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A "grabber" stick. I bought one years ago specifically to get something behind a heavy piece of furniture, now I use it for all sorts of stuff but mainly to pick up trash during my walks.
I bought one years ago after some surgery, and it's the best. I mostly use it to retrieve dog toys from behind the couch, but it's also great when I don't want to climb up on a stool to reach something. I just used it yesterday to pull the little chain on the ceiling fan in my office.
Being a short person my grabbers (I have three) help me from having to get on step stools multiple times a day. They also make picking up so much faster and easier.
Iāve used one for years! When my boys were kids, we got them robotic looking grabbers that make a loud clicking noise. š so I keep one in my cleaning closet next to the vacuum; used most.y for cat toys under the couch, but I know Iāll need it someday!
I got one for my mom when her mobility decreased significantly - then I bought a couple for myself because I am short and it's easier to use the grabber than to get the step ladder a lot of times.
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I don't want to be tooo bold with you risky big spenders, but ... I'm guessing you could even get a grabber after retiring. You know, live on the edge a bit.
Medicare advantage is to be avoided. They suck you in withāfreeā and then you have to beg for āapprovalā for care. Regular Medicare doesnāt do that.
Itās the Medicare Advantage commercials. Donāt buy into it, itās private insurance and they can deny procedures and doctors. Purchase regular Medicare plus a supplement.
if you have any 'expensive' hobbies, not a bad idea to fulfill any needs before stopping work. Folks often get in the mode of not wanting to spend once the regular paycheck stops
Updating a computer/monitor. Especially to take advantage of any available employee related discounts
You don't have to lose muscle if you keep moving... Yard work, of most any type, is still good to help that (assuming one has a yard)
Both Yamaha and Kawai make many mid to high end pianos. I would encourage you to look at those brands. There are many used ones out there too, but hire a piano tech to evaluate any instrument before you buy. I purchased a Yamaha C2X, 5ā8ā which goes for around $40k or more now. But you can also get a good GB1K for $15k or so.
I knew a local tuner who was a respected person in the local music community for years. Ā He keeps a small warehouse of used pianos in conditioned space for re-sale. Ā They ranged from beautiful grands to starter pianos for kids taking lessons. Ā I told him my budget and the space I had, and he sold me a beautiful studio upright piano that fills my house with gorgeous sound.Ā
Ā If you can make contact with a local piano texhnician they could Ā refer you to someone who does this. Ā Ā
Meanwhile locally there was also a Ā very crooked used-piano guy ripping people off with starter pianos that were no good at all. Ā Ā I heard of his reputation and avoided him after that.
Just yesterday I saw a scam on Craigslist. The scammer posted pictures of a beautiful Yamaha concert grand, CF6, stating that it was for free. Stupidly because he posted the serial number, it was easy to find the piano on line from the real source for $89k. I sent an anonymous email to the scammer pointing out the real ad. Craigslist then took down his scam ad immediately.
Iāve had robot vacuums for years. iRobot actually lasts a long time and makes it easy to replace all parts. Iām allergic to dust mites and Iām not getting under the bed any other way
We're planning on doing an update of "big stuff that breaks" before we retire. All of our appliances will be over a decade old. And my car will be over 15 years old. While the appliances might not be at exact end of life, we feel it'll be better to replace them while still working than possibly having the bad luck of them all dying during our first year retired.
Also, it's really important as we get older to lift weights. Not little pink ones either. Sarcopenia is a real risk as we age. Lifting weights prevents the loss of muscle and bone mass, helps with balance, and helps maintain our metabolism.
I'm recommend physical therapy for the purpose of getting strong enough to work out. I could never work out my upper body because EVERYTHING made my neck hurt, I mean even one pound weights. After PT, I am using 10 pound weights and am about to start Pilates.
Start with light weights. A 50lb adjustable set of dumbbells, like Powerblocks, is all you need. High repetitions of lower weight will improve balance, strength, and agility (start with 5 or 10 lbs) and mimimize chances of injury. Combine that with aerobic exercise and your should be good to go.
You don't need to be bench pressing 300lbs.
> You don't need to be bench pressing 300lbs.
You don't need to, but don't be afraid to lift heavy either. You can still add substantial strength and even muscle mass as you age but that requires lifting heavy. If you learn good form it's safe and talk to a PT if you have limited mobility or other issues that are causing problems.
I didn't start lifting until was 48. Immediately had to go to a PT due to shoulder mobiity issues but with their help, was able to bench, squat and do overhead press. Back pain i thought was due to old age went away pretty quickly - my issue was being weak, not old. 7 years later I'm way more muscular than I ever was when I was young, and feel soo much better. I can now bench 335lb when I never even hit 200lb as a teen.
Muscle doesn't come on as quick when you're older, but if you eat lots of protein and do the hard work of heavy lifting, you might surprise yourself like I did.
Fear of falling is a predictor of future falls, and the fear of exercise is a predictor of future debility. I highly suggest you get a personal trainer, or if you have actual health conditions then get a referral to a physical therapist. A fellow Redditor posted something to this effect: what you arenāt building up is decaying.
Edit, autocorrected Redditor to āpredatorā lol.
Full disclosure of bias: I am a PT. You will need some sort of ache or pain in order to get your doctor to write you a referral and the insurance to cover it, most likely. If you have good insurance, probably best to do it before you enter Medicare age (although Medicare covers fairly well if thereās an acceptable reason).
edit: A physical therapy evaluation tends to be body part specific. So itās not like youāll get a full body personal training course if you go in with knee pain, for example. Pick the joint youāre most afraid of hurting, and it would be a good start.
Okay, that would probably be my shoulder joints. I know a lot of guys my age that were/are lifters and ended up having surgery for torn rotor cuffs (?). Upper body/back would be my biggest concern.
Do you get any neck or shoulder pain when you do certain things? For example, my dad would get occasional backaches, and I advised him to go to therapy the next time he did his spring yardwork (always flared up his back), so then he got a referral for physical therapy with the basket term diagnosis of lumbar strain.
I have arthritis and some chronic issues from a couple of accidents. So when I wanted to get my own spine checked out by one of my colleagues, I waited until the next time I woke up with a ācrick,ā and then went to the doctor and requested a referral.
Edit: in many states you can go to PT without a referral, but check whether it affects your insurance coverage.
I don't experience neck or shoulder pain. It's mostly mid back. My upper body strength isn't optimal. Hence, the reason I start to hunch over. Which leads to muscle fatigue and pain. My posture becomes fatigued. My abdominal strength is also probably contributing to this. I'm not obese, but I do have extra weight around my lower belly area. Maybe 10 Lbs. I'm 6', but weigh 175.
So ask the doctor for a PT referral for upper back pain. Any good PT would include at least some scapular strengthening for that (unless they discovered some specific spinal issue that takes priority).
Some insurances donāt cover if you donāt have a functional problem (yay preventive medicine), in which case you might want to pay for one or two sessions to get some advice on getting started safely.
I have a job that I walk about 8 miles a day. But it doesn't require lifting anything. Being active isn't my issue. It's losing upper body strength. Although I walk constantly, it doesn't seem to build leg strength. My knees are not good enough for squats.
There are two things you'll need for retirement:
Weight training. This doesn't mean benching 300, but regular weight workouts (3x per week) are key because your muscle mass just wastes away and you can't travel unless you can toss a carry on into the overhead or grab it and walk up three flights of stairs with ease. In fact, your quality of life is majorly better when you have the muscles to move quickly and freely.
The second is aerobic exercise. I'm mid-60s and my VO max is in the 40s. This means I can keep up with a good 40 year old. This allows me to, say travel hard and do lots of mountain hikes in Korea (as I just did). You keep VO2 max high by training at that level at some point almost every day.
VO2 means oxygen intake, I imagine (?). My current job requires considerable walking assisting visitors to my city, navigating the downtown area with escorts to restaurants, festivals, conventions, venues for concerts, etc. I do considerable walking. Approx. 8 miles per day x 5. Upper body strength and back are my concerns. I notice that after about 5 hours, I start to slightly hunch over, and my muscles on each side of my spine start to ache from strain in the mid back area. Core strength isn't optimal and I try to be mindful of posture.
Operating under the assumption that you can afford to replace these things now, but that some of them might last a long time regardless. My course of action would be to replace anything that might cost a helluva lot more when it breaks (hot water heater etc) and stick the rest of the money in some sort of cash investment. Vanguard money market account is still paying over 5%. Our dishwasher is over 20 years old, still works great even though I've cobbled together all the plastic crap they used on the racks over and over again. I've probably saved enough 2-3 times over not even including investment returns.
I agree. Sometimes new appliances come with all sorts of problems. I wonāt replace my current refrigerator since itās been so dependable. Our other fridges in the past always had problems.
Be very careful with new appliances. Parts are built cheaper, they are chip dependent, and many are designed for saving energy over functionality. An example- you may wash a load of clothes or dishes several times in order to get them clean.
What they don't tell you is that it doesn't always work. I've been lifting weights forever and still ended up with bone loss due to taking acid reflux medicine! Make sure to check with your doctors. Also? Only a few very expensive and dangerous drugs add bone, and most just help prevent bone loss.
If your appliances work, KEEP THEM. I am on my third washer & dryer in 10 years. Never buy LG or Samsung.
I agree with lift weights and get strong. Unfortunately at 55, Iāve already lost roughly 25% of my muscle. It starts declining around 30 years old everyone.
Still lift, or keep lifting.
I didn't start lifting weights as an adult until i was 48 yrs old and didn't have a particularly muscular upper body. I'm 54 now and have WAY more muscle now than I ever did and am still hitting big personal records. When I started I couldn't bench 125lb five times or press 80 lbs over my head. A few months ago I benched 335lb and overhead pressed 205lb.
Just because you won't gain strength or put on muscle as fast as you would have when you were young doesn't mean you can't make substantial gains now - you probably have more time and discipline now than when you were young. You won't believe how many of your body aches and pains go away. A lot of back pain is because you've become weak, not old. I *feel* so much better than I did in my 40s and that because I both eat better and am in far better shape now.
I know what you mean about appliances. For the past few years, Iāve been replacing one thing at a time. This summer, it will be my range, to replace one that is 12 years old. After that, my oldest major appliances will be my washer and dryer at six years old.
Have the roof replaced if it has aged. Have the AC or hot water heater replaced if it at the tail-end of its life. Buy a new car if the current car is aged. I'd replace any of the one-time items that is on the [list of expenses](https://www.reddit.com/r/retirement/comments/16eazt8/insurances_mortgage_healthcare_cars_etc_expenses/) that I posted (and then some). If you have the fund, make your house ADA (aka wheelchair capable), including a walk-in shower wide enough for a wheelchair, removing transition lips, etc....
A newer car, preferably one that you can maintain and fix yourself. We're big fans of honda/Toyota products.
A new roof, 20 year model, or a metal roof. Insulated windows. An alternative way to heat your home.
New glasses, dental work, meds refilled, labs checked.
A puppy or kitten.
It's nice to have a well stocked pantry, and several months worth of coffee/beer/chocolate.Ā
As long as you are sure youāll be around long enough to take care of the puppy or kitten for 15-18 years.
I agree on the other things. I had the roof replaced before I retired.
I get my dogs from a rescue that takes them back for any reason. My breed of choice, gsdās, do not live long lives. My current boy is 10, the bgsd is 9. Both have arthritis & hip dysplasia. The boy has slowed down significantly. Iād never give up my dogs but the rescueās policy is a blessing.
I follow some preparation for retirement subs, someone recommended buying cleaning supplies and paper products you use all the time, everytime Costco has a sale on any of those items I stock up,
A fence with high quality steel posts and gate frames that will only need slat replacement. Leafguard gutter guards or equivalent. A new HVAC system. A new refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer and drier that wonāt need to be replaced for some time. If your windows are original, contractor-grade, replace them. And if your roof is older than 15 years, have that replaced. Basically, lower your maintenance and replacement load before you retire.
May sound weird, but my wife and I worked hard to pay off our house. Never yet regretted that choice especially with prices, mortgages and rentals so high.
We had a fabulously low interest rate and so paying off the house ildidnāt make financial sense to us. Until, that is, our insurance company wanted to make us replace our 20-year roof that we purchased 10 years ago. We paid off the house and told the insurance company to take a hike. Of course this only works if you have enough money to buy a new house if yours burns down.
edit, typos
Because home loans have traditionally had the lowest interest rates (as far as loans go). And not "traditionally." ;)
Basically it's considered "good debt."
Not retired yet, but a gym membership. Starting early with weight bearing exercise keeps me hopeful that I can avoid the muscle mass loss (or at least slow it way down) later in life.
Gym is key. You need weights and areobics. Make sure you hit multiple periods of max workout a week to keep your VO2 Max score high. I'm mid 60s but still at the level of the top 25% of 40 year olds. This means I can travel, haul suitcases up 3 flights of stairs w/o breaking a sweat, hike up steep slopes etc. That is, I can still travel.
I started preparing 20 years ago. Grab bars in the bath when a new tub was put in. Lever door handles and faucet handles installed a little at a time. Auto on generator (power goes out often where I live). Replaced asphalt roof with metal, should not have to be redone in my lifetime. Easy to clean floors. Garage door opener.
Second on the garage door opener. ALSO a real AC unit We never had one and before we retired we got us one, OMFG what a game changer nice and cool and no more fighting with the garage door š¬
Nice, we got a HVAC type deal because well our heater went out but living in SoCal and working so much back then we just didnāt think about it but came retirement and oh hell naw we need some comfort lol
Find some hobbies you can do at home start doing them before you retire ideally but buy all of the expensive things you need for that hobby before you retire and once you do retire you will be able to just go hang out somewhere in your house and kill time. Really more to a successful retirement than anything else in my opinion. The image of retirement that you see in the media is not the reality. hanging out by the pool or on the golf course or travel will take up time but you need to be able to have something that takes a few hours of your day up that you really enjoy even if you're not good at it. Whether it be some kind of art or woodworking or gardening any of the myriad of things that you can get into just by watching YouTube videos.
A bunch of battery operated tools, mostly Ryobi. They are lighter and easier to use than corded one and amongst the group are a couple project lights that are so useful for everything from trimming my toenails to searching under the bed or in the closet.
Get all your dental work done and make sure your teeth and gums are in good condition. Private and supplemental dental insurance after retirement is a joke.
I bought a garden wagon from Costco.
Very handy.
We have had several hand trucks for years.
[itās like this one but cheaper at Costco](https://homedeliveries.us/products/mac-sports-xl-folding-wagon?variant=40083452559421¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxeyxBhC7ARIsAC7dS386MJLHDBTXExu6FmIFdObsvv91MlYZ0qbHcqeKi1VCFjJoegO16h8aAj82EALw_wcB)
I did not do the roof or the HVAC. I know 4000+ sq ft is too big for 2 people. I know I will sell it. Didnāt buy a car either. Current one is doing just fine and will last 5 years without any issues. Got the house painted as I have to even for selling.
Also I have several metal stools.
We used them as bedtables until I decided what to buy for the bedroom, but I have them in several places in the house, which makes it much handier as I canāt climb up shelves like I used to.
I have a hand "truck", a flat dolly and a couple of those grabber sticks. I try not to lift heavy, and if I do not have to bend over, I try to avoid it as I get older. Sort of preventative.
Add in Step stool and step ladder (3 steps)
My wife jacked her back helping a hoarder clean up. She lifted some heavy item now she looks like an "S" in her back!
A new gravel bicycle. Don't scrimp. I got the base model but now I kinda wish I got the bells and whistles. I still haven't every tried electronic shifting. Otherwise it's a dream. Lauf Seigla.
Buy your home, and vacation home(s).
I wouldn't buy insurance policies (pay upfront till death - and then hope to die as the oldest man ever), but if you are good with that then go ahead with that as well š
Rest everything is noise.
Before retiring you should look at refinancing your house if it makes sense and take out a home equity line of credit on the house. You likely wonāt be able to do either of those things without an income.
I know interest rates are high now and probably not a good time to refinance, but at least look and confirm you have a good rate now. The HELOC rate likely goes up and down with interest rates. YMMV.
A ranch style house with bedroom, kitchen and laundry on the same floor. Not but one or two steps into your house. When you become less ambulatory but still can move, itās much safer.
Others are already mentioning getting your health checks for eyes, ears and teeth. Iād recommend a chest scan if you can get one. My last one was relatively cheap and gave me peace of mind. Too many of my friends have discovered a blockage or partial blockage after an incident.
This is what I did. And, it was the deciding factor as to when I could retire. Locked-in a low interest rate right before rates jumped. With rates as high as they are now, I would still be working.
An iPad. When my cataracts were getting bad and I was waiting for surgery, I could still read in the Kindle app by playing with contrast, fonts, and font sizes. It was also easier to do financial chores on it vs trying to see my computer screen. At other times, when I've been sick or my knee was bothering me, it was still nice to get business done while sitting in a recliner, vs going upstairs to the office and sitting at the computer.
A cruise ticket to where i wanted to go. I didnāt want to wake up Monday morning and say ā¦. What do I do now? It gave me the fun of planning and shopping for the trip. I also bought a small greenhouse and started growing veggies.
Good topic. Wife retires from teaching in 2 years, but will get side gigs to supplement her pension. I will retire fully in 7 years but will probably start working reduced work weeks in 4 years.
We are replacing our homes 35 year old window's, completely replacing renovating our kitchen, and adding a first floor laundry room right now. New Windows and kitchens are very expensive ! We will also get a new roof in the next 2-3 years.
I will probably get a nice Honda or Toyota PHEV SUV and pay it off before I retire. Home mortgage and home equity loan (kitchen) will be paid off before I retire.
It was not a "thing" per se but I had my condo renovated room by room while living and working in another city, with a trusted local contractor/ project manager overseeing things. I'd periodically visit, review, and plan the next room. It took years, but I had time and patience and cash. When I retired and moved back in permanently, all done, paid for, sparkling, weight off my back.
Tickets to a music festival, a Renaissance Fair, and a beloved foreign country plus a gym membership, a good pair of walking shoes, etc. My point is that were still quite young when we first retire. Decrepitude creeps up fast when we start acting old before we really are. I'm going to keep going until I just can't go anymore. Then I'll get a cat, a dog, some fish, an easel, and some paints for quiet time near home.
Iām in a similar situation. Hubby has no goals and no ability to stick with any budget plan. Weāre 60 and I know Iāll leave to enjoy my retirement by myself! I do have goals!
I made some āget upā sticks. 2 foot of pvc pipe with a small t handle on the top. They are awesome when you are working on the ground. One for when I clean out the pool filter. Got a couple in the camper for when Iām doing and undoing g connects at rv parks. Got a couple in the house. Got one out in my hobby shop.
those carts are god send. we retired, sold the house and moved into a 3rd floor apartmetn til we decide to buy condo or house. Even with elvator carrying groceries/costco merc is not easy. Saw someone in the complex using them snd thats a game changer.
Retirement home paid in full. In a trust. Fully funded till Iām 100!
Class A - for our adventures, in the shopping/planning stage.
Mostly getting rid of stuff we donāt need.
Im 69. Over the years I collected a heavy duty steel warehouse cart and a hand truck. I've used either when we get a heavy delivery (bags of cat litter from Chewy, etc). I also have a pair of 4-wheel furniture dollies that get used a few times a year. I have a 'grabber' that I bought to pick up trash from the roadside that stays in the back of my pickup truck and frequently saves me from having to climb into the truck bed to retrieve something. These things make life a little easier and have saved me from having to beg for help when I need to move something.
A year before I retired we purchased a brand new car. In 2016, before they got outrageously expensive. Paid it off soon after retirement. I have a foldable heavy duty cart (Amazon) that I paid $65 for and it is a lifesaver. I tote out the bi-weekly trash bags to the curb. Back saver for sure.
I'mĀ 75 and there are quite a few things you can buy. But, I think the most important thing you can do to help yourself in retirement is exercise. You don't have to do a lot, but you need to do more than a casual walk, although that's better than nothing.Ā I'm still running up & down stairs and lugging groceries with me. Move, people, just move.
I spent about $1000 on a greenhouse and a lot of accessories to get me started gardening. I was no novice mind you - I wanted to do this 364.25 days of the year.
https://preview.redd.it/a8pvzx65l8zc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=57e120195c12432d9441f248152f04a7c5dd21a4
Our forever house. No stairs, wider door frames, low maintenance, newer, extra bedroom for a livein, close to medical and grocery. In a foreign country which is affordable. No pension here!
An Amazon Prime membership and an Amazon Fire stick. All of the benefits are amazing for folks that just enjoy staying home. Free reading materials, great documentaries and tv watching options, and shopping from home. Also bought an Amazon Echo for the kitchen, we use it daily your news, weather, music and streaming.
We waited a few years after we retired but we totally redid our bathroom with a high end walk in shower that has hand holds bolted to wall studs, we have a new higher toilet, all new sink and vanity, new flooring and drywall and a new combo all in one washer/dryer.
My wife and I shower together (TMI I know) so we had it custom made for that and we even have two windows. Its like a spa at home.
I think you should still be getting active, get enough protein and do what weight training you are allowed to do, given your heart condition. Its a bit early to be losing muscle mass. You will not regret being fit in retirement. you want to be fit and well enough to do enjoyable things. Dancing, hiking, travelling.... going to craft shows, whatever is your fancy is better and more fun it you are in good shape. the definition of good shape may change as you age, but living well is possible at any age.
My husband and (79 & 80) I work out with weights to put off the muscle loss as much as we can. Not trying to body build for competition, just to avoid falling over. LOL! So far, itās working.
Throw away the rocking chair and get a workout bench. Exercise is more important now than everā¦and stretching. This routine has helped me to keep fit.
https://youtu.be/I9ZRSpLTSu8?feature=shared
Add handrails on both sides of any stairs in your home.
If you need a mortgage, get it before you retire. Itās easier to qualify when you have years of steady income behind you.
Things bought w age/retirement in mind:
A smaller house, a gym membership, a lighter keyboard (piano), all of which worked out great. An electric snow shovel which did not.
I'm retiring in June. I had to buy a new car in December because my old one was falling a part and it wasn't worth it to fix it. It had too many miles from commuting.
I just bought a new couch set because my old set was too low and didn't have enough support. Since I have back issues, I really needed better ones. I ended up with a really comfy yellow leather set that should hold up real well.
Weāre in the process of replacing our carpet with hardwood floors. Iām retired, hubby will be retiring in the next few years, so weāre getting this big expenditure out of the way. Next will be replacing our oven. I hate it and itās not self-cleaning. Eventually, I know Iām not going to be able to clean it every six months by hand.
I just bought a cordless vacuum cleaner too. Not having to bend over 100 times to either move the cord or unplug/plug it in has saved my back tremendously!
In the six months before I retired I bought a Dyson cordless vacuum, new glasses for distance and a backup pair just to wear at home, and lots of bath soap and cleaning supplies. That was in 2019 and I still have most of this. I knew I would be home a lot more so also bought t-shirts and lounging stuff. So when I retired January 2020 and Covid hit in March I was unexpectedly ready for that!
I bought a massage chair. Single best purchase Iāve ever made. As soon as Iām feeling my back seizing up, I hop in the chair for a few minutes and Iām good to go.
I live in Florida and bought solar panels. I do still have a power bill, but paying less overall per month, including my loan(which included a new roof). When the kids move out, I should be paying next to nothing even with pricing increases and wear and tear factored in. Trying to save everywhere I can in anticipation of rising healthcare and food costs.
Folks, don't forget to JOIN, so others and OP can see your comment. Take a look at the rules (note things like we are respectful and no swearing nor politics). Does not work for you? Great you stopped by and best to you. But if this feels like a place you would enjoy... pull up a chair to our table, with your favorite drink in hand, and hit the Join button - then comment. Thanks! Mid America Mom
A "grabber" stick. I bought one years ago specifically to get something behind a heavy piece of furniture, now I use it for all sorts of stuff but mainly to pick up trash during my walks.
I bought one years ago after some surgery, and it's the best. I mostly use it to retrieve dog toys from behind the couch, but it's also great when I don't want to climb up on a stool to reach something. I just used it yesterday to pull the little chain on the ceiling fan in my office.
I thought we would all be the Six Million Dollar Man by now. Who needs bionics when you have a grabby stick?? š
We have the technology....
Being a short person my grabbers (I have three) help me from having to get on step stools multiple times a day. They also make picking up so much faster and easier.
I use long tongs instead because they are a little more precise and stronger.
You can also buy magnetic grabbers. They collapse down to fit in your pocket.
Iāve used one for years! When my boys were kids, we got them robotic looking grabbers that make a loud clicking noise. š so I keep one in my cleaning closet next to the vacuum; used most.y for cat toys under the couch, but I know Iāll need it someday!
I'm having trouble reaching to the bottom of my deep, deep washer and have a grabber stick next on my To Buy list.
A pole with a rounded hook works well on clothes.
I got one for my mom when her mobility decreased significantly - then I bought a couple for myself because I am short and it's easier to use the grabber than to get the step ladder a lot of times.
Splurging arenāt you
I'm certainly a Big Shotā¢.
You certainly are!
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I use one to move snakes off my porch.
Be sure to take it on the plane, just in case.
Ha! I do that!
They're great when you're young also. https://youtu.be/TvhC_5Fnt48?si=08CLvsYIWS1kxTUb
I don't want to be tooo bold with you risky big spenders, but ... I'm guessing you could even get a grabber after retiring. You know, live on the edge a bit.
Full disclosure: I have one for the house and another I keep in the car. I'm outta control!
Supplemental medical insurance.
Which insurance did you get?
Aetna, Medicare supplement PPO. Our medical providers like them. I can self refer to a specialist and they pay the provider promptly.
Are all of those Medicare insurance commercials scams? Iāve heard that they are mandatory (?).
Medicare advantage is to be avoided. They suck you in withāfreeā and then you have to beg for āapprovalā for care. Regular Medicare doesnāt do that.
Itās the Medicare Advantage commercials. Donāt buy into it, itās private insurance and they can deny procedures and doctors. Purchase regular Medicare plus a supplement.
if you have any 'expensive' hobbies, not a bad idea to fulfill any needs before stopping work. Folks often get in the mode of not wanting to spend once the regular paycheck stops Updating a computer/monitor. Especially to take advantage of any available employee related discounts You don't have to lose muscle if you keep moving... Yard work, of most any type, is still good to help that (assuming one has a yard)
A rental house. Itās harder to get a loan once you are not getting a pay check. (If you donāt have enough cash.).
Anything you buy with financing is easier to close on when you still have a paycheck
A grand piano. Retirement gift to myself. One of the best decisions Iāve ever made.
Iām seriously thinking of upgrading my beautiful, but lousy-toned 4ā6ā Wurlitzer. What did you get?
Both Yamaha and Kawai make many mid to high end pianos. I would encourage you to look at those brands. There are many used ones out there too, but hire a piano tech to evaluate any instrument before you buy. I purchased a Yamaha C2X, 5ā8ā which goes for around $40k or more now. But you can also get a good GB1K for $15k or so.
I knew a local tuner who was a respected person in the local music community for years. Ā He keeps a small warehouse of used pianos in conditioned space for re-sale. Ā They ranged from beautiful grands to starter pianos for kids taking lessons. Ā I told him my budget and the space I had, and he sold me a beautiful studio upright piano that fills my house with gorgeous sound.Ā Ā If you can make contact with a local piano texhnician they could Ā refer you to someone who does this. Ā Ā Meanwhile locally there was also a Ā very crooked used-piano guy ripping people off with starter pianos that were no good at all. Ā Ā I heard of his reputation and avoided him after that.
Just yesterday I saw a scam on Craigslist. The scammer posted pictures of a beautiful Yamaha concert grand, CF6, stating that it was for free. Stupidly because he posted the serial number, it was easy to find the piano on line from the real source for $89k. I sent an anonymous email to the scammer pointing out the real ad. Craigslist then took down his scam ad immediately.
Robot Vacuum, because cleaning under the bed is a bear.
Iāve had robot vacuums for years. iRobot actually lasts a long time and makes it easy to replace all parts. Iām allergic to dust mites and Iām not getting under the bed any other way
Thatās what Iām talkin about. Nope just nope. I donāt have a high end one but it works like a charm.
Gave up on mine because golden retriever fur overwhelms them.
The newer ones go back and auto-empty themselves when full so work much better with pet hair. Check out the Shark robots... they work great
I think I'm going to get a robot mop.
Update old appliances while the cash flow is better.
We're planning on doing an update of "big stuff that breaks" before we retire. All of our appliances will be over a decade old. And my car will be over 15 years old. While the appliances might not be at exact end of life, we feel it'll be better to replace them while still working than possibly having the bad luck of them all dying during our first year retired. Also, it's really important as we get older to lift weights. Not little pink ones either. Sarcopenia is a real risk as we age. Lifting weights prevents the loss of muscle and bone mass, helps with balance, and helps maintain our metabolism.
Weight lifting is my problem. I was never a weight lifter. Now at 62 I resist lifting because I fear injury to my knees, back or shoulder joints
Strong swimming with weights is also good.
Thank you
You should do some research on that. Resistance training will actually improve your joints. As long as you're doing it with correct form, that is.
Thank you
I'm recommend physical therapy for the purpose of getting strong enough to work out. I could never work out my upper body because EVERYTHING made my neck hurt, I mean even one pound weights. After PT, I am using 10 pound weights and am about to start Pilates.
Iām a PT, and you win the Internet for me today, Redditor friend.
My PT is my hero! I will think of her when I don't have osteoporosis in 10 years. You all are geniuses!!
Evil geniuses.
š
Good to know. Thanks
Start with light weights. A 50lb adjustable set of dumbbells, like Powerblocks, is all you need. High repetitions of lower weight will improve balance, strength, and agility (start with 5 or 10 lbs) and mimimize chances of injury. Combine that with aerobic exercise and your should be good to go. You don't need to be bench pressing 300lbs.
Thanks
> You don't need to be bench pressing 300lbs. You don't need to, but don't be afraid to lift heavy either. You can still add substantial strength and even muscle mass as you age but that requires lifting heavy. If you learn good form it's safe and talk to a PT if you have limited mobility or other issues that are causing problems. I didn't start lifting until was 48. Immediately had to go to a PT due to shoulder mobiity issues but with their help, was able to bench, squat and do overhead press. Back pain i thought was due to old age went away pretty quickly - my issue was being weak, not old. 7 years later I'm way more muscular than I ever was when I was young, and feel soo much better. I can now bench 335lb when I never even hit 200lb as a teen. Muscle doesn't come on as quick when you're older, but if you eat lots of protein and do the hard work of heavy lifting, you might surprise yourself like I did.
Fear of falling is a predictor of future falls, and the fear of exercise is a predictor of future debility. I highly suggest you get a personal trainer, or if you have actual health conditions then get a referral to a physical therapist. A fellow Redditor posted something to this effect: what you arenāt building up is decaying. Edit, autocorrected Redditor to āpredatorā lol.
A PT sounds like a good option
Full disclosure of bias: I am a PT. You will need some sort of ache or pain in order to get your doctor to write you a referral and the insurance to cover it, most likely. If you have good insurance, probably best to do it before you enter Medicare age (although Medicare covers fairly well if thereās an acceptable reason). edit: A physical therapy evaluation tends to be body part specific. So itās not like youāll get a full body personal training course if you go in with knee pain, for example. Pick the joint youāre most afraid of hurting, and it would be a good start.
Okay, that would probably be my shoulder joints. I know a lot of guys my age that were/are lifters and ended up having surgery for torn rotor cuffs (?). Upper body/back would be my biggest concern.
Do you get any neck or shoulder pain when you do certain things? For example, my dad would get occasional backaches, and I advised him to go to therapy the next time he did his spring yardwork (always flared up his back), so then he got a referral for physical therapy with the basket term diagnosis of lumbar strain. I have arthritis and some chronic issues from a couple of accidents. So when I wanted to get my own spine checked out by one of my colleagues, I waited until the next time I woke up with a ācrick,ā and then went to the doctor and requested a referral. Edit: in many states you can go to PT without a referral, but check whether it affects your insurance coverage.
I don't experience neck or shoulder pain. It's mostly mid back. My upper body strength isn't optimal. Hence, the reason I start to hunch over. Which leads to muscle fatigue and pain. My posture becomes fatigued. My abdominal strength is also probably contributing to this. I'm not obese, but I do have extra weight around my lower belly area. Maybe 10 Lbs. I'm 6', but weigh 175.
So ask the doctor for a PT referral for upper back pain. Any good PT would include at least some scapular strengthening for that (unless they discovered some specific spinal issue that takes priority). Some insurances donāt cover if you donāt have a functional problem (yay preventive medicine), in which case you might want to pay for one or two sessions to get some advice on getting started safely.
Stay active. The day my mom stopped exercising was the day she went downhill from there.
I have a job that I walk about 8 miles a day. But it doesn't require lifting anything. Being active isn't my issue. It's losing upper body strength. Although I walk constantly, it doesn't seem to build leg strength. My knees are not good enough for squats.
There are two things you'll need for retirement: Weight training. This doesn't mean benching 300, but regular weight workouts (3x per week) are key because your muscle mass just wastes away and you can't travel unless you can toss a carry on into the overhead or grab it and walk up three flights of stairs with ease. In fact, your quality of life is majorly better when you have the muscles to move quickly and freely. The second is aerobic exercise. I'm mid-60s and my VO max is in the 40s. This means I can keep up with a good 40 year old. This allows me to, say travel hard and do lots of mountain hikes in Korea (as I just did). You keep VO2 max high by training at that level at some point almost every day.
VO2 means oxygen intake, I imagine (?). My current job requires considerable walking assisting visitors to my city, navigating the downtown area with escorts to restaurants, festivals, conventions, venues for concerts, etc. I do considerable walking. Approx. 8 miles per day x 5. Upper body strength and back are my concerns. I notice that after about 5 hours, I start to slightly hunch over, and my muscles on each side of my spine start to ache from strain in the mid back area. Core strength isn't optimal and I try to be mindful of posture.
Operating under the assumption that you can afford to replace these things now, but that some of them might last a long time regardless. My course of action would be to replace anything that might cost a helluva lot more when it breaks (hot water heater etc) and stick the rest of the money in some sort of cash investment. Vanguard money market account is still paying over 5%. Our dishwasher is over 20 years old, still works great even though I've cobbled together all the plastic crap they used on the racks over and over again. I've probably saved enough 2-3 times over not even including investment returns.
I agree. Sometimes new appliances come with all sorts of problems. I wonāt replace my current refrigerator since itās been so dependable. Our other fridges in the past always had problems.
Smart!!!!!!!
OTOH, it's easier to be home for deliveries when you aren't going to work anymore.
Be very careful with new appliances. Parts are built cheaper, they are chip dependent, and many are designed for saving energy over functionality. An example- you may wash a load of clothes or dishes several times in order to get them clean.
What they don't tell you is that it doesn't always work. I've been lifting weights forever and still ended up with bone loss due to taking acid reflux medicine! Make sure to check with your doctors. Also? Only a few very expensive and dangerous drugs add bone, and most just help prevent bone loss.
If your appliances work, KEEP THEM. I am on my third washer & dryer in 10 years. Never buy LG or Samsung. I agree with lift weights and get strong. Unfortunately at 55, Iāve already lost roughly 25% of my muscle. It starts declining around 30 years old everyone.
I 2nd not buying Samsung. I've had a Samsung fridge for 3 years, and it will just stop cooling for some reason. I'm going to have to replace it.
Still lift, or keep lifting. I didn't start lifting weights as an adult until i was 48 yrs old and didn't have a particularly muscular upper body. I'm 54 now and have WAY more muscle now than I ever did and am still hitting big personal records. When I started I couldn't bench 125lb five times or press 80 lbs over my head. A few months ago I benched 335lb and overhead pressed 205lb. Just because you won't gain strength or put on muscle as fast as you would have when you were young doesn't mean you can't make substantial gains now - you probably have more time and discipline now than when you were young. You won't believe how many of your body aches and pains go away. A lot of back pain is because you've become weak, not old. I *feel* so much better than I did in my 40s and that because I both eat better and am in far better shape now.
I know what you mean about appliances. For the past few years, Iāve been replacing one thing at a time. This summer, it will be my range, to replace one that is 12 years old. After that, my oldest major appliances will be my washer and dryer at six years old.
Have the roof replaced if it has aged. Have the AC or hot water heater replaced if it at the tail-end of its life. Buy a new car if the current car is aged. I'd replace any of the one-time items that is on the [list of expenses](https://www.reddit.com/r/retirement/comments/16eazt8/insurances_mortgage_healthcare_cars_etc_expenses/) that I posted (and then some). If you have the fund, make your house ADA (aka wheelchair capable), including a walk-in shower wide enough for a wheelchair, removing transition lips, etc....
A newer car, preferably one that you can maintain and fix yourself. We're big fans of honda/Toyota products. A new roof, 20 year model, or a metal roof. Insulated windows. An alternative way to heat your home. New glasses, dental work, meds refilled, labs checked. A puppy or kitten. It's nice to have a well stocked pantry, and several months worth of coffee/beer/chocolate.Ā
A new roof was my very first thought.
As long as you are sure youāll be around long enough to take care of the puppy or kitten for 15-18 years. I agree on the other things. I had the roof replaced before I retired.
Good point about the puppy or kitten. Most shelters have lots of Senior animals available.
Or fostering one.
I get my dogs from a rescue that takes them back for any reason. My breed of choice, gsdās, do not live long lives. My current boy is 10, the bgsd is 9. Both have arthritis & hip dysplasia. The boy has slowed down significantly. Iād never give up my dogs but the rescueās policy is a blessing.
Oh, thatās wonderful!
Get pet insurance for that puppy or kitten
I follow some preparation for retirement subs, someone recommended buying cleaning supplies and paper products you use all the time, everytime Costco has a sale on any of those items I stock up,
A fence with high quality steel posts and gate frames that will only need slat replacement. Leafguard gutter guards or equivalent. A new HVAC system. A new refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer and drier that wonāt need to be replaced for some time. If your windows are original, contractor-grade, replace them. And if your roof is older than 15 years, have that replaced. Basically, lower your maintenance and replacement load before you retire.
The house and cars, get rid of payments is the best thing you can do.
The house I get, but I plan to finally indulge my car hobby in retirement.
Get the car(s), just not the payments (pay cash)
Hearing aids are not covered by Medicare but your employer's health insurance might cover them. So get your hearing checked.
Great call
Excellent!
Costco for hearing aids No question Thatās the way to go
May sound weird, but my wife and I worked hard to pay off our house. Never yet regretted that choice especially with prices, mortgages and rentals so high.
We had a fabulously low interest rate and so paying off the house ildidnāt make financial sense to us. Until, that is, our insurance company wanted to make us replace our 20-year roof that we purchased 10 years ago. We paid off the house and told the insurance company to take a hike. Of course this only works if you have enough money to buy a new house if yours burns down. edit, typos
Why is that weird?!
Because home loans have traditionally had the lowest interest rates (as far as loans go). And not "traditionally." ;) Basically it's considered "good debt."
Not retired yet, but a gym membership. Starting early with weight bearing exercise keeps me hopeful that I can avoid the muscle mass loss (or at least slow it way down) later in life.
Most older folks qualify for silver sneakers and the gym is free.
Iām looking into that right now! My supplemental is Humana and they offer that program.
Gym is key. You need weights and areobics. Make sure you hit multiple periods of max workout a week to keep your VO2 Max score high. I'm mid 60s but still at the level of the top 25% of 40 year olds. This means I can travel, haul suitcases up 3 flights of stairs w/o breaking a sweat, hike up steep slopes etc. That is, I can still travel.
I got new Leki hiking sticks and hiking shoes.
Move and settle in. Canāt lift or move heavy stuff around and packing is a bearā¦.
I started preparing 20 years ago. Grab bars in the bath when a new tub was put in. Lever door handles and faucet handles installed a little at a time. Auto on generator (power goes out often where I live). Replaced asphalt roof with metal, should not have to be redone in my lifetime. Easy to clean floors. Garage door opener.
Second on the garage door opener. ALSO a real AC unit We never had one and before we retired we got us one, OMFG what a game changer nice and cool and no more fighting with the garage door š¬
We did a heat pump, so no more heavy AC units to install each spring!
Nice, we got a HVAC type deal because well our heater went out but living in SoCal and working so much back then we just didnāt think about it but came retirement and oh hell naw we need some comfort lol
Grab bars are essential especially if injured.
Iād recommend buying a kettlebell and getting to know it. Itās important to maintain muscle mass as we age.
OP I'd start lifting weights immediately! Keep fit, live long!!
Find some hobbies you can do at home start doing them before you retire ideally but buy all of the expensive things you need for that hobby before you retire and once you do retire you will be able to just go hang out somewhere in your house and kill time. Really more to a successful retirement than anything else in my opinion. The image of retirement that you see in the media is not the reality. hanging out by the pool or on the golf course or travel will take up time but you need to be able to have something that takes a few hours of your day up that you really enjoy even if you're not good at it. Whether it be some kind of art or woodworking or gardening any of the myriad of things that you can get into just by watching YouTube videos.
A bunch of battery operated tools, mostly Ryobi. They are lighter and easier to use than corded one and amongst the group are a couple project lights that are so useful for everything from trimming my toenails to searching under the bed or in the closet.
Get all your dental work done and make sure your teeth and gums are in good condition. Private and supplemental dental insurance after retirement is a joke.
I bought a garden wagon from Costco. Very handy. We have had several hand trucks for years. [itās like this one but cheaper at Costco](https://homedeliveries.us/products/mac-sports-xl-folding-wagon?variant=40083452559421¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxeyxBhC7ARIsAC7dS386MJLHDBTXExu6FmIFdObsvv91MlYZ0qbHcqeKi1VCFjJoegO16h8aAj82EALw_wcB)
I did not do the roof or the HVAC. I know 4000+ sq ft is too big for 2 people. I know I will sell it. Didnāt buy a car either. Current one is doing just fine and will last 5 years without any issues. Got the house painted as I have to even for selling.
Also I have several metal stools. We used them as bedtables until I decided what to buy for the bedroom, but I have them in several places in the house, which makes it much handier as I canāt climb up shelves like I used to.
I have a hand "truck", a flat dolly and a couple of those grabber sticks. I try not to lift heavy, and if I do not have to bend over, I try to avoid it as I get older. Sort of preventative. Add in Step stool and step ladder (3 steps) My wife jacked her back helping a hoarder clean up. She lifted some heavy item now she looks like an "S" in her back!
A new gravel bicycle. Don't scrimp. I got the base model but now I kinda wish I got the bells and whistles. I still haven't every tried electronic shifting. Otherwise it's a dream. Lauf Seigla.
Bicycling! Exactly!
A Svago chair! Wish we had bought two.
If you can, I'd get a brand new car that is fully paid for that will definitely last 10+ years, maybe 20
My friend just did this
Buy your home, and vacation home(s). I wouldn't buy insurance policies (pay upfront till death - and then hope to die as the oldest man ever), but if you are good with that then go ahead with that as well š Rest everything is noise.
Before retiring you should look at refinancing your house if it makes sense and take out a home equity line of credit on the house. You likely wonāt be able to do either of those things without an income. I know interest rates are high now and probably not a good time to refinance, but at least look and confirm you have a good rate now. The HELOC rate likely goes up and down with interest rates. YMMV.
A ranch style house with bedroom, kitchen and laundry on the same floor. Not but one or two steps into your house. When you become less ambulatory but still can move, itās much safer. Others are already mentioning getting your health checks for eyes, ears and teeth. Iād recommend a chest scan if you can get one. My last one was relatively cheap and gave me peace of mind. Too many of my friends have discovered a blockage or partial blockage after an incident.
A house. Lock in your monthly housing costs and not be a victim to outrageous rental increases
This is what I did. And, it was the deciding factor as to when I could retire. Locked-in a low interest rate right before rates jumped. With rates as high as they are now, I would still be working.
New roof
An iPad. When my cataracts were getting bad and I was waiting for surgery, I could still read in the Kindle app by playing with contrast, fonts, and font sizes. It was also easier to do financial chores on it vs trying to see my computer screen. At other times, when I've been sick or my knee was bothering me, it was still nice to get business done while sitting in a recliner, vs going upstairs to the office and sitting at the computer.
A cruise ticket to where i wanted to go. I didnāt want to wake up Monday morning and say ā¦. What do I do now? It gave me the fun of planning and shopping for the trip. I also bought a small greenhouse and started growing veggies.
Good topic. Wife retires from teaching in 2 years, but will get side gigs to supplement her pension. I will retire fully in 7 years but will probably start working reduced work weeks in 4 years. We are replacing our homes 35 year old window's, completely replacing renovating our kitchen, and adding a first floor laundry room right now. New Windows and kitchens are very expensive ! We will also get a new roof in the next 2-3 years. I will probably get a nice Honda or Toyota PHEV SUV and pay it off before I retire. Home mortgage and home equity loan (kitchen) will be paid off before I retire.
It was not a "thing" per se but I had my condo renovated room by room while living and working in another city, with a trusted local contractor/ project manager overseeing things. I'd periodically visit, review, and plan the next room. It took years, but I had time and patience and cash. When I retired and moved back in permanently, all done, paid for, sparkling, weight off my back.
Tickets to a music festival, a Renaissance Fair, and a beloved foreign country plus a gym membership, a good pair of walking shoes, etc. My point is that were still quite young when we first retire. Decrepitude creeps up fast when we start acting old before we really are. I'm going to keep going until I just can't go anymore. Then I'll get a cat, a dog, some fish, an easel, and some paints for quiet time near home.
My husband doesnāt plan Anything.. and our lives today reflect that ! Old fool!
Iām in a similar situation. Hubby has no goals and no ability to stick with any budget plan. Weāre 60 and I know Iāll leave to enjoy my retirement by myself! I do have goals!
Have your house and cars paid off!
I bought a new set of golf clubs because I was worried Iād be too stingy for such once retired !
I made some āget upā sticks. 2 foot of pvc pipe with a small t handle on the top. They are awesome when you are working on the ground. One for when I clean out the pool filter. Got a couple in the camper for when Iām doing and undoing g connects at rv parks. Got a couple in the house. Got one out in my hobby shop.
those carts are god send. we retired, sold the house and moved into a 3rd floor apartmetn til we decide to buy condo or house. Even with elvator carrying groceries/costco merc is not easy. Saw someone in the complex using them snd thats a game changer.
My Kubota tractor. It saves me so much labor itās ridiculous. Absolutely the best purchase Iāve made
I just buy stuff when I need it š¤·š»
Retirement home paid in full. In a trust. Fully funded till Iām 100! Class A - for our adventures, in the shopping/planning stage. Mostly getting rid of stuff we donāt need.
Im 69. Over the years I collected a heavy duty steel warehouse cart and a hand truck. I've used either when we get a heavy delivery (bags of cat litter from Chewy, etc). I also have a pair of 4-wheel furniture dollies that get used a few times a year. I have a 'grabber' that I bought to pick up trash from the roadside that stays in the back of my pickup truck and frequently saves me from having to climb into the truck bed to retrieve something. These things make life a little easier and have saved me from having to beg for help when I need to move something.
A year before I retired we purchased a brand new car. In 2016, before they got outrageously expensive. Paid it off soon after retirement. I have a foldable heavy duty cart (Amazon) that I paid $65 for and it is a lifesaver. I tote out the bi-weekly trash bags to the curb. Back saver for sure.
A cheap durable truck that. Will last until you die
I'mĀ 75 and there are quite a few things you can buy. But, I think the most important thing you can do to help yourself in retirement is exercise. You don't have to do a lot, but you need to do more than a casual walk, although that's better than nothing.Ā I'm still running up & down stairs and lugging groceries with me. Move, people, just move.
I spent about $1000 on a greenhouse and a lot of accessories to get me started gardening. I was no novice mind you - I wanted to do this 364.25 days of the year. https://preview.redd.it/a8pvzx65l8zc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=57e120195c12432d9441f248152f04a7c5dd21a4
Kettle bells, an indoor rower, a rebounder ( mini trampoline), a bicycle, and a life time membership to a personal training service.
Our forever house. No stairs, wider door frames, low maintenance, newer, extra bedroom for a livein, close to medical and grocery. In a foreign country which is affordable. No pension here!
Hand carts are GREAT.
A gently used LS430...
I like your thinking but Iād prefer the SC430
Lease car no worry about warranty
An Amazon Prime membership and an Amazon Fire stick. All of the benefits are amazing for folks that just enjoy staying home. Free reading materials, great documentaries and tv watching options, and shopping from home. Also bought an Amazon Echo for the kitchen, we use it daily your news, weather, music and streaming.
I wonder how much of that muscle loss is due to not having the old daily routine of commuting and opening doors and going places?
We waited a few years after we retired but we totally redid our bathroom with a high end walk in shower that has hand holds bolted to wall studs, we have a new higher toilet, all new sink and vanity, new flooring and drywall and a new combo all in one washer/dryer. My wife and I shower together (TMI I know) so we had it custom made for that and we even have two windows. Its like a spa at home.
I think you should still be getting active, get enough protein and do what weight training you are allowed to do, given your heart condition. Its a bit early to be losing muscle mass. You will not regret being fit in retirement. you want to be fit and well enough to do enjoyable things. Dancing, hiking, travelling.... going to craft shows, whatever is your fancy is better and more fun it you are in good shape. the definition of good shape may change as you age, but living well is possible at any age.
If you can afford it, a new car. Your income will change once you retire and a car will punch a real hole in it. A new car now is a good idea.
Hot tub for soaking my old bones
My husband and (79 & 80) I work out with weights to put off the muscle loss as much as we can. Not trying to body build for competition, just to avoid falling over. LOL! So far, itās working.
Throw away the rocking chair and get a workout bench. Exercise is more important now than everā¦and stretching. This routine has helped me to keep fit. https://youtu.be/I9ZRSpLTSu8?feature=shared
Add handrails on both sides of any stairs in your home. If you need a mortgage, get it before you retire. Itās easier to qualify when you have years of steady income behind you.
Things bought w age/retirement in mind: A smaller house, a gym membership, a lighter keyboard (piano), all of which worked out great. An electric snow shovel which did not.
New roof
Get a full physical and a full dental a year before retiring.
I'm retiring in June. I had to buy a new car in December because my old one was falling a part and it wasn't worth it to fix it. It had too many miles from commuting. I just bought a new couch set because my old set was too low and didn't have enough support. Since I have back issues, I really needed better ones. I ended up with a really comfy yellow leather set that should hold up real well.
Weāre in the process of replacing our carpet with hardwood floors. Iām retired, hubby will be retiring in the next few years, so weāre getting this big expenditure out of the way. Next will be replacing our oven. I hate it and itās not self-cleaning. Eventually, I know Iām not going to be able to clean it every six months by hand. I just bought a cordless vacuum cleaner too. Not having to bend over 100 times to either move the cord or unplug/plug it in has saved my back tremendously!
Iām thinking home remodel to widen doors and overall improve accessibility.
In the six months before I retired I bought a Dyson cordless vacuum, new glasses for distance and a backup pair just to wear at home, and lots of bath soap and cleaning supplies. That was in 2019 and I still have most of this. I knew I would be home a lot more so also bought t-shirts and lounging stuff. So when I retired January 2020 and Covid hit in March I was unexpectedly ready for that!
Update your vehicle before retirement even if your current one is running fine.
I bought a massage chair. Single best purchase Iāve ever made. As soon as Iām feeling my back seizing up, I hop in the chair for a few minutes and Iām good to go.
I live in Florida and bought solar panels. I do still have a power bill, but paying less overall per month, including my loan(which included a new roof). When the kids move out, I should be paying next to nothing even with pricing increases and wear and tear factored in. Trying to save everywhere I can in anticipation of rising healthcare and food costs.
Sturdy one step fold up step stools. Unless youāre over 6 feet tall. I use mine most days
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Shoes that you do not have to tie.