| A wonderful Sampler hanging on walls of many | | | | *Make plans to be together to run errands, shop, go |
| retirees implies important advice for the aging. It is | | | | to appointments. This is a particularly supportive way |
| picture of senior citizens in their rocking chairs, he is | | | | to share time and to be helpful to the other. |
| smoking his pipe, she is knitting. The embroidered | | | | *If you do enjoy doing some things together, |
| caption reads: "Retirement, Half as Much Money, | | | | identify what they are and do them. |
| Twice as Much Husband." | | | | *Make dates. Choose times to go out together, alone |
| Retirees often complain that the worst part of | | | | or with friends. Make such occasions special. |
| retirement is having so much time with your spouse. | | | | *Identify projects you can do together. |
| Previous experience had allowed for separation, time | | | | *Be sure to include time to keep up with what each |
| apart, independent experiences. Retirement, for | | | | other is doing. Show interest in each other's activities. |
| some, seems to change all that. Many couples in | | | | *If one spouse is continuing to work, even part time, |
| retirement communities don't see each other all day. | | | | show support for that choice. |
| They find individual distractions that offer them time | | | | *Keep in touch during the day. Cell phones are helpful |
| apart. | | | | to be sure all is well with the other. Don't be a pest. |
| The secret to Martial Harmony surrounds a variety of | | | | Just check in. |
| choices and intentional decisions. If one or another of | | | | *Don't forget to express affection frequently. |
| the partnership becomes co-dependent on the other | | | | Growing out of that practice will spoil a good thing. |
| too soon in retirement, the relationship will likely | | | | *Identify things you like to do together. Do them, |
| undergo some serious tension. | | | | but don't exclude your own times and needs to be |
| Look at these suggestions: | | | | with others. |
| *Choose intentional times to be together. Perhaps, | | | | Allow yourself some quiet time, together. Harmony |
| you enjoy breakfast and maybe a walk together | | | | for senior citizens does not mean being in each |
| each morning. During this time, share your plans for | | | | other's face 24/7. It does mean identifying authentic |
| the day. Indicate when you will be back together. | | | | ways to share life in retirement. |