Coping With Declining Energy and Resilience In Retirement

When I envision my retirement it’s mainly characterised by movement, mostly cycling and walking.  I’ve written my retirement planning series during a wonderful pain free month so that’s perhaps no surprise.  Right now I’m in a flare and so it’s a good time to write this post.  What am I going to do with my life if it turns out that I don’t have the energy and physical resilience for all that exercise.  I need a contingency plan.  Luckily I think technology, price deflation and creativity will deliver that plan for me over the next few years.  So here goes with that contingency plan:

1. Although electric bikes today are expensive and a bit clunky I think that within 5 years they will be great.  Although I will still have to contribute to the pedalling, most of the hard work on the hills and against the wind can be mitigated by the electrical assistance.  I’m confident that this will be affordable and keep me cycling even through the flares, provided my arms can cope.
2. I love driving, but it’s expensive, it does however provide an alternative to walking.  I can drive through amazing countryside, the wilds of Scotland, Wales, The Lakes.  I can camp to keep my costs down and I can stop for short walks, enjoy the cafes, pubs and views.  I think driving will become affordable in 5 years time as well.  By then we will have seen two more iterations of electric cars and this will have brought the price down considerably, the range should be 200+ miles and chargers should be everywhere.  Electric cars are much simpler and hence cheaper to maintain and the fuel cost is minimal.
3. We have a fantastic range of health clubs within walking distance where I live.  Swimming and gym work are both ideally suited to declining health, allowing resistance to be adjusted to capability.  I will be able to make much more use of them than I need to now.
4. Virtual reality will be mainstream, I will be able to pop on the goggles and be anywhere in the world to enjoy the scenery or visit family.  It’s not quite as good as being there but, as they say, ‘’beggars can’t be choosers”.
5. I love TV and books and pottering around the garden. I’m looking forward to learning new skills and drawing/painting so I should have plenty to do.

I’m writing this post while enjoying a quiet cafe hopping morning, I’m at Caffe Nero right now but will be moving on to the Deckhouse Cafe soon, with it’s amazing beach views including the end of the old pier which is the subject of the photo.  It’s the perfect way to spend a pain dominated day.