Issue 27: The Retirement Buzz

As September begins, we honor the labor, legacy, and leadership of retirees across the country.

This week celebrates both where you’ve been—and the freedom to decide where you’ll go next. Whether through service, rest, or rediscovery, this is your time to step forward with purpose.

🧩 RIDDLE OF THE WEEK

What gets sharper the more you use it, but never cuts?

🇺🇸 September 1 – Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Day

Founded in 1899, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is the oldest U.S. war veterans’ organization. With over 1.5 million members, the VFW provides critical advocacy, community support, and camaraderie for combat veterans.

From securing VA benefits to organizing local service projects, the VFW is a living legacy of honor and resilience.

“You may not wear the uniform anymore—but your service still serves,” said VFW Post Commander Harold D., 81, a Korean War vet.

👉 Visit your local VFW post, attend an event, or write a thank-you card to a veteran in your community. You can find your nearest post at vfw.org/find-a-post

🛠️ September 2 – Labor Day (Federal Holiday)

Labor Day is more than a long weekend—it’s a national salute to the builders, thinkers, and workers who keep America moving forward.

Whether you worked a trade, served in education, wore a badge, or ran a business—your labor made life better for your family, your community, and generations to come.

“I built homes. But really, I built a life,” said Jack P., 78, a retired carpenter and grandfather of six.

👉 Take 5 minutes this weekend to jot down: “One thing I’m proud of from my working years.” Write it. Remember it. Share it.

Rest: The Retirement Routine That’s Too Often Skipped

A 2025 report from the CDC’s Healthy Aging Program revealed that over 60% of retirees don’t get the recommended 7–9 hours of sleep per night, or fail to build daily routines that prioritize true rest.

Poor rest is linked to:

• Increased inflammation

• Mood swings and memory loss

• Weakened immune system

Why? Many retirees don’t change their sleep patterns after leaving the workforce, leading to late nights, inconsistent routines, and overuse of caffeine or screens.

👉 This Week’s Health Habit:

• Cut caffeine after 2 p.m.

• Try a consistent sleep/wake schedule

• Make your bedroom a screen-free zone

“Rest isn’t laziness,” said Dr. Marla Hines, a geriatric sleep expert. “It’s part of the freedom you earned—use it well.”

Retired Women Are Now the Fastest Growing Group of Angel Investors

According to T. Rowe Price’s 2025 Retirement Wellness Study, retirees who create “joy-based budgets”—allocating money for travel, hobbies, or family gatherings—report 37% higher life satisfaction than those who only focus on covering basic expenses.

The goal? Use your money to live a story worth telling—not just to pay bills.

“I save $30 a month for my ‘fun jar,’” said Helen M., 70. “Last month, I took my granddaughter to a pottery class. That memory? Priceless.”

👉 Try This:

1. List 3 joy-giving activities.

2. Set a monthly micro-budget for each.

3. Spend without guilt—this is your reward.

😂 JOKE OF THE WEEK

Why did the retiree bring a ladder to the Labor Day picnic?

Because they were ready to raise the roof! 🪜🎉

Friendships After 60: Your Social Net Is Your Safety Net

New research from UCLA’s Longevity Center shows that retirees with 2+ close social connections are:

• Less likely to experience depression

• Better at memory retention

• More likely to recover quickly from illness

And yet, too many retirees report feeling socially isolated, especially post-pandemic.

“One call a week changed everything,” said Bernice, 74. “I started calling an old friend every Tuesday. We laugh. We cry. We remember who we are.”

👉  Call or meet with one friend this week. Bonus points if you reconnect with someone you’ve lost touch with.

Porch Projects Take Off as Creative Outlet for Retirees

Call it back-to-basics, or just plain therapeutic—“porch projects” are sweeping retirement communities and neighborhoods this fall.

Think:

• Hand-painting birdhouses

• Mosaic tile art

• Simple woodworking or sign painting

Why the buzz? Outdoor creativity combines fresh air, hand movement, and peace of mind—without needing fancy tools or big budgets.

“I painted a wooden sign that just says ‘Breathe,’” said Dennis, 68. “It was for me. But now my neighbor wants one.”

👉 Pick one small hands-on project this week. You don’t need to be “artistic”—just open.

Letting Go to Lighten Up

A 2025 survey by the Spiritual Wellness Institute found that 58% of retirees report feeling “emotionally lighter” after intentionally letting go of:

• Old grudges

• Unused items

• Unmet expectations

Letting go is less about losing and more about making room—for peace, presence, and possibility.

“I forgave someone who never apologized,” said Elaine, 68, “Turns out, it was for me.”

👉 Let go of one object, expectation, or emotional burden. Write it down, release it, and move forward—lighter.

🧩 RIDDLE ANSWER

Answer: Your mind.

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