Author: Kirsten Veldman

As your retirement is getting closer (but even if it’s not), you might wonder, does retirement make you lazy?

As a general rule, if you’re a lazy person by default, you’re likely to be lazier in retirement. And if you’re busy, you’re likely to remain busy in retirement. But laziness is all relative. The quote: “I’m not lazy, I’m just retired” says it all. Retired people may look lazy in the eyes of a busy society. Slowing down and doing things you love is part of retirement.

This is just the tip of the iceberg; let’s dive deeper into the truth about laziness in retirement.

The Truth About Laziness In Retirement

In the western world, we are programmed to be productive 24/ 7, 365 days a year. Since industrialization, we’re taught to work hard and achieve goals fast, professionally and privately. Also, we needed to work hard to afford a roof over our heads, pay the bills and buy food and medicine. The moments we are not busy or productive are when we feel guilty or made to feel guilty by others.

Taking a moment to rest isn’t something we are used to. Or is encouraged, especially in countries that prioritize efficiency and push employees to the limit. This is increasing by the decade, and with social media’s help, where we all are trying to paint a perfect picture online. Because we are very concerned about what other people think of us, it goes so far that other people’s opinions are more valuable than our own.

Perhaps we should rephrase the question and ask: Does Retirement Make You Look Lazy?

Fear To Be Lazy

Most of us have been conditioned all our lives into ignoring every warning bell our body gives us.

It is no wonder that more and more people experience burnout or burnout symptoms, which include physical and emotional exhaustion, because they are dealing with immense stress trying to meet expectations and rising demands. According to a recent online study: 76% of U.S. employees are currently experiencing worker burnout.

From a young age, we believe sacrifice, working hard, and constantly pushing boundaries is important and normal. Working through sickness and being proud of it has become our motto. We are trained to make decisions based on our ego-brain instead of what our hearts say or our soul is whispering.

Also, many people have an unconscious belief that they only earned a break, a treat, or a rest when they worked hard or achieved a goal. They need the feeling that they’ve earned it.

That means we only value ourselves when we gain a result. This directly means that our self-value is dependent on a result and what we do instead of who we are. So what if happens when you don’t get the result? You feel unworthy.

We don’t feel as if we are enough and are constantly reminded of it through advertising, social media, and society. But besides our self-value attachment to productivity, we also care deeply about what other people think of us.

We fear that we will somehow lose something if we stop working or retire. And that is partly true of what we’ve learned so far in this article. Our self-value is attached to the amount of work we produce and what other people think of us, so we are afraid to lose respect for ourselves when we aren’t as productive anymore or do something others might find strange.

So if this is always in the back of our minds… Then I can understand questions such as Does Retirement Make You Lazy? arise.

Would these concerns exist in other parts of the world, where resting (frequently) is very normal and even celebrated?

Wouldn’t it be nice to view laziness differently, more positively?

Can you become a happy and lazy retiree in retirement and don’t care what the people think?

Yes, you can!

Why You Are Not Lazy In Retirement

Being busy has become a status, and that is what many people strive for in retirement; staying busy.

And yes, I highly agree that staying busy and active is one of the keys to a successful retirement. But it shouldn’t be about staying busy, just to stay busy out of fear. Instead, you should stay busy doing things you love and take it easy when your body gives you signals to slow down. Now, that is the total opposite of what society is used to and what we are used to doing.

So when a retiree is doing exactly what retirement is all about, it can look lazy in someone’s else eyes whose belief is to always be productive and efficient 100% of the time. But folks, that is not normal.

You should slow down, say ‘no’ more often to things you don’t like doing, and feel happy about it. Before and after retirement. We need to listen to our bodies and heart and act on that. If you feel sick, your body is giving you a signal you should listen to and take a pause. And not ignore it out of fear of being seen as lazy.

We often argue with ourselves that we shouldn’t feel that way and push ourselves to the limit and our feelings away. Instead of taking a nap, we decide to drink coffee. And that is why it’s important that you need to let go of the resistance to your own needs and other people’s opinions in retirement.

You are not lazy when you choose yourself first. When your bucket is filled with your needs and self-love is when you can be of service to others.

Who Will Be Lazy In Retirement?

In the first paragraph, I mentioned that people who are lazy by default will also be lazy after retirement. The same goes for people who are easily bored and have a bigger chance of being bored in retirement. And it goes the other way around. You will structure your retirement days to stay busy if you’re a busy bee. Only the to-do list will become a little different. Instead of going to work for 8 hours in the day, you spend it on other activities. From household activities and running errands to spending time on a hobby.

The combination of physical, mental, and social activities that align with your soul is the key to a retirement filled with happiness.

Many retirees asked themselves, ‘how did I ever have time to work?’ before retirement. Their agenda is packed with volunteer work, classes, new hobbies, and staying connected with friends and family. At the same time, others love their freedom of having no obligations.

They are thrilled to have no schedule. And protect their freedom. They don’t want to work— or do volunteer work. And do not feel the need to get anything done, because they love the fact that they don’t have to strive anymore or achieve something. It can feel like a great rush of relief.

The great thing about retirement is that you can take a slower pace, and put off some stuff until tomorrow or the next day and still be active. You definitely will procrastinate more, but as long as you’re not sitting on the couch all day watching the TV, you’re going to be okay.

Cause of Laziness In Retirement

What many retirees regret, especially in the USA, is that they didn’t have something to retire to.

They had their retirement planned financially but forgot to have a fun plan for retirement. Once they retire, they’re overwhelmed with the endless free time they have when they retire. They don’t know what to do with all that time, forget about who they are outside of their job, and don’t know what they love doing.

Their process through the five stages of retirement is a struggle. They’re more likely to spend their days sitting on the couch, watching TV, and scrolling through the internet and not getting anything done. Now that is what I call lazy. And this can go into a negative spiral where they feel less worthy of themselves, which leads to depression and loneliness. Many people attach their identity to their job position. And go through an identity crisis when they retire because they need to rediscover who they are on a different level.

But that doesn’t have to be you!

When you retire, you need to be aware of the things you lose, such as routine, structure, goals, social interactions, and a purpose and replace them with new goals, routines, structure, fulfilling activities, and social interactions. And figure out what you love doing and who you are outside of any job position labels.

It can take a bit of time to get comfortable with the new retirement lifestyle, but you slowly start to realize that being lazy is not bad. It can also be your best friend. It is not a lack of motivation but a different perspective on life. You know what you want and are more likely to choose this every single day. Because that is the whole reason why people want to retire: to do what they want and when they want, so don’t be afraid to apply this to your life too!

How To Avoid Laziness In Retirement

When you’ve come to the point that you are lazy, there are many things you can do. And I’ve written a couple of articles that can help you out:

• Retired And Unmotivated? 10-Step Guide To Get Your Motivation Back!
• How To Structure Your Retirement Day: 15 Tips
• 30 Things 65-Year-Olds Do For Fun

Everyone looks forward to their retirement. And many people want to retire as early as possible but hesitate and wonder, is it boring to retire early?

It is NOT boring to retire early for people with an active lifestyle outside their job (e.g. personal interests, hobbies, long-term pursuits, social life). They have something to retire to and are often busier in retirement. People who have nothing to retire to will find early retirement boring (at first).

Let’s dive deeper into the truth of early retirement and boredom. This truth guide will answer why early retirement is NOT boring for many people, why retiring early can be boring, how to avoid boredom, and why boredom can be a good thing. So continue reading below.

10 Reasons Why Early Retirement Is Boring

Let’s start with the definition of retirement. What does it mean to retire?

This is what the dictionary says about retirement:

“the action or fact of leaving one’s job and ceasing to work”

But this means many things for different people.

For some people, retirement means quit working and start living the life they want. Spend time with their loved ones, have fun with (new) hobbies/ interests, pursue dreams, and travel.

For some people retirement means, quitting a job they hate and starting their own business or second career.

For other people, it means relaxing and doing nothing, because they enjoy not having anything to do and a totally free agenda.

And for people from the FIRE movement, retiring early means you’re financially independent at an early age.

Most people retire when they reach the retirement age. But what does it mean to retire early and can it be boring? Well, let’s find out!

As grandmothers used to say: “If you’re easily bored before retirement, you’ll likely get bored during retirement.”

This will tell you a lot but let’s look at some real obstacles that can cause boredom when you retire early.

1) Your Friends Are Not Retired

When you retire early you have to take into consideration that you might be the only one of your friends that retires. Practically this means that everyone is at work, while you are at home. For some people, this can feel lonely and is a reason why they get bored easily, because they need others to be entertained and can’t stand the thought of spending too much time alone. It’s a very common flight method to run away from yourself.

So when you retire early you need to expect to be on your own a lot more often. And be happy with yourself. This can take some time to get used to. Other people need to work and earn money to be able to get to the point where you are: retired. When you can be your own best friend, you’re going to be fine.

2) You Don’t Have A Fun Plan

Most retirees regret not having a fun plan ready for their retirement.

As everyone plans for retirement, the first thing that comes to mind is a financial plan. And yes it is important to be financially ready for retirement, but most people forget that a fun plan is equally important. Because why did you want to retire in the first place? What did you want to retire to? What are you going to do?

So if you don’t have anything planned or you have no hobbies or personal interests to spend time on, the chances of you getting bored when you retire early are significantly bigger compared to people who have something to retire to. And that is why when you do plan to retire early, make sure you have ideas on what things you like to do in retirement. And incorporated into your financial plan as well. Because if you want to travel you need a lot more money than if you stay at home by the pool.

3) You Do Extra Boring House Chores

As you retire from a well-paid and eventful job with many stimulations on all kinds of levels, you go to a life that is mostly staying at home and doing house chores (because your spouse asked you to). And for many people, this can feel boring. You go from being the hot shot at work to a simple housewife kind of lifestyle, which is a big gap to overcome (at first).

Also, when people retire early and their spouse is still working it is very normal for the one being retired, to do more tasks in the house. And some people (especially men) didn’t expect to retire and be in charge of cleaning the house etc.

It can be wise to discuss the timing of your retirement with your spouse. You can read my article: Should Couples Retire At The Same Time? | 10 Essential Tips for more tips on that.

4) You Have To Cut Back On Spending To Save Money

As less or no money is coming in, you need to cut back on spending money. This means that you need to do a lifestyle change as you have to think more consciously about how you spend your money. This can mean you can’t go out for dinner every week or go to the movies, theater, or sports games like other people can because they’re still working and have a steady income.

And yes, that can be boring. But with some adjusting time and minimal lifestyle changes, you’ll be surprised at how much money you can save. And how much you’ll enjoy the cheaper things in life.

Read more: 30 Smart Ways To Save Money In Retirement

5) You Lose Your Daily Routine

When you retire you lose many things, and one of the main things is your daily routine.

A routine gives you something to hold onto—a sense of normality to root yourself in those retirement days with endless free time.

And also morning routines help you limit wasting your retirement days and feeling bored.

Many retirees sit around until noon basically doing nothing: send some emails and scroll the internet aimlessly. And before they know it. Half the day is gone, and for the rest of the day, they’ll be angry at themselves for wasting the first half of their day and can’t get anything done.

6) You Lose A Sense Of Purpose

The biggest purpose of going to work is to earn money to pay the bills and save for retirement. So when you retire early you don’t have that purpose anymore. The feeling of not having a purpose can sneak up on you and makes you feel bored.

7) You Lose Your Identity

Besides losing a sense of purpose you also lose your identity. And that can be a problem for people whose total identity is tied to their job position. Because who are they, when they retire?

Many retirees go into an identity crisis when they retire. This is not something bad, because you are forced into the process to get to know yourself on a much deeper level. And that is priceless. But it is a struggle, that some can’t get out of.

8) You Feel Overwhelmed With Your Free Time

When you retire you don’t get decades of free time as a gift on your first day of retirement. Instead, you get 8-10 hours each day where you don’t have to go to work. So how are you going to fill in this time?

For many, this free agenda can feel daunting and overwhelming. And what do many people do when they feel overwhelmed? They stay inactive. As a result, you feel bored because you’re not doing anything (you love).

People have the need to be productive all the time. Because that is what most jobs asked from you: to be as productive and efficient as possible. This is also tied to our self-worth. We are happy with ourselves when we accomplished something. And if aren’t productive we feel worthless. And when you have more free time you’ll have more chances of not being productive all the time. Which can feel boring.

9) You Feel Disappointed About Not Feeling Happier

People think that once they retire they instantly feel happy and stay that way 24/7. But this is a common misconception. You are still human with emotions and highs and lows. And when reality hits in that is where people feel disappointed about retirement and expected more from it. They expected an ecstatic feeling constantly and the lack of it gives them the perspective that retirement is boring.

10) You Don’t Know What You Love Doing

Most people spend decades building up their careers, raising children, etc, and go on a holiday for a maximum of 10 days per year until they retire. And then when retirement comes they have no idea what to do or what they love doing. And that isn’t strange at all, because we’re so conditioned on focusing on the outer world that we forget what goes on internally. What makes us excited about life. And that is why people have forgotten what they loved doing (as a kid). Hobbies and other interests weren’t as important as getting promoted or developing professionally. And that is where boredom hits in.

Why Early Retirement Is NOT Boring

It’s all about perspective. You can make your retirement boring if you want it to be boring. But you can also create it into the best chapter of your life. It is always a choice.

As I mentioned in the introduction of this article is that people who have an active lifestyle outside their job are less likely to feel bored when they retire early. Their life didn’t only revolve around their job, there is more to life. They have hobbies and thriving social life. Plus they know who they are and what they love. So the transition into early retirement is smoother.

People who identified themselves with their job position will need time to get to know themselves once they lose their job position title at early retirement. For some people, this comes easy; ,and for others it takes a bit of time to process and do some self-discovery. People with a the-glass-is-always-half full-kind of mindset will see the opportunities that come with early retirement no matter what.

Let’s dive deeper into why retiring early is NOT boring at all:

1) You Are In Control

You’re in charge of what your daily life looks like. That also means you need to take responsibility for your life too and be active. But that is the most fun about retirement: you’re in charge, you’re in control, and get to decide how you spend your money, time, and energy. And with whom. You are free! You can do whatever you want, when, where, how, etc.

2) You Can Finally Relax

When you retire you’ll experience less stress that came with the job. You can finally relax, read a good book, treat yourself to a spa day, and not get worried about the little stuff. Being away from the job gives you also a new perspective and you’ll question yourself, why did I worry so much? Enjoy the little things and take it easy. And you don’t have to be of retirement age to enjoy a bit of relaxation. You’re allowed to take life easy no matter your age.

3) You Have More Quality Time

With the extra 8-10 hours in the day, you have enough quality time to spend on all the things you love. From hobbies, sports, following classes you’ve always wanted, spending time with friends, and family, and watching your (grand)children grow up in front of your eyes. Many retirees say: “I am busier than before retirement” and “how did I have the time to work?”. When you retire early you have even more time than the average person to spend it on all the things you love. Because you’re not here on earth to be miserable. You are here to learn and enjoy life.

4) You Can Try Out New Things

You’ve probably had the thought: “I’ve always wanted to do… or I’ve always wanted to learn…”.

Retirement is the ultimate opportunity to do the things you’ve always wanted to do or dreamed about doing. And no matter your spending budget there is always something affordable to do that matches your dreams. Or if it seems impossible just manifest it by focusing on it every single day and it will come to you somewhere in the future.

And even if you don’t have any dreams to pursue at the moment, you can always challenge yourself to do something new and different every day, week or month. It keeps things fun and interesting, because the place outside your comfortzone is where the magic happens. How can that be boring?!

5) You Can Be Spontaneous

You can’t use the excuse anymore that you have to leave early or can’t come because you have to work the next day. You can be spontaneous and go for a swim in the lake during the day or at night, you can hop in the car and go in a road trip just because you feel like it. Or stay extra late at a dinner party because its just that much fun, without having to worry about how little sleep you’ll have.

6) You Can Follow Your Dreams

Retirement is the only time to pursue your dreams before you kick the bucket. And when you retire early you have more time and energy to pursue these dreams. Also, you are in better health because you are younger. Some older retiree regret that they didn’t retire earlier because they feel that they need to rush through life, because they feel they’re getting older and can’t do certain things anymore.

Even if dreams seem impossible, working on it everyday gives you a satisfying feeling. It’s the power of cutting your dream into manageable pieces that you can accomplish every day/ week. Before you know it you are on your way to pursue your dreams.

7) You Avoid Annoying And Boring Commutes

The benefits of being retired is you don’t have to be stuck in boring traffic jams. You make up your own schedule so you can avoid these annoying commutes every day.

8) You Sleep Whenever You Want

Throw away the alarmclock and go to sleep whenever you want and sleep in whenever you feel like it.

Altough having structure and good sleep hygiene helps you to not waist your days and be bored. But having the freedom to choose not to wake up early when your body doesn’t feel like it is a peaceful feeling.

I know many retirees who introduced a nap/ siesta during the day. Even when they not live in warming areas such as Mexico.

There are so many more reasons I can come up with why early retirement is not boring. I’ve been retired from the ratrace a couple of years ago and I can say: I haven’t been bored since.

But let’s look at boredom from another perspective.

Why Boredom In Retirement Is Good For You

Many retirees experience boredom. Some more than others.

And they see it as a big problem.

But boredom doesn’t have to be a problem at all.

According to this article on Harvard Health Publishing, letting boredom work for you is one of the best remedies to find new creativity and things to do.

Basically, you’ll need to question yourself and explore why you’re bored. This is a good way to get a better understanding of yourself and fuel yourself with creativity to explore new things to do.

Boredom is:

• a great opportunity to get to know yourself more and dive within.
• the pain of unused potential; it’s a disconnection to everything we can offer the world and vice versa.
• a powerful tool that invites you to rethink your relationship with the world.

Also, according to Psychology Today, boredom has many benefits:

Boredom Benefits

• Boredom can improve our mental health
• Boredom can increase creativity
• Boredom motivates a search for novelty
• Boredom motivates the pursuit of new goals
• Boredom affects the ability to focus and pay attention

So whenever you get bored, consider it a good thing. Enjoy while it last and be curious and excited about where it will bring you.

How To Avoid Boredom When You Retire Early

Now that we’ve covered almost everything, let’s share some tips on how you can avoid boredom.

– > Know That Retiring Is A Process of Five Stages

Retiring is a mental process that not a lot of people are aware of. You’ll go through five stages to finally reach a point where you’re happy and satisfied with where you’re at in life. For some people this takes a couple of weeks and for others it can take years. If you want to know more about these five stages you can read my article: Complete Guide Through The 5 Stages Of Retirement.

– > Create A Morning Routine

How you start your day is crucial for your mood for the rest of the day.

If you win the morning, you in win the day!

And here is the science behind it:

Scientific Proof

If you wake up by doing positive activities, you will help your mindset in staying positive for the rest of the day. This is called the endowment effect, discovered by Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky during their research on prospect theory.

According to the endowment effect, if you start the day by moving your life forward, you have established positive momentum. And you’re more likely to keep doing positive things.

Also, another research by Steve Key, a professor at the University of Southern California, shows that most adults perform best in the late morning when it comes to doing cognitive work.

Also, morning routines create momentum. And momentum is a crucial part of psychology. In goal pursuit and achievement, psychological momentum plays a critical role. Momentum is a vehicle of performance that will lead to future success and goal achievement. If you facilitate a morning routine that creates a psychological momentum on a conscious level frequently, it will become nonconscious automatic behavior. On average, it takes about two months before a new habit or routine becomes automatic.

– > Find Your Passion

When you have something to look forward to everyday when you wake up, like a passion. You can’t get bored, because a passion is something you love doing and makes you forget to eat or sleep.

Read more: 14 Tips On How To Find Your Passion In Retirement

-> Keep Setting Goals

Okay maybe you didn’t like the targets or deadlines from your job, setting goals is actually very important in life. Nothing having a goal makes you feel aimless, useless, etc. Having a goal gives your life direction and helps you to prioritize your time better.

You’re retiring soon and you want to do something extra to thank your boss, because of your special relationship. Or he/ she helped you out a lot during your career. And that is why you might wonder, how do you thank your boss when you retire?

You thank your boss when you retire with a thank you letter, card, or say thanks during a speech. Other ways to show gratitude are delivering a cake to your boss, gifting a gift, or handing out a thank-you award.

These are just a couple of ideas. I’ve listed 25 amazing ways on how to thank your boss when you retire in this article. So continue reading below.

1) Send A Thank You (hand-written) Letter

The most common way to thank your boss is to send him/ her a letter. You can type a letter and print it out to send it or leave it at his/ her desk, but if you want to make it more personal you can write a hand-written letter. Don’t mistake a thank you letter with an official retirement letter. This thank you letter comes later and is mostly sent in the last week of work or the first weeks of retirement.

And to help you out I’ve created some examples you can use and tweak for your own Thank You Letter:

Thank You Letter Examples

Dear (name boss),

I can’t thank you enough for being a fantastic mentor, leader, and boss to me over the last XX years. You’ve helped me grow professionally and personally and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Although my time at the company is ending, I will always be grateful for the many years we’ve worked together.

I’m going to miss your joy and positive energy.

I wish you all the best in your personal and professional life!

Sincerely thanks,
Kirsten

Ps: if you need to contact me in retirement, here is my contact information: (email address) + (phone number)

Location & Date (optional)

Dear (name boss)

Thank you for showing me what it means to be a true boss. Perhaps I didn’t say it a lot, so that is why I want to express my gratitude for your leadership and say thank you with this personal letter.

Working for you has been a pleasure. Your graciousness, friendliness, and leadership skills are what always inspired me to do and be better. You have played a key role in my development as a (job position). And I could always lean on you for both professional and personal advice.

Thank you so much for having me on your team and thank you for the amazing retirement party you organized for me. My retirement couldn’t have started in a better way.

Beyond grateful,
Bob

Thank You Letter Format

You can use this format below as a guide to write your thank you letter more easily.

1. Start With A Greeting (e.g. Dear Name,)
2. The second paragraph is to share your gratitude with specific examples
3. The third paragraph is to express a personal anecdote that you cherish, lessons you’ve learned, etc
4. The fourth paragraph is to extend your wishes for the future
5. End with a polite closing (Gratefully, With gratitude, Sincerely, Beyond Grateful, etc)
6. Optional: include personal contact information & perhaps that you are available as a freelance advisor/ consultant.

2) Send A Thank You Email

You can also send a thank you email to your boss. An email is less personal but works perfectly if that is a normal way of communicating for you with your boss. It is a fine way to say thanks if it’s a strictly working relationship you have with your boss.

And the best part is you can compose this email beforehand and plan to send it on your last day of work or first day in retirement (make sure your business email account is still working on the day you want to send the email to your boss or use your personal email account).

Thank You Email Example

Dear Boss,

With this email, I want to express my gratitude for your efforts in organizing the amazing retirement party last week. It made me feel loved by everyone who was present. I was overwhelmed by all the amazing gifts, loving words, and best wishes cards.

I also want to say thank you for the opportunity you gave me to work out your company. Being on your team was a pleasure, and I couldn’t wish for a better boss. I loved working for you and alongside you on wonderful and interesting projects. I’m going to cherish these moments forever. And use the lessons I have learned to make my retirement a success!

I wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

Sincerely,
Kirsten

3) Send A Thank You Card (for a party/ gift)

Another way to say thanks to your boss when you retire is to send him or her a thank you card.

An even more creative way to say thank you is with Greetabl. It’s more than just a card because you send your boss a thank you card wrapped in a small unique gift box with a personal message. Curious?

Thank You Note Examples For A Party/ Gift

• Thank you for the amazing retirement party you hosted last week. I’ll always remember your kindness!
• Wow, that was a fun party! Still recovering from it. Thank you so much for such a memorable and special night. I felt so loved and honored.
• I sincerely thank you for your generosity. I love my gift and I think of you every time I use it.
• No one makes me feel important and appreciated as you do. Thank you for throwing such an amazing retirement party.
• You put a lot of time and effort into making me feel special and ensuring my party was a success — and it was! I had so much fun. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will remember it forever.
• Thank you for adding joy to my retirement party with your well wishes and fantastic gift.

Thank You Note Examples For Your Boss

• Thank you for making work a happy place to be. You truly know what it means to be a great boss.
• It was a pleasure working for you. I’ll always remember (insert special memory/ projects)
• Thank you for being the best boss!
• I almost didn’t want to retire, because of you. Almost.
• I loved working for you and alongside you these past XX years. Thank you for believing in me and helping me grow.
• When I remember the highlights of my career, there is one thing that strikes out the most. And that is you. Thank you for being my boss and my friend.
• You’re not just a boss. You’re a friend. And I can’t wait to hit the golf course together more often when you retire.

4) Give A (Best Boss) Gift

Show your gratitude with a fun gift for your boss. This mug with the text: A Truly Great Boss Is Hard to Find Difficult to Part with and Impossible to Forget can be a fun and small gift idea.

5) Create A Tribute Video

Consider creating a Thank You video when you really want to make things special to thank your boss. It can be a very simple video you record with your phone and send out to his phone. Or you can make a compilation of fun photos, career highlights, and other special moments in the video. The easy online video maker Vidday can help you out creating a video by doing all the work.

6) Give An Invitation To Your Retirement Party (At Home)

If you’re planning to organize a retirement party at home you can consider inviting your boss to celebrate your retirement together with friends and family. Your boss will feel honored to be invited to your home and you can say thank you in a more private setting which makes it more special.

7) Make A Gift Basket (with your boss’s favorites)

Another creative way to show thanks is to create a gift basket for your boss with all his/ her favorite snacks, cheese, candy, chocolates, wine, beer, liquor, etc. And if you have no clue in what your boss’s favorite things are. No need to worry, I’m here to help you out. Below are two amazing gift baskets, one for a lady boss and one for a male boss.

Beer Bouquet Gift Basket

Thanks For Being Awesome Spa Gift Basket

8) Thank Your Boss In Your Speech

Many people like to give a speech when they retire. A great moment for that is the last meeting, last day at work, or during their retirement party. So a good opportunity to thank your boss is to dedicate a couple of special words to him/ her in your speech.

Read more: 20 Expert Tips For The Best Retirement Speech

9) Deliver A Thank You Cake

“Thank you” becomes a lot sweeter when you write it on a cake and have it delivered to your boss’s desk/workplace. You can bake it yourself and put a Thank You cake topper on top or order a delicious cake that says:

Thank You Cake Sayings

• Thank You For Being The Best Boss Ever, (your name).
• Going To Miss You!
• You’re Are Finally Rid Of Me
• You’ve Been An Inspiration, Thank You
• Work Will Suck Without Me
• Goodbye And All The Best
• Thanks For The Fun, Laughter, And Good Times
• You’re Gonna Miss Me
• A Truly Great Boss Is Hard To Fun, Difficult To Part With And Impossible To Forget
• Hooray, You Cannot Boss Me Around Anymore
• Peace At Last
• Thank God It’s Friday Everyday Now!
• I Won’t Be Back

10) Make A Toast To Your Boss

When there is a moment that includes champagne you can take the time to propose a toast to your boss and say a couple of words. Below are some examples:

Toast Examples To Thank Your Boss

• Cheers to you (name boss), Thank you for supporting me during my career. I couldn’t have done it without you.
• It was a great experience to work with a boss like you.
• I forever cherish the moments of having a hard-working and fantastic Boss like you. I hope you also don’t forget me.
• It has been a privilege to have had a brilliant mentor boss like you.
• It will be a strange feeling not seeing your face anymore.
• You showed me that the secret to success is hard work and perseverance. Thank you for your guidance and wisdom
• Other Bosses give out an order, but you give direction. Thanks for being such an inspiration and a great leader!
• Thank you for being a great boss, but also thanks for being a great friend as well.

11) Prank Your Boss

If your boss has a great sense of humor and pranking each other is normal, then perhaps the most honoring thing you can do to thank your boss is doing the ultimate prank, which tops off all other pranks of the past. What do you have the lose? You’re retiring anyway, so you can’t get fired.

12) Hand Out A “Thank You” Award

Another creative way to thank your boss when you retire is to hand out a “Thank You” trophy or have a customized engraved Crystal Award made with a personal message that he can put on his/ her desk.

13) Thanks For Taking The Thyme To Help Me Grow!” Plant

You can also give him/ her a Thanks For Taking The Thyme To Help Me Grow!” plant that your boss can put on his/ her desk. It’s a very creative, cute, and green way of saying thanks. Especially a great idea when you look for something small.

14) Invite Your Boss On A Trip

When you have a special relationship with your boss that blossomed into a friendship, it can perhaps be a good idea to go on a trip together.

Trip Ideas For Your Boss

• a wine tour,
• visiting a game of your favorites sports team
• weekend boating at the lake or camping with both your families
• a weekend away with both your spouses

15) Give Your Boss Tickets To An Event

As a sign of gratitude, you can gift your boss tickets to an event you’ll know he/ she will love. For example tickets to a sports game, movie theater, music festival, theater show, etc.

16) Make A Gift Bag

Get creative and make a gift bag for your boss with funny gifts, memorable keepsakes, or things your boss needs at work when you’re not around anymore. You can make it funny or very meaningful. That is up to you.

17) Roast Your Boss

Many people who retire get roasted at their retirement party by their family, friends, boss, or co-worker. When you know this is going to happen, or you want to switch things around you can consider roasting your boss. Roasting someone is actually a sign of showing your respect in a very dark humorous kind of way. And if that is the way you and your boss like to roll, then go for it.

18) Write A Thank You Poem

You can also thank your boss with a nice poem if that is more up your alley. Perhaps you’re a poet and you can write a nice custom poem. Or use the example below.

Thank You Poem For Your Boss

Thanks for being a buddy
More than a taskmaster
Thanks for being a comrade
More than an employer
Thanks for being a friend
More than an angry manager
Thanks for being a mentor
More than an arrogant leader
(from Wishesmessages.com)

19) Post Thank You Message On Social Media

Show thanks by posting a nice message on social media. Be cautious with posting names and pictures, especially when your boss is not very active on Social Media. If he or she is, not a problem. Just make sure that your boss will be okay with such an online gesture.

20) Deliver “Thank You” Cookies

Bake or order gourmet cookies with a special message and have them delivered to your boss’s desk or at home. This can be fun to do in the first week/ month of your retirement. It is a sweet and cute kind of way to show your gratitude. And how can do not forget you, when you deliver delicious gourmet cookies?

21) Give A Framed Picture

Do you have a fun picture together with your boss? Have it framed and write a thank you message on the back to make it even more memorable.

22) Give A Bouquet Of Flowers

One of the most common and most classic thank you gifts are a bouquet of flowers. And it still works. Especially with women (most women love getting flowers). You can gift your boss’s favorite flowers or have a nice bouquet made by a florist.

23) Give Your Boss “Thank You Berry Much” Jam

Nothing beats a good jam. So if your boss loves jams, then a “Thank You Berry Much” Jam could be a cute way to say thanks to your boss when you retire. You can make your own jam or buy one and put a Thank You Berry Much sticker on it.

24) Invite Him/ Her For Special Lunch or Dinner

Another way to thank your boss when you retire is to invite him/ her to lunch or dinner. Perhaps you can make it a double date with both your spouses. What better way to express your gratitude than with good food and quality time together.

25) Hand-Made Portrait

Looking for something really special for your boss? Then gift him or her a handmade portrait painting from a special moment in their life.

Paint Your Life has professional artists who make beautiful paintings from a photo sent in by you. A photo of your boss’s favorite pet, a statue photo on the job, a family photo with grandchildren, or an old wedding photo are great ideas for a beautiful oil painting. It’s handpainted by an experienced artist of your choice. And you have unlimited revisions. Also, when you’re not happy with the result you get 100% of your money back. So satisfaction is guaranteed!

Awesome way to say thanks!

Your last two weeks before retirement are here. Congratulations. You’ve made it! But now you probably wonder what to do in the last two weeks before retirement? Well, I’ve written the ultimate guide with everything you to know and do before you officially retire in two weeks. So let’s start unpacking right away!

Make A Checklist With Things To Do

When your retirement date is coming closer you enter a new chapter in your life that is so exciting. And although you’re entering a phase with lots of freedom and few obligations. The last few weeks before retirement can be a bit hectic. That is why making a checklist can be a good idea to keep your head clear and make it as fun as possible.

Have Fun The Last Days At Work

Why not have a little bit more fun? Nobody is going to fire you because you are gone in two weeks’ time.

And here are some fun ideas: do the ultimate prank on your coworkers, spend more time chatting at the coffee machine, add humor and positivity to all your conversations and meetings, and treat yourself (and others) to nice gourmet lunches. Or make a round call to all your old contacts, clients, and coworkers to share your most cherished memories and express your gratitude and feelings. I share more fun ideas in this article: 21 Seriously Funny Ways To Announce Your Retirement.

Whatever rocks your boat, but do it gracefully. Burning bridges is not a good way to spend your last two weeks at work.

Plan Your Retirement Celebration

If you haven’t already: plan your retirement celebration. After working hard for so long, you deserve a moment to celebrate this lifetime achievement. And besides a retirement party, there are many other ways in which you can celebrate your retirement. For example, a romantic date with your spouse, a family weekend trip, going to a festival, or just a small family brunch at home.

Read more: 30 Awesome Ideas To Celebrate Your Retirement

Write A Handbook For A Smooth Work Transfer

Your boss and your future replacement will be very happy with a handbook of all the information you know about your job tasks. For example future deadlines, and where to find files, passwords, and information on clients and projects. This handbook can be a helpful guide for the first couple of months. They’re going to love it that you wrote everything down to help them even when you’re not there anymore. It will make the transfer a lot smoother for everyone involved.

And if a handbook is not possible, you can perhaps offer your assistance in a different way. For example: say that they can call you when they have questions, you come over one morning a week for the first few weeks to answer questions or you can offer to be a freelance consultant and earn an extra paycheck in retirement. Your years of experience and expertise can be very valuable.

Organize Your Goodbye

There comes a point when you need to say goodbye to your boss, coworkers, clients, etc. Besides the “bye, I’m out!” on your last day, there are other ways to handle this in a fun and appreciative way. Leaving on a high and positive note sets the tone for a positive start to your retirement.

Perhaps there is a retirement party planned that you want to give a speech or show a (fun) video. Or you want to thank a couple of coworkers in a meeting with a special gift. For more information on this topic, I recommend reading my article: How To Thank Your Coworkers When You Retire: 11 Fun Ideas.

Set The First Goal For Your Retirement

Retirement is a time of uncertainty. For some, this gives them an exciting feeling. Others feel more anxiety. And there is a big group that feels all the emotions, which is very normal. New adventures come with a mix of emotions. And it depends on your mental state in how you’ll handle it. But there is a way that will help everyone out.

Having something to retire to is important for a happy start to your retirement. That is why setting the first goal for your retirement is essential. A goal instantly gives you a direction, a purpose, and a reason to get up on the first Monday in retirement.

For example, a first goal can be ticking off one item on your bucket list, applying for that part-time job you love, running (half) a marathon, learn how to cook gourmet meals.

Plan Activities For The First Weeks

Having something to look forward to makes your goodbye at work easier. Knowing you have planned fun lunches or dinner with friends and perhaps hobby-related activities makes the transition into retirement more smooth. And you can use these last two weeks to schedule fun activities that make you excited about your retirement.

The success of retirement is replacing your working hours with meaningful and fun activities that keep you mentally, socially, and physically active. This combination is key to a happy, healthy, and long retirement. And that is why planning a couple of fun things for the first weeks, while also keeping your agenda free for spontaneous events and relaxing time is a good idea.

Read more: 30 Things To Do On Your First Day Of Retirement

Start A New (healthy) Routine

One of the best tips I can give for these last two weeks at work is to start with a new healthy (morning) routine. Because having a positive daily routine sets the tone for the rest of the day. And starting this routine now gives you a head start and makes your transition easier into retirement. You can keep continuing this routine in your days of retirement, and it doesn’t feel like a new thing. Only you can do it a lot more slowly to get adjusted to a more relaxing rhythm of the day. You can read more about this in my article: How To Structure Your Retirement Day: 15 Tips.

Be Aware Of The Retirement Process

For some people, retirement is a major transition. Going from fully packed days to an empty agenda having no obligation can be overwhelming. For others, it is easier, but everyone is going through the same stages of retirement. Some more quickly than others.

Being aware of the stages of retirement and knowing that retiring is a process that takes time to adjust, makes you a lot more prepared than most people. And also helps you to avoid depression, which unfortunately a lot of retirees suffer from.

In retirement, you need to let go of the identity that came with the job. And discover your new identity, likes, dislikes, your new life purpose, and be satisfied with new activities, etc.

Read more: Complete Guide Through The Five Stages Of Retirement

Stay On Top Of Your Finances

A couple of months/ years ago you’ve come to the decision (or it was made for you) to retire. And in that phase, you’ve already checked your financial situation. At least that is what I hope.

Since then a couple of months have passed, so that is why it can be wise to inform yourself about your finances again to refresh your mind and get informed about recent changes. This will lead to less stress and more clarity. A perfect start to your retirement.

Financial To-Do List:

• Plan a meeting with your financial planner to decide on your payments/ moving to IRA?
• Plan a meeting with HR for the latest news on your healthcare, COBRA costs, ACA costs (healthcare.gov), and transition to medicare
• Check your retirement savings and retirement accounts
• Check if you need extra insurance (things that are not covered anymore once you retire)
• Make a list of all your expenses and set a monthly budget for your first year in retirement. This keeps you more in control of your finances.
• If you haven’t already. Apply for social security benefits. Or get informed when you want to apply at a later time.

Find A New Hobby

Nothing to do at work anymore? You can use this time to find yourself a new hobby you can explore in the first weeks of retirement. Having something fun to do gives you more satisfaction in retirement.

You can search the internet for fun hobbies and make appointments for workshops, classes, etc, for your days in retirement.

If you don’t know where to look for that new retirement hobby, don’t worry. Read my article: How To Find A Hobby That You’ll Love: 9 Tips

Perhaps you want to adopt a pet yourself or you are looking for the perfect per for your senior loved one, you might wonder, are cats good pets for seniors?

Cats are good pets for seniors because they’re low maintenance, reliable, predictable, good companions, self-sufficient, and do well staying indoors. Also, a cat offers health benefits on a daily basis: reducing feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels and can ease the pain of losing a loved one.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. In this article, I’ll share 15 reasons with in-depth information on why cats are good pets for seniors. And I share more information on the best cat breeds for seniors, things to consider before getting a cat as a senior, and more. So, continue reading.

Reasons Why Cats Are Good Pets For Seniors

1) Cats Are Great Companions For Seniors

Cats are excellent companions for (lonely) senior citizens because most cats like to cuddle in laps or sleep close to you at the foot of the bed or couch. There is always someone there that likes to keep you company.

Coming home to an empty home can feel a bit boring and lonely. And that is why seniors can feel better with a loyal companion who is happy to see them and cuddle with them once they get home. Also, having someone to take care of is also a positive daily responsibility that will boost a senior’s self-esteem and uplift their mood.

A lot of people even like to talk to their cat, so it can feel like their best friend. And having always someone to talk to feels good, even when they don’t can’t talk with human words. Cats have their own personality and can communicate with their body language.

2) Cats Are Low Maintenance Compared To Other Pets

Compared to dogs or other pets, cats are low maintenance and easy to take care of, which makes them the perfect pet for seniors. They don’t have to go outside on long walks for a bathroom break, they can take themselves to the litter box. Also, cats need little to be entertained. And are happy to crawl in someone’s lap for a couple of hours in the day.

3) Cats Are The Best Pets For Seniors With Limited Mobility

As I mentioned above, cats are low-maintenance pets. They do not require the owner to be mobile for playtime, cuddle time, hygiene, and a bathroom break. They clean themselves, entertain themselves, go to the litterbox, and walk to you when they want some cuddling time. That is why seniors with limited or no mobility are able to take care of a cat.

4) Cats Are Reliable & Predictable

Just like seniors cats like routine, consistency, and predictability in their day to establish a stable and dependable environment for themselves. That is what seniors do too. Most humans of course, but seniors are more obsessive about how they like to do their things. You will see when there is a change in a routine, cats will get stressed and seniors don’t like that either. That is why seniors and cats are a great match.

5) Cats Are Self-Sufficient

Cats are self-sufficient. You can easily leave them alone for a couple of hours a day and not feel worried if your furniture is still okay. They’ll just sleep and snooze.

And even though you need to take care of them and rely on humans for food, they keep their hunter instinct (if you leave them outside during night/ day), because cats are naturally very independent hunters. My mom’s cat gets spoiled with gourmet cat food and milk but still hunts on birds, mice, etc during the night. And sleeps the day away during the day.

6) Cats Do Well Staying Indoors

Most cats are very content to stay indoors if they get enough (playful) stimulation and companionship.

From my own experience I can tell that if a cat is used to going outside, he/ she will be very unhappy spending indoors all the time. But a cat that is raised as an “indoor cat,” is very happy staying indoors. Also, cats are naturally territorial so they like to protect their own space instead of exploring new places.

There are some cat breeds that are better at staying indoors than others. According to veterinary specialists, these breeds below are the most ideal indoor house cats:

Ideal Indoor House Cats

• Sphynx
• Ragdoll
• Scottish Fold
• Himalayan (Himmies)
• Devon Rex
• Siamese
• The Moggy

7) Cats Lowers The Risk Of Heart Attacks and Stroke

The calming presence of a cat lowers cholesterol levels, which decreases the risk of heart diseases. A study on Cat ownership and the Risk of Fatal Cardiovascular Diseases found the following:

“A decreased risk for death due to MI and all cardiovascular diseases (including stroke) was observed among persons with cats. The acquisition of cats as domestic pets may represent a novel strategy for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases in high-risk individuals.”

8) Cats Can Boost Senior’s Immune System

Snuggling close with a feline friend can even improve someone’s immune system. Being exposed regularly to small amounts of pet allergens will prevent seniors from seasonal allergies or asthma.

Also, cuddling, playing, and taking care of a cat will make you feel happier which is the best natural booster for the immune system. And this will help fight off the common cold and other chest infections, according to research.

9) Cats Create Calmness And Reduce Feelings Of Anxiety

According to the same research mentioned above, is that the presence of pets has been associated with a reduction of stress and blood pressure, which in turn reduces feelings of anxiety and makes you feel calm. But besides the scientific research, everyone knows that you feel calmer by simply petting a cat in your lap.

10) Cats Decrease Feelings Of Loneliness

Many seniors suffer isolation from society. Having a companion who loves your company is a great remedy for loneliness.

11) Cats Give Unconditional Love

Cats are very loyal and social animals and can sense human emotions by recognizing facial gestures, like smiling and frowning. They can be very emphatic and show their care through their attention and body language.

Even a study found out that cats prefer human social interaction over food. The ultimate proof that cats love people. And no matter what you say to them, they’re nonjudgemental and keep showing their unconditional love.

12) Cats Give Seniors A Sense Of Purpose

Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility. And a good reason to get up in the morning. Especially for seniors who feel bored, a cat can give them a sense of purpose in life. Or a greater sense of purpose because now they are responsible for another creature.

13) Cats Make Seniors Feel Happy

Petting or cuddling a pet releases the happy hormone, oxytocin, in the body. It has a direct effect. Anyone feels instant better after snuggling with a cute animal such as a cat.

14) They Can Keep Seniors Warm

Seniors often feel cold, because of their age their metabolic rate decreases. And this means that seniors’ are unable to generate enough heat to maintain a “normal” temperature of 98.6 degrees.

A cat’s temperature is around 102f, which is much warmer than our optimum temperature. So when they curl up in a senior’s lap, they will instantly feel much warmer. Also, during cold winter days, cats are more likely to seek your warm lap to warm up too. A win-win situation. And a much cutter option than a blanket.

15) Cats Can Avoid Depression

Many seniors struggle with depressive feelings. And if you learned anything from all the information above, cats can help seniors feel much better about themselves and help avoid depression. But also research concluded that “Cat owners reported significantly lower levels of depressive symptoms than dog owners”.

Things Seniors Need To Consider Before Getting A Cat

Although cats can be perfect pets for seniors. There are some reasons why they’re not, depending on a senior’s situation. And even though in great health, seniors need to be aware of certain things before getting a cat.

Lifespan Of A Cat

The average life expectancy for an indoor cat is 12-18 years. So, before seniors get a kitten, they need to ask themselves if they expect to be able to take care of a cat for another 12 to 18 years. According to the CDC, the average life expectancy (of a human) in the United States is 78.7 years old. This means that a cat is likely to outlive many seniors.

So these are some valid questions to ask:

• Is the senior able to take care of the kitten/ cat for this long?
• What happens when they can’t take care of the cat anymore (e.g. when health decreases or when they pass away)?
• Is there a family member or friend who can step in to take care of the cat if needed?

But there is a chance that a senior can live out the cat. And mourning the loss of a cat can be extremely hard on seniors.

Also, an ill cat is hard to take care of. I know this from my own experience and I am not even old. And this can be stressful too. An aging senior can have a hard time taking care of an ill cat. But also an ill cat needs the proper care too.

Costs Of Owning A Cat

It is fun owning a cat, but cats do cost money. So is a senior able to pay for a cat and all the monthly expenses for basic needs and (emergency) medical care?

According to The Spruce Pets, this is the cost of responsible cat ownership:

• Quality food: $15 – $30 a month.
• Litter: $10 a month.
• Spay or neutering: $50-$400
• Core vaccinations: $80-160 for the complete first-year series.
• Annual veterinary examination: $100 – $200.
• Emergency vet care: Unknown

Difficult To Medicate

I know from experience trying to squirt medicine or vitamins into a cat’s mouth is very difficult. And not a one-man job. Therefore it can be difficult for a single senior to medicate a cat. Perhaps a neighbor, family member, or friend can help out during these times.

Chances Of Tripping And Injury

There is a chance that a senior can trip over a cat. Cats like to go under our feet. Even a friend of mine stepped on a kitten while going down the stairs with a laundry bag. This can happen. It can hurt the cat, but seniors can also lose their balance, fall, and get heavily injured (broken bones, or even worse). And recovering from a heavy injury is hard for older people.

Cognitive Functions As A Senior

You should ask yourself if seniors with a decline in cognitive functions, vision problems, or brain diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s should have the responsibility for taking care of a pet. Because then you can encounter problems such as forgetting to feed the cat, empty the litterbox, they can’t see the cat or seeing when the cat has medical issues, etc. Even though a cat is very self-sufficient they need an owner who can take care of them in a good and responsible way. Perhaps a friendly neighbor can keep an eye out.

Kitten Or Adult Cat?

A kitty needs more house training and much more attention than adult cats, but they adapt more quickly to their new environment. But a senior cat might come with health problems, which will require more visits to the vet. There is no good or bad option, it all depends on the senior’s situation.

Buying, Adopting, Fostering, Babysit A Cat

As I mentioned above, a kitten or adult cat both have pros and cons. And besides buying a cat, there are also other options.

• Seniors can adopt a cat from a local shelter. Or when they don’t want the full-time responsibility of taking care of a cat they can decide to volunteer at cat shelters.
• Seniors can foster a cat. This means seniors take care (through a rescue organization or shelter) for a limited amount of time at home until it is ready for adoption.
• Seniors can babysit someone else’s cat. All the benefits but not much of the responsibilities and costs. There are many busy families who love to find a senior who wants to take care of a cat. A great platform that matches cat owners with cat caregivers is Care.com.

The Best Cat Breeds For Seniors

Each cat has a different personality and temperament, but also each breed has its own qualities that may or may not be a good match for seniors. Some breeds are more curious and energetic than others. Some breeds like to cuddle all day, others less. And some breeds have ticker fur that needs more attention.

The best cat breeds for seniors are low energy level, low fur maintenance, and love cuddle time but not 24/7. So according to Petkeen, these cat breeds are great for seniors:

• Russian Blue
• Snowshoe
• Scottish Fold
• British Shorthair
• American Shorthair
• Exotic Shorthair
• American Wirehair
• Australian Mist
• Balinese
• Bombay
• Siberian
• Chartreux
• Havana
• Persian
• Birman
• Ragdoll

8 Must-Have Products For A New Cat

Ready to get a cat? Then these products are a must-have!

1) Food

Canned food is the best for cats but you can always combine it with dry foods. You can often buy them in bulk or in big bags. Purina Friskies Cat Food >> gets thousands of 5-star reviews.

2) Food & Water Bowl

Avoid any plastic blows, stainless steel bowls or ceramic bowls for food are the best for cats. And this drinking water fountain >> attracts cats to drink more.

4) Cat Toys

A teaser wand >> with feathers is one of the most popular cat toys and is always a hit.

3) Litterbox & Litter

• Best rated litterbox: Catit Hooded Cat Litter Pan
• Best rated litter: Dr. Elsey’s Cat Litter

5) Grooming Tools

• fine-toothed comb >>
• cat brush >>
• nail clipper designed for cats >>

6) Cat Carrier

#1 Bestseller: Vceoa Carriers Soft-Sided Pet Carrier for Cats >>

7) Scratching Post

Thousands of 5-star ratings: Cardboard Cat Scratch Pad >>

8) A Bed

Check out this highly reviewed Round Donut Cat Bed >> from Love’s cabin store