KEEP WORKING?? (See posting.."Retirement." October 8)

If you are retired, but find it is less than fulfilling, you are not alone. Many people learn that retirement is not what was anticipated. I recently was on the elevator in the J. C. Penney Office Building in downtown Salt Lake City. I overheard a conversation of two ladies. One asked, "What are you doing here? I thought you had retired." The other lady responded,, "Yes. I did retire but I am so bored. I have nothing to do. I just came by to see you and some people and talk about my former job. I really miss it."

I think there are many just like that. Retirement is not as fulfilling as anticipated. Going back to work or deciding to continue working after retirement age is a true and growing option for many people. (Current economic conditions also lend support for this concept.)

Some assume that working after retirement age is demeaning. Nonsense!! Working is one of the joys of life.It is the working person who is a happy person. Man was made to be active, and is never as happy as when he is so. It is the idle man who is more frequently the miserable man.

I recently visited a large Wal-Mart store in St. George. I was greeted by a very familiar, smiling face. A gentleman who was a very prominent banking executive in Salt Lake City had retired and moved to Utah's Dixie. He wore the familiar Wal-Mart vest and was merrily saying "Hello and welcome" to arriving shippers. He could see by the expression on my face that I was a little surprised to see my beaming, smiling greeter. He really didn't need to explain but he let me know how very much he was enjoying his new lifestyle. He told me, "Can you imagine how nice it is to be gainfully doing something that hopefully brings a smile to someones face and let them know they are appreciated?" He was sincere. It was obvious to all that he had a zest for life and at the age of 81 was enjoying life abundantly. Success can be reached and measured not so much by position that one is performing in life as by the satisfaction is produces to the giver and receiver. My retired banking friend was very successful in his past full time vocation and also now in his new endeavor. Happiness come from the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy simply and the think freely.