Since our cabin is for sale, we are getting rid of a lot of things so we don’t have to haul them off when we get a buyer. Today, I noticed a box of inner tubes that the kids and grandkids, (and we) use to float the river. “Let’s not get rid of those. I’d still like to…” and I stopped short, remembering that we both have skin cancer cropping up all over our faces and arms from all the sun exposure we enjoyed over the years. One spot was melanoma.

Yes, my days in the sun are over. No more boats, jet skis, or other watercraft. I felt old. The heart was there, but I realized that I could no longer do so many things I’d still love to do. It was depressing.It isn't just about being in the sun. We’re also a lot more careful about all outdoor activity choices.  Breaking bones when you're over sixty is not a good idea. It takes too long to recover. Even a simple scratch takes a lot longer to heal now that we're over sixty. So,  even though I’ve always loved horses for example, riding is out of the question now… for several reasons.

Yes, I know that there are seniors who sky dive, seniors who snow ski, seniors who spend the entire day on the beach soaking up sun. But I prefer not to tempt fate. I have lousy luck.

Why is it that when seniors finally have the time and still have the desire, our bodies won't let us do all the things we dreamed about doing after we retire?  I paid my dues, worked since I was 16, raised great children, was honest in my business dealings, yadda yadda yadda....thinking all the while that once I retired I'd be able to relax and enjoy all the things I've wanted to do in life. It just doesn't seem fair.

I've replaced horseback riding with photography, boating and canoeing with book clubs and writing groups. I still have a great life, but I still miss horses and long days on the water in the sun.
What things do you still want to do, but can't?

It is a fact that more and more people are either not able to retire because their social security check is too skimpy to live comfortably or their 401k retirement funds have disappeared. To that end, here are two ideas that may help.

Many people who own vacation homes, and don't want the hassle and cost of renting their homes out to strangers do want to have the home occuplied for a variety of reasons. One would be that an occupied home is less likely to be robbed or vandalized. These owners are looking for people to stay in their homes, often at little to no cost to you.

This summer we've had the priveledge to talk to some friendly camp hosts where we park our trailer when our cabin is rented out. They tell us that many retirees who don't make enough on social security are opting to spend a few months a year at beautiful campgrounds throughout the U.S., while making a modest income. When the summer season ends in the mountains, for example, they travel to other locations and become hosts in campgrounds that enjoy warmer winter climates.

This could be a great alternative to working at say Wal-Mart as a greeter. You get to spend time outdoors in beautiful locations, have your utility fees paid etc and make a little extra income. (The person we asked was making an additional $500 a month).

You will need to own an RV, or a trailer that you can live in as a camp host, but the lifestyle is great for anyone who likes the outdoors, riding on a golf cart making sure the rules are being kept, collecting fees, maintaining the restrooms etc.