118: Navigating Retirement Phases

Part 1 of the 3-Part Series Transitions 

Come discuss with co-hosts Bruce and Jim the transitions retirees face, highlighting the three phases of retirement: active, mentoring, and reflective. Bruce explains that the active phase (ages 65 to late 70s) involves fulfilling bucket lists and to-do lists. The mentoring phase (late 70s to mid-80s) focuses on sharing life experiences and guidance. Finally, the reflective phase (mid-80s onward) emphasizes reflecting on and sharing wisdom with future generations. 

Joel Penton, CEO of LifeWise Academy, joins to share how retirees can make a significant impact by helping provide Bible education to public school students during school hours. He encourages listeners to support LifeWise by signing petitions, joining steering committees, teaching, chaperoning, or donating. Find out how you can get involved!  

Bruce concludes by urging retirees to embrace the reflective phase early, finding fulfillment in their relationship with God and sharing their faith journey. He emphasizes the importance of mentoring and supporting not only younger generations but also peers and even parents. Give Ecclesiastes a read for some much needed perspective! 

www.RetirementReformation.org 

MID-SEGMENT GUESTS: Joel Penton

Ministry: LifeWise Academy

117: Let’s Reflect

Part 3 of the 3-Part Series Evaluating Your Retirement 

In part 2 of this series, hosts Jim and Bruce discussed 9 evaluative questions that all believers 55+ need to be asking themselves on a regular basis. This episode introduces the 9 reflective questions that accompany your evaluation. While your evaluation tells you where you’re at currently, your reflection will help you determine where you need to go. 

Here’s a hint about all the questions: they’re based specifically on walking out the fruit of the Spirit. Incidentally, that’s the name of Bruce’s newest book – Walking in the Fruit of the Spirit: In Every Age and Life Stage. You can rest easy knowing there’s a strong, biblical approach to making sure your retirement is as fulfilling as possible. As mentioned in part 2, reach out to contactus@retirementreformation.org to request a PDF copy of these evaluative and reflective questions.  

In the second segment you’ll find a special treat, hearing from Scott Couchenour once again. This time he shares the 6 key areas that need to be addressed for your “Fourth Quarter Strategic Plan.” It’s a short but impactful interview! 

www.RetirementReformation.org

MID-SEGMENT GUESTS: Scott Couchenour

Ministry: Serving Strong

116: Time for an Evaluation

Part 2 of the 3-Part Series Evaluating Your Retirement

Feeling adrift in retirement? Yearning for purpose beyond the horizon of leisure? This episode of iRetire4Him is your wake-up call! Host Jim Brangenberg joins forces with Bruce Bruinsma, founder of Retirement Reformation, to unveil a path paved with the fruits of the Spirit. Through nine evaluative questions inspired by these fruits, Bruce guides you on a journey of self-reflection and the opportunity to grow closer to God during your fourth quarter. 

The episode also features an impactful segment with Scott who shares about finding renewed purpose through service. His story is a testament to the power of using your golden years to make a difference. Let Jim, Bruce, and Scott be your companions today as you evaluate and reflect on your retirement in this special series. If you’d like a PDF copy of the questions asked in today’s show, email contactus@retirementreformation.org. 

www.RetirementReformation.org

MID-SEGMENT GUESTS: Scott Couchenour

Ministry: Serving Strong

115: Questions Lead to Answers

Part 1 of the 3-Part Series Evaluating Your Retirement 

Learn in this episode the importance of asking questions during retirement. It's not meant to be a time of passivity, but rather a chance to discover your purpose. Host Jim Brangenberg and Retirement Reformation’s Bruce Bruinsma introduce this new series on reflection and evaluation questions – questions that will challenge you to make your retirement years more impactful than ever.  

Bruce shares resources such as events like Retirement Voices and Oxygen for Life, which provide deeper reflection opportunities. If you're interested in bringing these events to your church, visit the Retirement Reformation website at https://retirementreformation.org. You can also find books there that Bruce also recommends in the show. 

The iRetire4Him Podcast was eager to welcome Linda Priaulx, host of the practical podcast Aging in Place Strategies and Answers. She shares her experience working past retirement age and feeling God’s call to start her podcast to serve other retirees. Overall, the episode encourages listeners to be proactive in their retirement by asking questions, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, and considering how they can continue to make a positive impact. 

www.RetirementReformation.org

MID-SEGMENT GUESTS: Linda Priaulx

Ministry: Aging in Place Strategies and Answers

114: Practical Steps to Eliminating Loneliness

Part 3 of the 3-Part Series The RJFFA vs. Loneliness 

This last episode of the series delves into the significant role seniors can play in combating loneliness, emphasizing the importance of being present, flexible, and offering their resources. It highlights specific actions RJFFA (Retired Jesus Following Folks of America) can take. 

Reaching Out to Pastors 

We addressed the unique challenges pastors face, often experiencing isolation due to the demands of their role and potentially feeling disconnected from their congregations. Some practical ideas you can implement: 

• Connect with pastors from different churches. Stepping outside your own church community allows for building new relationships and offering support to those outside your immediate circle. 

• Offer a listening ear. Inviting a pastor for coffee or lunch creates a space for genuine connection and understanding his or her specific struggles without judgment. 

• Provide practical help. For pastors with young families, offering childcare or assistance with errands can significantly alleviate their burden. Or if you’re handy, volunteer to fix something for them or put your skills to use. 

Combating Loneliness Among Peers  

Stay connected with fellow retirees, particularly those who might be struggling due to limited mobility or social isolation. Some of the show suggestions: 

• Regularly visit or call friends and acquaintances. Maintaining contact helps combat feelings of loneliness and reminds them they are valued members of the community. 

• Actively listen and identify needs. Asking how you can best support your peers allows for tailored assistance, whether it's running errands, providing companionship, or simply being a listening ear. 

• Offer practical assistance. Transportation, household chores, or other tasks that have become challenging can significantly improve their quality of life. 

Lending Support to Businessmen and women 

As they can suffer from loneliness too, retirees can come alongside businesspeople, both current and retired, to support them and protect them from succumbing to loneliness.

• Mentorship. Retired business owners and workers have a great opportunity to pour into younger generations. Your experience is valuable! 

• Relate to them. You’ve both walked through similar circumstances in dealing with the ups and downs of enterprise. Be a listening ear and wealth of wisdom. 

Even small gestures of kindness and connection can have profound impact in reducing loneliness and fostering strong bonds among retirees. Also hear from CEO of Life Action, Donny Vanker. Check out Life Action for all sorts of help and resources to encourage and love on your pastors, business leaders, and other retirees in your life!

www.RetirementReformation.org

MID-SEGMENT GUESTS: Donny Vanker

Ministry: Life Action

113: Combating Your Pastor’s Loneliness

Part 2 of the 3-Part Series The RJFFA vs. Loneliness 

This episode places a special focus on loneliness among pastors and how retirees can offer support. Jim Brangenberg and Bruce Bruinsma discuss the importance of finding meaning and purpose in retirement, particularly through helping others. They connect with Ed Villalba from Life Action, a ministry that encourages pastors. 

The majority of pastors face isolation and the inability to share their struggles openly. Church seniors are valuable resources who can offer practical help (like babysitting or fixing things around the house), sometimes financial support, or simply ask “how can I be praying for you?” 

Expressing appreciation and offering encouragement to pastors can make a big difference, too. Retirees have a lot to give, like contributing skills and experience by actively serving in the church. By working together, the RJFFA (Retired Jesus-Following Folks of America) can make a significant impact on reducing loneliness among pastors and fostering a thriving church community. Listen for practical ideas that you can start putting into action right away!

www.RetirementReformation.org

MID-SEGMENT GUESTS: Ed Villalba

Ministry: Life Action

112: Reassigned, not Retired

Part 1 of the 3-Part Series The RJFFA vs. Loneliness 

This iRetire4Him episode looks at the epidemic of loneliness in retirees, pastors, and business leaders. It highlights how the Retired Jesus-Following Folks of America (RJFFA), with their wealth of experience, can come to the rescue and address this widespread issue. 

Loneliness can be a serious health concern according to a recent report from the U.S. Surgeon General. Seniors especially struggle with shrinking social circles and negative societal views on aging. Pastors and business leaders also experience loneliness due to difficulties finding trusted confidantes. The show argues that retirees hold the solution. With more time and wisdom, they can connect with lonely individuals across these groups.  

Hear from Bruce Bruinsma, founder of Retirement Reformation, which helps retirees find purpose, and Phil Burks, a retired entrepreneur who now mentors younger generations. Listeners are encouraged to explore the full episode and Retirement Reformation's resources to learn how to combat loneliness and find fulfillment in their later years.

www.RetirementReformation.org

MID-SEGMENT GUESTS: Phil Burks

Ministry: Genesis World

111: Live the Fruitful Life

Part 3 of the 3-Part Series Why Old People are Grumpy 

This episode of the iRetire4Him Podcast wraps up the “grumpy” series by going over a few more reasons retirees might be grumpy. As Bruce always notes, we must be aware of these issues to prepare for and combat them. Some challenges that make us grumpy? It could be transitioning to different living accommodations due to aging, frustrations with technology, and even disputes over church music preferences.  

Sheila Arrington, the second segment guest, shares her journey of finding purpose and ministry in retirement, emphasizing that age is not a barrier to fulfilling God's call. The conversation highlights the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and finding new avenues for service and contribution, even in retirement. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that come with aging, the message is clear: as Christians, there's no room for grumpiness. Instead, retirees are encouraged to embrace the fruitful life offered by Jesus, living out the fruit of the Spirit to overcome grumpiness.  

You’re invited to connect with resources like Bruce's new book, Living the Fruitful Life, and Sheila Arrington Ministries for support and guidance in navigating the retirement journey with faith and purpose.  

www.RetirementReformation.org

MID-SEGMENT GUESTS: Sheila Arrington

Ministry: SheilaArringtonMinistries.com

110: Surprises Bring Grumpiness

Part 2 of the 3-Part Series Why Old People are Grumpy 

The last episode explored how declining health might make seniors grumpy, especially since it’s a life change that nobody signs up for. This second episode in our “grumpy series” highlights how simple things like less sleep and side effects of medications can seriously affect our moods. How do we combat normal reactions to these common issues?  

Bruce Bruinsma, founder of the Retirement Reformation, has the solution and has presented it in his new book Living the Fruitful Life. Producing spiritual fruit helps retirees to be proactive in their daily attitude when facing the problems aging might bring. Leaning into the Holy Spirit is key! Keep listening to hear more advice about Bruce’s book. 

And along with this spiritual advice, Brad Watt joins to share some practical guidance on making the most of your assets. He and his company help seniors to walk through something called 1031 DST investment strategies, which essentially can set you up with a passive income stream using an asset you already own but don’t use (like property). If this is something you might be interested in, contact Brad for more information. 

www.RetirementReformation.org

MID-SEGMENT GUESTS: Brad Watt

Ministry: Petra Capital Properties

109: Why are Old People Grumpy?

Part 1 of the 3-Part Series Why Old People are Grumpy 

In episode 109 of the iRetire4Him Podcast, Jim and Bruce explore the seemingly simple question - “why are old people grumpy?” As you’ll hear in the show, grumpiness in retirees can be attributed to all sorts of things, including resistance to change, aches and pains, and the occasional memory slip. Bruce comically shares his own back pain ailments, turning him into a less-than-enthusiastic retiree.  

The middle segment features a lively chat with Jennifer Mann, who shares her unexpected journey from finance to starting seminary (at age 58!), finding newfound purpose through caregiving. Amidst the grumpy conversation, Bruce introduces his upcoming book, Living the Fruitful Life, a guide to combat grumpiness with the Holy Spirit's help and apply the fruits of the Spirit to life's challenges. If you find yourself feeling grumpy these days, be sure to give this episode a listen and join us for the rest of the series! 

www.RetirementReformation.org

MID-SEGMENT GUESTS: Jennifer Mann

Ministry: Caregiving, chaplaincy