Finishing Strong

In speaking to a number of retired or older people this holiday I have been fascinated with the concept of hobbies or pastimes and have tried to get a sense of its worth in relationships and life as one gets older. The options are obviously determined to a large extent by the circumstances at the time and particularly things like resources, physical abilities, retirement plans etc but in essence it struck me that the options and opportunities are really quite diverse.  Like so many other things in life having a hobby requires a commitment of your time and energy and the difference seems to be the choice to pursue it, rather than obligation, which is why many people really only commit to it once they retire.  However I have a belief that it may be better to have a few things lined up and to start working on them even before you consider retirement so that the shock of a work environment not being there is easily replaced with a passion that already exists somewhere in ones life.  I Have come across people who have taken up fishing in a big way and for whom getting up and wandering along an empty beach to cast in a line from the shore has become a soul satisfying endeavour. For others walking the trails and coastline, gives them both the exercise they need as well as the ability to be with nature.  Still others play golf and bowls two very popular pastimes among people at the coast.   Things like photography, community and charity work, offerings of time to a church to assist with various projects, writing, helping with kids and grand kids, I came across them all and it made me realise just what a privilege it is to have a full life, so that one is able to have a legacy to leave when the time comes to move into eternity.  Like so many other things in life, a healthy attitude (and maybe a solid bank account and healthy lifestyle) is the quintessential to making the last chapter of ones life valuable and meaningful.  I may be only half way in my working career but I can see real value in trying to set small goals every year towards the time when your time is suddenly multiplied by job retirement, children moving away to start their own lives and possibilities of being alone through loss of a spouse.  My grandfather who recently passed away had more than 20 years of retirement and yet he did not seem to be bored in his later years, despite being on his own and I think that is a very good testimony of a life completed well.  Not every hobby needs to be glamorous or cost a fortune, but I pray that I will have the purpose and drive to still gain fulfilment in my life after my  career ends.  It is healthy to talk about these things even from a young age and amazing to see the opportunities which are out there to aspire to and pursue in latter life.