By Channing Hubbard

Whether bantering over a game of bocce or chatting together over Mahjong, the senior citizens at the Dublin Senior Center appear to be enjoying their retirement years. But, reaching this point has taken a lot of meticulous planning.

Retirement is anything but secure, for seniors and future generations alike. And even those who planned for retirement may face unexpected challenges. Having removed the stress of a career, some retirees struggle with financial uncertainty. Retirement is certainly anything but a lively game of bocce.

“Through the years, I guess we always worked on financial planning, but then my husband died at 53,” says Lois Reese, a former Marysville clerk of council. “Luckily, we had a good amount of life insurance, which helped, and I have some of my own investments now. But it’s hard to even know what to do at this point. I don’t want to touch my investments. I don’t know what will work and what won’t.”

The seniors at the center agreed that a savings plan for retirement is a given, whether it is in the form of annuities, a 401(k) or Social Security. However, relying on only one form of savings is a gamble. Drawing from one, two or even three sources is wise.

“Social Security was a great thing. It was secure. But it was supposed to be a supplement, and people began using it as something else,” says Frank DeSantis, a Dublin Senior Center member. “And Medicare, we’re paying all this money for it, and it wasn’t supposed to be like that. Now the cost is so high and it doesn’t need to be.”

One thing the seniors do agree on is how younger generations face a greater challenge than they did. Some believe today’s 20-somethings need to start saving as soon as possible, and learn as much as they can about different methods of saving.

Many believe the current economy presents somewhat of an issue. Though her children were able to put their money into a retirement fund, a former university math instructor, who did not give her name, says this is not the case for her grandchildren. They are making more money than their parents, but the money doesn’t buy as much. With the price of gas and the cost of living, the dollars do not stretch as far as they once did. This not only poses a challenge for retirees, but is a concern for those planning retirement.

“It used to be that you were working at a company and you felt secure. It’s not that way anymore,” Reese says. “I definitely think young people are going to be responsible for providing their own retirement.”

DeSantis says he agrees, pointing to the consequences of unnecessary spending and the amount of debt our country is accumulating.

“The people in their 20s now, and even younger than that, are going to have to pay later for what we’re doing now,” he says.

Senior Center member Betty Thom says seniors and younger generations alike must exercise caution when choosing to save or invest.

“When you’re retired, you need your money right now — you never know what’s going to happen,” she says.

Though a struggle for some seniors, there are community resources out there. The members at the Dublin Senior Center said the staff there is available to help with any questions.

“I came in here with hospital bills, and worked with a woman who helped me pay them all off in months. They also do taxes for seniors, starting around March. They can help you with 99 percent of your problems,” Reese says.

Retirement, like many things, is not easily outlined. Your life post-career depends greatly on how you approach it. The keys are awareness of the future and to prepare as much as you can. Many avenues lead to retirement, and no matter which you choose, it seems that you can never be too prepared. As most of the Dublin seniors would tell you, “save, save, save” so you can relax and enjoy your golden years.

Channing Hubbard is a contributing writer for Dublin Life.