Bernita Clark’s Unique Retirement Project
At 82, Bernita Clark is hard at work on her sewing machine, deftly guiding the needle as she tackles a creative task. Surrounding her are scissors, measuring tape, thread, and a rather large skeleton.
This isn’t just any skeleton; it’s a 12-foot tall figure that Bernita is crafting a costume for. As her project has caught the attention of the town, she finds joy in the labor, which she describes as one of the most gratifying aspects of her retirement.
Looking back, Clark, now in her 80s, never imagined she’d retire easily. After a divorce at 40, she struggled to provide for her two daughters and had no plans for retirement. At 46, she declared, “I aimed to find a job that offered a solid retirement package. I put away as much as I could.”
She returned to school and landed a job as a computer systems analyst for a railroad company, which came with a defined benefit pension, a rarity in today’s job market. However, after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure, she retired at 64 and turned her attention to traveling to national parks, painting, and making costumes. She also took on part-time work, helped train railway dispatchers, and even worked on university fronts. Today, she’s busy coordinating neighborhood meetups while keeping an active social calendar.
“Financially, I’m not wealthy, but I’m not poor either,” she shared. “I own my home without a mortgage and have more disposable income now than ever. Best of all, I’m debt-free.”
In recent months, many older Americans have expressed uncertainty about how to make the most of their retirement years. Some new retirees admit they’re unsure how to fill their time, while others contemplate returning to the workforce. To gather wisdom, Business Insider spoke with several retirees who have been navigating this stage of life for over 15 years, aiming to uncover common threads that enhance long-term retirement satisfaction.
While not every experience has been smooth, retirees agreed on a few essential aspects: maintaining strong social connections, keeping physically active, pursuing side gigs, and staying positive amid life’s unpredictability.
“I stayed on top of things.”
Some long-term retirees, like 83-year-old Leslie Giles, still engage in work to supplement their retirement finances. After retiring as a statistician in 2001, he and his wife traveled and spent time in national parks. He found fulfillment volunteering in a school library until his wife’s health declined due to Alzheimer’s. After she passed in 2020, Giles sought purpose by working as a security guard, sometimes putting in strenuous 10-hour shifts.
Meanwhile, 78-year-old Donald Kimmel took a different path. He retired at 62 from his career in osteoporosis research but carried on as a freelance consultant for several years. He’s able to contribute to the field while enjoying the freedom that retirement brings. “The moment I became a free agent, companies were eager for my expertise,” Kimmel noted.
“It’s never finished until it’s finished.”
Most retirees recognize that the golden years of retirement can come with challenges. Richard Adelman, who retired early at 52 after a career in accounting, initially envisioned sharing this time with his wife. However, her sudden passing at 55 turned his plans upside down. He later returned to work, developing affordable housing and helping at a treatment center for youth.
Adelman has faced numerous challenges, including health issues over the years. Still, he remains committed to staying engaged mentally and physically. “It’s never over until it’s really over,” he said.
For 82-year-old Elayne Schulman, the journey has had its ups and downs too. She retired at 62 after a successful career in educational software at IBM, but her husband’s health took a drastic turn, leading to a stroke and terminal diagnosis. While facing these hardships, Schulman emphasizes the importance of cherishing small moments with family and staying resilient. “I hope things improve, but who knows?” she reflected. “It’s been a long haul.”
Stay healthy even amidst health challenges
Rich Colorado, 87, emphasizes the importance of staying active in retirement. Once the youngest in his senior bowling league, he now finds himself among the older participants. Born in El Salvador, he balanced two lengthy careers before retiring on his 65th birthday, despite not having a comprehensive savings plan.
Colorado stays sharp by bowling three times a week, teaching chess, and taking guitar lessons. He believes maintaining a routine and healthy diet has kept him physically fit for his age.
Bill Wengel, 84, similarly values his health. He retired from General Motors over two decades ago, and while he initially enjoyed life at a lake house, health complications led to an unexpected move closer to family. Despite challenges, Wengel continues to impress with his spirit, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and focusing on improving his mobility through exercise. “We still do almost everything we want,” he said.
