Turning 65

Yesterday was my 65th birthday. My twin sister’s too.

I wouldn’t write about if there wasn’t something thought provoking behind it. But I guess turning 65 itself can be a birthday to contemplate!

My mother died the day before her 65th birthday. She had brain cancer and I’ve written all about it on my family blog. I recall my dad having to mail back her first social security check. Yes, and that still happens. Unless your family buries you in the back yard. But I digress….

My dad turned 65 two years after that in 1989 where there was probably no fancy schedule for collecting social security. Back then it was 65 – time to collect! He put in his retirement notice at work and on June 5th, he walked into the social security office (back then you could do that too, just walk in and talk with someone!) and filed his papers to collect. There was no financial advisor, no planning, just faith that his social security and a tiny pension from his job, and making picture frames, would let him play golf and travel. It worked out pretty good for him and he eked it out with additional income from the VA as a disabled vet (not from wartime) after health issues until he died at 85.

As for me, full Social Security is not in my near future. I have to wait for 67 and 8? 9? 10 months to collect my “full” amount and since I’m still working in our remodeling company, I’ll keep getting a paycheck from there. I could wait until 70 when I would receive “more” but this will give me incentive to find a replacement for me in the office!

My Medicare started on April 1st so I’ve come off our company policy, but I’ll have them pay my premiums until I go on Social Security when it gets automatically deducted. I bet you never thought you’d learn so much about Medicare and Social Security in one post. I find it a little complicated and feel sorry for people who are trying to navigate it without guidance.

Turning 65 feels odd because I is a “big” number and I don’t feel 65, but I’m looking forward to telling the checker at our Thursday night dinner pickup that the Senior discount now applies to me too!

I think I’ve said this before, but my birthday generates more feelings of a new beginning that the first of the year does. I made some resolutions this year (now, where and what are they?!), so I’m going to find them and assess how I’m doing. As for what my hopes are for this year of 65, I’m working towards better health, more adventures, and expanded mental and spiritual health.