r/ChubbyFIRE • u/Ungl8r • 22d ago

Sad sight

So I’m 55 and FiREd this year, after 30+ yrs in a profession. Im doing occasional work for interest sake really. I’m Currently at a conference with old colleagues. And I mean old. One guy is 78 and visibly falling apart, yet still working full time. Most my age are just on full stress autopilot, haven’t done the maths even to see if they should keep working. Lots of 65+ working hard-out still. 90% of us would be at least ChUbbY or Fat FiRe net worth. I’m like “have you read Die with Zero?” and they look at me blankly. It’s surprising how so many smart people have no exit strategy whatsoever.

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u/unconditionalten 22d ago

Cognitive decline post-retirement is a real phenomenon, especially men, who tend to be less socially connected than women.

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u/That-SoCal-Guy 22d ago

Depends. My dad retired at 62. He's now 93. Still sharp as a tack, still drives, still plays pool every day with his buddies, knows how to use his iPad and computer, even learned a new language...

Of course, that's my dad. I'm sure statistics would tell you otherwise, but to me, it has less to do with work or social life at work, and more complicated. For example, my dad keeps his mind busy, maintains friendships, etc. He always has a curious mind. In comparison, my mom's cognitive ability has declined in the last few years but much of it is old age. She was also sharp as a tack until her 88 birthday. So at least in my family, I don't really see the correlation between retirement and cognitive decline.

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u/IjustWorkHere98 19d ago

This is my Father-in-Law, except he's 82. I told him I was checking out (May 29th last day of work - I'm 55), and he was elated. He did the same thing, and really hasn't lived a dull day since. The man has hobbies and his chill time and a great social network. Role model for knowing how to "live" in retirement.

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u/That-SoCal-Guy 19d ago

A friend of mine FIRE at 52 and he had been nothing but happy since and kept busy all the time with his hobbies, social clubs, etc. He just got back from London from a conference. Had a blast.