Enjoy Music in Retirement

Music is one of life’s greatest pleasures.  Listening to music in retirement can transform us instantly and it’s something many retirees don’t take advantage of.  You can enjoy music in retirement in many different ways. I definitely don't listen to music as much as I would like to. When I remember to put something on, I enjoy it immensely. When I was in high school, I played music all the time, much to my parents’ dismay.  I have absolutely no musical talent and my tastes in music were very different from my friends and family.  I was a devout fan of Johnny Cash from the age of eight and when he reached his peak I was graduating high school.  Throughout that ten-year period practically no one knew who he was.  Country music was not big on Long Island.  That started to change and part of that transformation took place because of Johnny Cash.  He still holds a special place in my heart but so does a lot of the music from my youth.

When we reach retirement age, we have a lifetime of songs that were popular at different periods in our life.  Music can take us back to that time in an instant.  Listening to music in retirement is a way to re-capture a certain period of time.  I was part of the Baby Boomer generation, and the music of the sixties reflected what was going on at that time.  It was a turbulent period but there seemed to be a message of hope in much of that music.  I had friends who went to Woodstock, and they still talk about the experience.  While I would rather have gone to Nashville at that time and listen to Mr. Cash, I can still identify with those songs, and it takes me back to my high school days.

You can enjoy music in retirement in many different ways.

Many of our friends organize parties based on those times.  Music in retirement takes on a completely different meaning than it did when we first heard these artists.  Songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind” can become especially poignant during the troubles we see today.  It can help you recall memories that seem to bubble up when you hear a song you had completely forgotten about.  Take a look at the Billboard Top 100 Charts from the years of your youth and, if you’re like me, you start smiling at the different songs that dominated the airwaves.  It’s a great exercise to do because it can help you recall people from your past that you lost touch with.  Do it while you flip through your high school yearbook and you’ll really start to stir some memories.

While many people find pleasure from music in retirement, many use it as a challenge to learn something new.  Did you ever envision yourself as a rock star?  It’s never too late to learn to play an instrument and even become a member of a local band.  At least three of our friends do exactly that and they are enjoying every minute of it.  One of them is part of an Irish Music Band that is completely booked for the month of March.  His great pleasure in life is to go to Ireland two or three times a year to become part of the local crowd in his favorite Pub.  It’s even better when he gets invited onstage to play a set or two.  He has found great joy from music in retirement.

Music has been part of our daughter’s life since she was four.  She has appeared in many local productions and the write-ups she has received have been amazing.  I know I may be a little biased, but she has more talent than some of the people we’ve seen on Broadway.  If you don’t believe me, check out her website to see some of the excellent work she has done on stage.  Her Morticia from Addams Family is quite good.  I’m the first to say she gets all of her good qualities from her mother!  Tracy has made music a very big part of her life and is a self-employed music teacher who loves what she does.

Many people have found ways to enjoy music in retirement.  Attending concerts or even being a member of a choir or orchestra can be a way to learn something new or sharpen the skills you already have and bring some pleasure into this world.  We are always amazed at the level of talent that is out there and whether it’s acting or music, we always try to frequent a local production when we travel.  We’ve expanded our horizons by attending Shakespeare in Staunton, Virginia and had such an enjoyable evening that we’re scheduling a repeat visit.  I’m sure if you look around where you live, you’ll find some local talent to enjoy.  There is something that’s very enjoyable about an evening at the theater.  After all, it was Mr. Lincoln’s favorite way to escape the pressures of the White House.  You can find great pleasure through the arts either as a participant or an attendee.  We greatly appreciate all art forms, and we enjoy comedy, poetry, drama and music in retirement whenever we can.  Go out and support the arts and bring some joy into your life.  It’s time to Enjoy Retired Life!

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