Kathy Khalsa, an Occupational Therapist from Oro Valley Hospital
Retirement. The word conjures up visions of being on vacation all the time. Not needing to set the alarm to get up every day, being able to take trips when you want to go, having time to start working on that hobby you have had on the shelf for so many years. Some find it very easy to slip into the retirement years, but for others it isn’t all that you thought it would be. Going from working a full-time job to having nowhere specific that you “have” to be each day sounds fantastic, but some retirees end up feeling bored and unproductive. After years of a structured schedule, the hours can seem endless.
Is retirement all it is cracked up to be? Kathy Khalsa, an Occupational Therapist for 32 years from Oro Valley Hospital, discussed with a group of SaddleBrooke Ranch residents ideas for making our retirement years meaningful and purposeful.
Retirement requires adjustment. We have had a very structured life with work, family and friends. To bring meaning and purpose in our retirement years may require us to redefine our daily structure. Kathy gave us some ideas on how to bring a balance to our life with productivity, self-care and leisure. Instead of going to a job every day, we may think about volunteering or taking a part-time job; learn new hobbies but find something that is meaningful to you and may provide a contribution to society and yourself. Many of us neglect our self-care, but living in a community like SaddleBrooke Ranch we have many options for exercise, learning, spiritual engagement and socializing. Don’t forget about leisure time like travel, sports, enjoying time with our families, time free of duties and responsibilities.
Kathy did a great job giving us some ideas to provide balance in our everyday lives and to enjoy our retirement. The group was extremely engaged, contributed many stories and asked plenty of questions.
December Wellness Roundup will be on Tuesday, December 8, at 4:00 p.m. Our speaker is Dr. Kim Tucker, Board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement. Dr. Kim returns to SBR to focus her talk on hips. She is an engaging speaker with down-to- earth suggestions to improve your hip mobility, overcome pain to allow a return to active lifestyle.
The Wellness Roundup is a new program at SaddleBrooke Ranch, bringing speakers to help us provide balance in our lives for greater wellness.