| Dear Friend, Many people say that the "golden years", the years of retirement, are the best years of our lives. I guess that really depends on the person and what they plan to do with those years. Many people lived to work, or worked to live and their lives ended shortly after retirement. They finally had no reason to get out of bed or out of their chair.
I think that we can make a case in ham radio, that given the all of the other health challenges that retirement might bring, that active amateurs might in fact live longer. While the job, before retirement, offered a daily destination and activity, ham radio after retirement can offer the same, both a destination and activities built around operating, contesting, and projects. I can't wait!
Frank Howell, K4FMH, my guest in this week's podcast says that he was a ham radio listener for 60 years before getting his license to transmit. Once licensed Frank is an ARRL Assistant Division Director, repeater network builder, podcaster, ham radio journalist, and thought leader.
As a group we cry over the lack of interest shown by youngsters in our beloved hobby. We should celebrate the entry of hams 35 and older who come with time and money to spend on our hobby. Especially since many of these hams may have years of professional experience that can only benefit the "state of the art" in amateur radio.
Frank thinks, and I agree, that retired people could easily live many years or more beyond their official retirement, and that ham radio activity could prolong their lives with a combination of destination, activity, and community. Perhaps the next ham that we mentor is the retired person just next door.
K4FMH makes some convincing arguments in this QSO Today.
Thanks for listening.
73, Eric 4Z1UG |
