Opening the door to retirement can feel a lot like opening the door on your first day of school. You wonder how your day will look, who you’ll meet, and if the snacks are any good. These days you probably have more snack time options, but retirement can still hold a wide-eyed mystique. So, we met three retirees through Leadership Louisville Center’s Encore program, who revealed their retirement secrets that have led to a renewed sense of purpose.
Here is one to tell his story…
Kevin Wardell had retirement goals. At 65 years old, Kevin retired from his career as a healthcare executive with a vision to guide him. “I had some lessons from grandparents and my parents who stayed busy during their retirement,” Kevin says. His goal of staying active has helped him move easily into this life phase and he says, “I have something on my calendar every day.”
Kevin’s calendar lists activities such as volunteering with organizations like the Encore program, Rotary Club, and Hosparus Health. Giving back to the community is a belief that his family passed down through the generations. “I was taught by my grandfather and father to become involved in organizations that you think make a difference,” Kevin says. Upholding this outlook keeps Kevin inspired and engaged as he collaborates with friends past and present in the community.
…Become involved in organizations that you think make a difference.”
– Kevin Wardell
One retirement goal that stays on the top of his list is creating time for family. “Having grandchildren around is a big deal and that’s a big part of my life right now,” says Kevin. There are three grandkids all under the age of 9 in Kevin’s life, and two live locally. Kevin sees all his grandkids as much as possible, “Those are times I really look forward to,” he says. Kevin and his wife also sneak in some travel time, but Kevin advises not waiting until you retire to begin your travel adventures.
By Tonilyn Hornung | Photos by Erika Doll
P.S. Read more on having a plan with a purpose in retirement. Chris is finding great reasons to get up in the morning, our Publisher, Cathy Zion, is in her great transition from full-time work, and Ginger Wallace moving and adapting skills in her retirement.
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