Prior Planning Called Crucial For Retirement

When it comes time to consider taking retirement, don’t leap too soon, cautions Spokane broadcaster Bob Briley, an Inland Northwest television news institution.

In retirement, the same as in carpentry, counsels the former long-time anchorman, the preferred approach is: “Measure twice, cut once.”

Overly hasty decisions to quit work can leave one at loose ends, unable to cope with the life transitions that retirement entails. Such was the advice offered by Briley and other speakers during a series of workshops for employees of Cowles Publishing Co.

Specialists from the community, including a doctor, a lawyer, a family counselor, an investments adviser, and an authority on Social Security, addressed a wide range of issues. They emphasized the importance of planning ahead to fill 40 extra hours of free time a week with positive and rewarding things to do.

“All the experts will tell you that intellectual and physical exertion keep you younger,” observed Briley.

Speaker after speaker warned anyone who is approaching retirement without being organizationally and emotionally prepared that they may find the experience debilitating. Some retirees go down hill fast.

Some wind up going back to work, either to fill an inner need, or to supplement their retirement income.

Whatever the reasons, said Briley, “I would encourage all of you men to get out of the house and give your wife a break. That may be one reason I work.”

The television pioneer, celebrating 50 years in broadcast journalism, these days hosts a senior affairs program. He plans to continue working as long as he can.

“I’ve been tempted,” said Briley, “to go out and learn welding - it’s a handy thing to know. You, on the other hand, might take up watercoloring or oil painting.”

Vicki Watson of Greentree Behavioral Health, which offers a counseling program for Cowles employees, quoted this bit of philosophy entitled “Lessons From Geese”:

“As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird that follows. By flying in a ‘V’ formation, the whole flock adds 71 percent more flying range than if each bird flew alone.

“When a goose gets sick or wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow their fellow member down to help provide protection. They stay with this member of the flock until he or she is able to fly again, or dies. Then they launch out on their own, find another flock, or catch up with their own flock.”

(Source: the Milton Olson Internet Web Page “Outward Bound.” http:/ /outwardbound.org./ngeese.htm)

Said counselor Watson: “For most of our lives, we have been flying in formation - in school, in our families, in our careers.

“Part of retirement is establishing a new flight plan. A new direction.

“The change will be less difficult for those of us who are here tonight, than for those who are not.”

Watson said she personally thinks the best thing retirement has to offer is the freedom to do as you please.

“There are advantages to flying in a flock,” she said, “but there are disadvantages, too. You’ve got to go where the flock goes - and look at all those behinds.”

Don’t let anyone tell you there’s something you can’t do because of age, she said. “Do what you want to do,” she counseled. “But use a little caution.

“Go ahead and roller blade. But don’t start out your first time at the top of Sunset Hill.”

Dr. Eric Paulson discussed the ins and outs of choosing a physician, and picking an HMO. Good basic research and open communication are musts.

One excellent yardstick for measuring whether you made the right choice or not, he said, is that, “No good physician ever resists a second opinion.”

The doctor doesn’t trust miracle cures.

Don’t get ripped off on “health foods,” he advised.

Do value physical exercise and physical therapists.

Challenge your heart and lungs at least three or four times a week. Take 1,500 milligrams of calcium a day. And drink six to eight glasses of water.

, DataTimes MEMO: Associate Editor Frank Bartel writes on retirement issues each Sunday. He can be reached with ideas for future columns at 459-5467 or fax 459-5482.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Frank Bartel The Spokesman-Review