SEPTEMBER is celebrated as Senior Citizens’ Month, and last week it was most gratifying to interview several retirees who are quite satisfied with their current lifestyle.

Among them was a septuagenarian. He brags about his success as an investor, doing so for over 40 years and contributed to a retirement scheme throughout his working life. A very fascinating and engaging character; he is not through with investing and generational wealth is his current goal.

Financial freedom means a lot to him and he has become a savvy investor who has achieved significant success in the global financial markets. He now seeks to expand investments in the local stock market in his homeland of Jamaica. I regard him as a “lifetime investor”. This term describes investors who take a long-term view of investments, understand financial cycles, and remain patient and calm during times of market volatility and economic uncertainty. Lifetime investors have control over their emotions. Renowned investor and billionaire Warren Buffet said, “The most important quality an investor should have is temperament and not intellect”. He started investing at age 11 and today is the 7th richest man in the world at 94 years old. He kept his eye on the future regardless of the happenings in the present and not deterred by market fluctuations. A lifetime investor rides the unpredictable waves of investing without abandoning their investment philosophy. Every investment decision takes into consideration personal goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance.

I was impressed by the decisions made by a retired couple re-entering the workplace under the employ of their previous employers. They work within different companies and industries, while receiving their monthly pensions. Investment is more important to them now. No longer are they saving for their children’s education. Building their emergency fund is paramount. They are enjoying financial freedom while doing what they love. Being in good health is necessary at this stage of their lives as they continue to build for the future. They remain robust and energetic. Their employers continue to benefit from their expertise as they play a pivotal role in training and building the morale of the workforce.

I was intrigued by the encounter I had with a former civil servant. He decided to “unretire” and currently enjoys working both full-time and part-time jobs. Volunteerism is important to him. He finds the time to volunteer his service to the civil service. According to him, there are just not enough workers in the hospitals to provide the quality service that patients need.

He treasures his health and fitness, knowing that as long as he remains healthy he will be able to contribute more, earn, and invest more while making time for relaxation. Being aware that he may have a long life, investing has become increasingly important to him. He has therefore taken the necessary steps to invest for his short-term and long-term needs. This retiree recognised that his skill sets, experience, and training are in demand, and earns a handsome monthly income. He is, however, dissatisfied that after working for 20 years in the health sector his monthly pension is a measly $20,000 per month. His NIS pension benefit is $27,000 per month. The opportunity to work and provide meaningful income is very gratifying for this senior. He seeks to make regular contributions to his investments for as long as possible. It’s admirable how he manages his time. He works five days per week and only three days full-time. The retirement landscape is certainly changing.

During the working years many people treated their family and careers as their main priorities and retirement is the time that they seek to enjoy their lives and the freedom it brings. Retirees are viewing retirement with new lens. It’s a time for new hobbies, volunteerism, travel and adventure. Retirement for many brings new opportunities for reinvention and redirection.

Grace G McLean is a financial advisor and retirement specialist at BPM Financial Limited. Contact her at gmclean@bpmfinancial or visit the website: www.bpmfinancial.com. She is also a podcaster for Living Above Self. E-mail her at livingaboveself@gmail.com.