Retirement

Term Paper # 103516

Aging > Gerontology

Retirement

This paper discusses planning for the factors that influence a successful retirement period of life.

1,455 words () | 6 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that retirement is the time in a person's life when they stop employment completely either by choice or due to health problems or physical conditions. The author points out the normal physical changes of increased age often are associated with retirement since they may occur simultaneously. The paper relates that, to become ready for these changes, people can stay active, eat healthy and avoid behaviors, such as smoking and drug use, which will cause their health to deteriorate. The author urges that people must plan for financing the retirement period with its change in income and expenses. The paper indicates that crime, especially consumer fraud and scams, is another factor, which worries many people of retirement age. The author suggests that a living will can state a person's wishes on sustaining life support or medical care if his or her health should fail.

From the Paper:

"The average retired couple spends 35% of their income on housing, 25% on food, 9% on medical expenses, 9% on transportation, and the remaining amount on clothing, personal care, and other expenses such as gifts. To become better prepared for the future, people should start saving for retirement early and often. People also need to consider factors such as increased health costs, increased life expectancy, and keeping a tight budget, so they can have a comfortable retirement. To decrease future costs and ultimately save money, retirees should consolidate bills and look for discounts on things such as insurance when available."

Sample of Sources Used:

Atchley, R.C. (1987). Aging: continuity and change. Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing.
Gamble, E. (1991). Knowledge, behavior, and attitudes of elderly persons regarding living wills. Internal Medicine, 151(2), 278-284.
Jones, W. (1979). Psychological aspects of retirement. Journal of Occupational Medicine, 9(3), 89-91.United States Department of Commerce. http://www.commerce.gov. Retrieved April 24, 2008.
United States Social Security Administration. http://www.ssa.gov/. Retrieved April 24, 2008.
Vandeweerd, C. (1996) Crime and elder abuse. Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 17(3), 75-77.