We were retired when my husband passed, so I'm doing things exactly the same.....take care,Valerie

We had our own business so there was no talk of retiring.. I just exchanged it for cows and there is no retiring there either except I don't have to go to an office!! Depending on your age but I wouldn't invest in property. Think about a trailer or motor home.. my mother in law had a trailer in Arizona in a rented space and she went back and forth after her husband died. Maybe just travel around and see things without a goal, if I had that opportunity that is what I would do. I love to see new places. Bonnie

Art and I were retired and have a 5th wheel in Arizona that we travelled to every winter. I went down by myself last year. Was a little scary but I am so happy I did. Off to it again on October 26th. Sue

Jean, Down here in the sunshine state the winter months are full of retired people from all over . They come in as couples, or widows and widowers. Some rent a condo for a month or two or three. Some are owners. You might bring a friends or relatives and try renting and take part in the many activities, day trips or lounge by the pool or beach.
It's something you might try as a start. Good Luck. Dolores

I'm retiring in 8 years and I will still be in my 50s. We were planning on traveling around and camping as we loved our camper. Well, instead I'm traveling around to cross stitch retreats which is my hobby. I'm loving it so far. They have them around the world and on cruises. The one this year that I would love to go on is a river float in Europe while stitching and taking classes from designers while on the river boat. With my work schedule, I can't really take off 3 weeks to take a trip to Europe, but I'm hoping I will be able to do those kinds of things when I retire.

I stopped looking forward to retirement for the first couple of years. I'm close to five years and I'm looking forward to it again and planning. I think I would like to have one of those cute little trailers in a trailer park in Florida for seniors. That is just thinking out loud, but I think they look like such an interesting place to live.

I'm doing what I want, when I want to as long as I can afford it. For me, it just took a little time to get that excitement back and see a future by myself and what that might look like. I'm not going to depend on anyone else to make me happy. That's my job.

Nessie from KY

I know this is tough to do now..I just recently semi retired and am having some adjustments...I will sell my home next spring and buy something small near my one child and when I fully retire my plan is to buy something small near the other child a be a snow bird...if someone were to really be in my life there might have to be some adjustments I guess but when I need to feel safe in my planning I feel better knowing I have some sort of plan...

Remember those TV ads for "freedom 55"? Well, I'm working on the freedom 75 plan.... Lol.
Seriously, I cannot envision retirement. Once the kids are grown and gone, I'll likely continue to work part time and travel when I can, maybe teach English in Japan or something. Just keep busy and active.
We have a receptionist at our office who is 82 and still working full time. She's not showing any signs of leaving anytime soon...

I was 42 when my husband died so there were no concrete plans for retirement. Right now I'm busy with my three children and I'm renovating and I moved. One day I hope to meet someone nice who I can travel with. I don't think about it too much because it will drive me crazy. I live for today and take things as they come because when plans are made in advance life can throw you a curve and your whole world will change in the blink of an eye.

Antonella

I retired 4 years ago, to take care of my invalid husband, he has been gone 2 1/2 years now. I worked odd jobs at first. Now I do what I want, when I want as long as I can afford it, also. With me supporting my son, cooking, cleaning for him. Puts a crimp on things. But I am happy, content. Son does the yard work and the big things around here. Also, I can't see to drive at night. He does that. Sandee

I hope to retire at 65 or 66. I made more money than my husband, so I need to collect mine. His retirement from 2 different companies came to a whooping $186 a month. I have to wait on health insurance to kick in and hope to have my bills paid down by then. 3 to 4 more left to go. Unless of course I hit the lottery or find someone to marry and help out with expenses. Lol
Paula

Don had retired and I was working only part time when he was diagnosed. We were enjoying trips together but no permanent change except we sold our house and downsized to an apartment. He was 60 and already collecting his retirement. I thought about all my options, but decided I liked the freedom of having a home base and being free to travel or not. I'm close to my family, yet free to come and go as I desire. If I ever find a place where I want to set roots somewhere else that would be an option, but for now this works. I have a favorite place I visit at least once a year, but this is home. I won't invest in anyplace until I am sure. Keep your options open. Sharon

Not actually sure but my former husband and I wanted to retire and live the winter months somewhere in NC and spend the summer months here in OH. This way we wouldn't be completely moving away from our adult children and grandchildren. Now?? I am currently living with someone who seems to agree to the same idea as before as he has a brother in NC. A lot depends on when I retire and what my income will actually be. I am a government worker and I have 25 years in. If I retire in 5 more years it will mean an extra $1,300/mth. That is a lot of extra money. Scared as to what decision to make. None of us have any idea on how many more years we will have ????

I was 59 when my husband passed.  He retired a few years earlier, but decided he would like to take a part-time job while waiting on me to reach retirement age.

It was not to be, so I went to Plan B after his sudden death.  I continued to work for a few years after his passing; then was able to take an early retirement at age 62.  I've never regretted that decision.  We lived on a farm and there was much to do to keep me busy; however, I took every opportunity to travel--either by myself or with a fellow widow. 

As the survivor's life morphs into something quite different from what we could imagine, we begin to become comfortable with our dreams and find we are capable to make some of them happen.  It's okay to consider all options--wish, dream, plan--what's best for you and your future will eventually work its way to the top of your list.  You are on no one's timetable but your own. Blessings to you.  TJ

I am in the same boat. Not sure what i should do. Larry and were retired for 2 years and travelled lots. Not sure i want to travel alone. At the same time there has to be more then watching my grandkids though i do love them so! For this winter i am taking two shorter trips with family and then i guess i will start making some decisions. Patti

I retired at 55 after my husband's death. We had planned to retire at 57 and travel. I am trying to do that along with spending time with our daughters and the grandchildren he never met. It isn't the future I had planned, but doing the best I can with it.