OH gosh I am going to be 61 in April, I am going back to work to supplement my SS as I was no longer working just off and on at local restaurants and neighbors.

This is my hang up what should be my goals now? I dunno

ummm, i am 46 , and my goals are my children and grandchildren. I work because i have to, not because i want to. Being a Parent and grandparent, will be the most important of any goal you could possibly set for yourself. Dont sell yourself short, you are molding our future generations. None of us are useless by any means. What are my goals for 70's or 80's, ????? Heck just to get there, is a goal. haha.

I want to travel. I am 62 and luckily still in good health. My only fear is traveling to a country were I cannot get by on English. I also want to do a long road trip have not decided when I will do that.

I'm working on being retired!!! It's hard work!!! I worked my whole life, and it shouldn't have been, but it was how I defined myself. I'm going easy on myself now - I lived all my life with long range goals - now ----well---- I just came in from puttering in my garden. Am I poor, and need to work? Hell yes. But now, I am trying to not need so much stuff. A friend sent me some jokes on retirement. Wife:'' 'watcha doing today?'' Husband: ''Nothing''. Wife: ''you did that yesterday''; Husband: ''I wasn't finished''. God will show you the way.

It is so great that you are looking forward. Age is a number and we all get one...which has little to do with how valuable we are as a human being. We all have gifts to share with the world. We all have something that this world needs. If all you have is a smile, there is a world of people out there that need one more smile to begin once again to have hope.

If you cook, you can make cookies for neighborhood children, or make a homemade meal for a local homeless shelter.

How are you doing at taking care of yourself? Have you been to the doctors for a check-up lately? That said, are you eating as healthy as possible and exercising so you can be the best (most healthy) 'you' possible?

What things do you admire in others? Name five older women that you admire. What makes them wonderful? You have those things within yourself. How can you work on bringing out those parts within you?

I think you are still a spring chicken... This world still needs you..Your job is to figure out what your greatest gifts are to share with the world.

Lots of hugs to you as you figure this out...
-Diana

Please don't feel like a "useless, worn-out old hag." I am 72 and hoping to remain in my home of 37 years as long as I live. I have wonderful neighbors; my children grew up here; the scenery is lovely - a lake at the back door. I retired from a secretarial job in 1998 (i know secretaries are extinct now). So my GOAL (hope, prayer) is to remain mentally & physically able to care for myself .

I used to drive on trips to visit relatives (2 1/2 hrs.) and to my daughter's (4 hrs.) - but can't now because of neuropathy in my feet. I am thankful I can drive locally to take care of errands and to church and to meet friends for lunch. My GOAL is to be able to continue to do this!

I co-teach a Bible-study class at church, which means every other month. This requires studying and preparing lessons - which is good for me. There is a women's Bible study group in my community (not affiliated with a church) and I have been asked to sub-teach there for 2-3 weeks while the teacher is out. I will be studying even more. My GOAL is to be willing to do what I can when asked, even if it is cold and raining the day I have to get out and go!

My other GOALS are to be a good mother to my son and daughter and grandmother to my 4 grands. Time is quickly passing - and I want them to have happy memories of me.

Try this on for size: my uncle is alive and well and living with his wife of 65 years. They live independently at the age of 99. So I've got years ahead of me. The average life expectancy is somewhere around 100. My dad, who is 83, just retired from his job six months ago. It was his second career after retiring at 65. In his job, he worked 6 days a week, average 50 hours a week. He worked alone side men and women decades younger than he and has been mistaken for his own son. He doesn't have a son, but he's aged slowly. Old friends see him and start reminicing about when they knew his father. Sometimes he doesn't have the heart to tell them that it's him, still young-looking and slim at 83, yet looking 60.

So, I live my life like I'm years younger. I'm learning Spanish now, planning to either use it for my 3rd career or actually retire to a Latin American country.

By the way, people are living so long that they've broken old age into three groups. You're in the 'youngest young', so get out there and make those plans.

Tru

im about to turn 65 and i felt the same way.........what's the point of me being here. My kids are grown with their own lives and families. My parents are gone, my sister is only an hour away but it may as well be 1000. she's always busy and I don't even own a car.
I don't feel like I have a purpose.
That said, I am going to pursue my Master's degree just because i want to, not that I am going to make use of it. I have always wanted to learn how to do taxes so will sign up for classes.
Mainly I am just trying to stay busy but i still think I am just taking up space. I sure know how you feel.

Heartsick, I've traveled all over the world and never had a problem with the language. Most people speak English, so you most likely will be okay. Also, there are pocket translators you can carry.

Tru

I am 65 and have no health issues at all. I hope that my remaining years are spent being as active as possible and enjoying my kids and grandkids, staying as mentally alert as possible and continuing for as long as possible to do all the things I have always done. I want to make happy memories with family and friends and hope that life will throw in a new adventure or two.

Have you considered art classes? You likely have a small community gallery or craft store in your area where you may find small classes in a variety of mediums you could enroll in.
You don't have to know how to draw a straight line to take an art class. On the contary most people are amazed at how creative they are given a little guidance and support. This is also a wonderful environment to meet friends and learn more about yourself. In all the years I have been teaching jewelry making and cake decorating I have seen so many people find great enjoyment and purpose in finding a creative outlet to explore and express themselves in. The relief I have found from this grief through creative outlets has been immense. Best of luck to you!

Goals? My only goal right now is to move closer to my younger daughter, from the midwest to Oregon. Other than that, I have no goals. Is that terrible or what? I think not. I had many years when I had "goals." Maybe my goal now is to not have a goal; to just enjoy life, experience it, broaden experiences, etc. I guess though that is a goal in itself, and a fun one at that. After all, don't we deserve a little fun after all we have been through?

I also am 65 and in reasonably good shape, although the stress of Linda's illness has taken a toll. I am also wondering the same things, and have not decided on a plan yet.

I do like to travel. I have a bucket list of places to visit: Antarctica, Northern Scandinavia, New Zealand, Galapagos, Chilean Fjords, Costa Rica, plus all the usual trips (UK, Italy, Greece, etc.). The US National Parks are also a wonderful resource and you can drive.

NewRoadsforMe: In the past few years Linda and I discovered cruises, and with a good cruise line that caters well to us seniors (I include Holland America, Celebrity ad Windstar) they can be great. There seem to be a lot of great deals out there now. The only rub with that is that it is a lot more expensive per person for a single. You could look for a partner, I have met a number of retired older women, good friends, who were cruising together.

I have a sailboat. That was largely a two person enterprise. I can sail single handed, but with less confidence. I can always get people to go out, but just for day sails. The beauty of the Chesapeake is anchoring out and longer trips. With the coming of spring I have decide: do I keep boating? Do I upgrade the boat for a longer (ocean) passage sailboat? Do I switch to a motor vessel (easier for the aged and infirm)? I will mull that over as I get the boat ready this spring and sail in the summer. (Any DS'ers who want to go sailing on the Chesapeake, this summer let me know).

And of course, there are the kids and grand-kids.

A pretty full list I guess. Sure wish I could be doing it with Linda.

But I think we just need to get moving and start out.

Kirk

RE: travel. Kirk, I agree that cruises are the best way to go - I love the Celebrity cruise line. The Norwegian Epic ship has a new concept for cruising - my girlfriend went, and said it's great. They have a single "Studio'' cabin (granted it looks like a closet), but they only charge for one person. Part of the cabin fee includes the use of a ''Studio Lounge'' for all the cabins - nice way to meet fellow travelers. I I am also looking into Odyssey travel which offers more elaborate tours to more places - all escorted and they include hotels, tours, food, transportation etc. I want to travel to more exotic locations - take tours, etc. I'm over just flopping in the sun!!! Ready for adventure - ahhhh it's good to be ''old ish!!!''

I am 70. My goals none except to enjoy my life. Take each day as it comes, not be bitter or sad. Hummm maybe I do have goals.

I have traveled, had my toys, my joys. Sold the toys kept the joys.