips to the gym, the bike rides and walks in the park. But, no matter how I try to fill a day with exercise and chores, there is always some free time.
But I don't let that free time (or free days) bother me. I take pride in the things I've done. I like the feeling of taking a day off and appreciating what I did the previous day. For myself, that feeling of accomplishment is just as fulfilling as the work itself. So, on that day off, read a book, take a nap, invite a neighbor to lunch. Just don't beat yourself up for "stopping to smell the roses".
I've been retired for about 2 years now. I had always looked forward to the day and I'm glad it finally came.
One of the things that I've noticed is that many of my friends and work associates always want to know what you've been doing with all your free time. They are usually surprised when I tell them about all the "down time" I experience. They always appear ready to hear about all your adventures, but when you tell them "Yesterday I just kicked back all day" they sometimes seem to have a bit of a problem processing that. I think it's hard for some people to realize that in most cases it's not so easy to stay busy 24/7/365 (not that I'd want to anyway).
There is no shortage of things to do around this house. I enjoy keeping our cars clean and detailed, I enjoy working in my yard. We have 5 or 6 bikes in the garage that can always use a cursory "clean and lube". Suffice to say, there are plenty of things to do around the house that would mimic a full time job. Then there are trips to the gym, the bike rides and walks in the park. But, no matter how I try to fill a day with exercise and chores, there is always some free time.
But I don't let that free time (or free days) bother me. I take pride in the things I've done. I like the feeling of taking a day off and appreciating what I did the previous day. For myself, that feeling of accomplishment is just as fulfilling as the work itself. So, on that day off, read a book, take a nap, invite a neighbor to lunch. Just don't beat yourself up for "stopping to smell the roses".
04-06-19, 08:35 AM
#33
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Obviously, when people here talk about "doing nothing" they don't mean it literally.
Next week is my last week at the job and I certainly look forward to leaving that pressure and enjoying down time despite all of the people warning me that I will be bored.
Next week is my last week at the job and I certainly look forward to leaving that pressure and enjoying down time despite all of the people warning me that I will be bored.
04-06-19, 08:56 AM
#34
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it will feel like a vacation for a couple months. It took me just a month to do all the things around the house I put off doing. Then it took me a while to realize I don't need to rush things any more. Most of us volunteer some time with organizations we like. And if you decide to pick up a part time job go for it, it'll be an option not a necessity.
04-06-19, 03:10 PM
#35
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04-08-19, 01:14 PM
#37
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Well said. I can retire in December, and imagine biking around making use of all those senior perks. Ride to IHOP, or catch a matinee. It seems LBSs don’t cater to the AARP demographic, at least I haven’t noticed. A discounted helmet, or discounted service would be welcomed. I obviously will no longer have as much discretionary income. As it has been said, I will have time to do my own wrenching. Nonetheless, I’ll continue to keep an eye and seek out the deals.
04-08-19, 01:27 PM
#38
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Thread Starter
I’m trying to find a polite and endearing way to ask. Kinda mix massage when you have a multi-$k bike and you asked for a discount for an inner tube or handlebar tape. At one point I could play the poor guy who rode a used bike out of necessity, and bargained haggled. Not some much now, but I imagine being a little frugal soon.
04-08-19, 02:45 PM
#39
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^^
Just ask. There's nothing to be ashamed of. If it's a company or storewide policy, take it. It's not that you're being cheap, you're taking advantage of something that is rightly yours to take.
Just ask. There's nothing to be ashamed of. If it's a company or storewide policy, take it. It's not that you're being cheap, you're taking advantage of something that is rightly yours to take.
04-08-19, 05:05 PM
#40
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An AARP card at Denny's is good for 15% even off the record menu.
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04-08-19, 05:09 PM
#41
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I retired 2 months short of my 54th birthday. I'm now 68. My days are pretty much filled though I admit that a lot of it is cycling related.
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04-11-19, 01:29 PM
#42
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The city gym is half off for seniors starting at 55.
04-11-19, 08:09 PM
#43
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I'm 55 - Still 12 years working ahead of me; I'm not 'old' just 'older'. No discounts expected for that.
That said - I'm very thrifty. At least for me, now that I'm older only buy what I really need & I don't care to spend money for status anything.
I'll probably ride my bikes until the frame give out; ride my wheels until the rims wear out, and only buy stuff I really need.
I do support my LBS and buy everything there even if on-line is less costly. I just don't buy a lot.
That said - I'm very thrifty. At least for me, now that I'm older only buy what I really need & I don't care to spend money for status anything.
I'll probably ride my bikes until the frame give out; ride my wheels until the rims wear out, and only buy stuff I really need.
I do support my LBS and buy everything there even if on-line is less costly. I just don't buy a lot.
04-11-19, 08:18 PM
#44
Full Member
Well said. I can retire in December, and imagine biking around making use of all those senior perks. Ride to IHOP, or catch a matinee. It seems LBSs don’t cater to the AARP demographic, at least I haven’t noticed. A discounted helmet, or discounted service would be welcomed. I obviously will no longer have as much discretionary income. As it has been said, I will have time to do my own wrenching. Nonetheless, I’ll continue to keep an eye and seek out the deals.
04-11-19, 08:56 PM
#45
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I'm a couple of years away, depending on the market. Working in the same place for 30 years, I periodically run across now retired colleagues I worked with over that long period. Some seemed like the sort of folks who were so wrapped up in their jobs you might have thought they'd never retire. Every single one that I meet tells me retirement is better than they could have imagined and I should do it as soon as possible.
04-12-19, 06:36 PM
#46
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Blueberry farming a few months in the summer...there is plenty to do in retirement if you are so inclined.
04-12-19, 07:52 PM
#47
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congratulations John. All the people warning you about boredom don't know what they're talking about. Time and again you'll hear retirees say they can't find enough time.
it will feel like a vacation for a couple months. It took me just a month to do all the things around the house I put off doing. Then it took me a while to realize I don't need to rush things any more. Most of us volunteer some time with organizations we like. And if you decide to pick up a part time job go for it, it'll be an option not a necessity.
it will feel like a vacation for a couple months. It took me just a month to do all the things around the house I put off doing. Then it took me a while to realize I don't need to rush things any more. Most of us volunteer some time with organizations we like. And if you decide to pick up a part time job go for it, it'll be an option not a necessity.
04-12-19, 08:46 PM
#48
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I intend to get into beekeeping.
04-12-19, 10:24 PM
#50
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