Milestones in Life... in your 50s

Congratulations on hitting half-century! There are still so many wonderful things to do in your 50s. This decade of your life is special and worthwhile.

Fifty & Fantastic!

Making it to the fifth decade of your life calls for celebration! You’ve lived your 20s, 30s, and 40s. You have witnessed several events in your life, some spectacular and some mundane. Some of you might have had life-changing experiences like raising a family, owning a business, or having a fulfilling career. And others might have had some unpleasant experiences like losing a parent, getting laid-off, being diagnosed with a serious health condition etc. What matters is, you’ve come so far. You have persevered.

Early retirement may be an option for some, but isn’t for everyone. You need at least one million dollars to retire.

Raising a family calls for applause as parents everywhere will tell you that it’s never easy. Staying at a job long-term establishes your credibility and loyalty as a professional. Working at your trade solidifies the fact that you’re a hardworking individual. There are 50-somethings that manage to retire during this decade and that’s wonderful. Others might have a few more years of elbow grease ahead. As someone in your 50s, you might have your own list of goals you want to accomplish. We came up with a few humble suggestions of our own that can help make this a fantastic decade. They are as follows:

1. Financial security:

Words can’t begin to describe how essential financial security is, especially in this decade and beyond. Having a sustainable income is vital and so is having a retirement account. You need to save up at least $1 million to be able to afford to retire. Stick to a budget and keep an eye on expenses and bills.

2. Career accomplishments:

There is no age limit to what you can achieve in a corporate career or business. If you’ve been in your job for a while, this could be a great time to try to get a promotion or a raise. Some employers prefer internal promotions rather than hiring someone entirely new. It is never too late to get a certification that might help improve your career trajectory. We encourage you to pursue career ambitions with just as much passion as you did in your younger years.

3. Routine health checkups:

Your health is one of the most important things in life. It is advised to see your doctor and get screened for anything that you might be at-risk for. Getting screened for diabetes, colon cancer and prostate cancer is also recommended. Taking care of yourself doesn’t just mean improving your physical health. Mental health is also important. Maintaining a good work/life balance during this period of life is essential.

4. Aging gracefully:

A lot of us struggle with the fact that we all inevitably grow old. Our appearances change and it might be a struggle for some. The important thing is to accept that aging is only natural. What truly matters is the kind of person we are and how we treat others. Looks fade but nobody can take away your values and your accomplishments.

5. Making upgrades:

This isn’t mandatory by any means. Some people in their 50s often discover that they have more money than they did in the past. If that is the case, you could get a few upgrades here and there. A helper to help out in household chores, a renovated bathroom, a better lawnmower etc. are all examples of upgrades. As long as it is in your budget, getting a few upgrades is a fun way to improve your world. We are there for you.

6. Mental stimulation:

Regardless of what line of work you’re in, it is important to get some mental stimulation in your 50s. With the kids being out of the house, or at least, being more self-reliant than they were when they were younger, you might have more free time. There’s a lot of things to do in your 50s. But having hobbies like reading, crossword puzzles, sudoku, learning a new language etc. are all mentally stimulating activities. These hobbies help keep your mind active and agile and helps reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of Dementia in later life.

7. Preparing for the golden years:

You might already be retired or planning to retire in the next few years. The big question is, what do you plan to do with all your free time? If you plan to retire in a different country, you might want to check up on the logistics. Also, you need to find things to do that are worth your time. Some people cherish spending more time with their families and loved ones. It is smart to have a plan laid out for your post-retirement life.

What’s on your personal list of things to do in your 50s?

You might have a whole different list of milestones you aim to achieve in your 50s. We are unique individuals with unique lives. It is expected to have a few goals in mind that don’t apply to the next person. Our list is just a compilation of healthy suggestions that are designed to improve your life at present and in.

Always there for you, Gem.