Another Number Adding To Your Retirement Math Anxiety

Many of us recall the fear, loathing, and the feel of our trembling hand reaching into the mailbox (yes, this is before online life) to find the envelope. The envelope was not about college acceptance, it was before that – it was your SAT scores report.

Sadly, many of us were terrorized into believing that these scores predicted, if not predestined, our future. Unfortunately, that experience has translated into a kind of PTSD of other numbers in our life, particularly in later life. Let’s just call it retirement math anxiety.

And, just when you thought you were over your adolescent fear of envelopes, or now emails, that reported your scores, there are other numbers to quantify and measure your future – especially your retirement future.?

Most of us are aware of these numbers, even though we often hide them. One set of numbers are hidden inside envelopes stacked somewhere in your home out of sight behind a pile of bills. If not in paper form, they are lost in a digital archeological dig of emails. These numbers of course are your retirement balances, investments, savings, etc. Like SATs, the larger the number, the better you feel. The not so latent anxiety many people feel about these numbers compels them to procrastinate and to deal with retirement finances and planning later.

Another set of numbers are about you, not your portfolio. Your health is all about numbers. Numbers that earlier in your life you either didn't know existed or never had reason to care. Suddenly, the once fast and uneventful annual visit to your doctor has you thinking about blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, kidney function, all numbers in units, terms, and abbreviations that are confusing and conflicting. Good and bad cholesterol, which one is it? Upper and lower blood pressure, which one should you worry about more? Worse yet, you felt fine until you learned your “numbers.”

However, there is another number that most of us never equate with our wellbeing in older age, or for that matter, any age, but should – our Zip Code. In my most recent Forbes article, This 1 Number Predicts Your Quality Of Life In Retirement, I discuss how the where in longevity planning greatly impacts and shapes your wellbeing in older age.

While many of us have visions of endless leisure dancing in our retirement dreams, deciding where we will live in retirement is as important as our wealth and health numbers. Where we live affects our cost of living. Where we choose to call home even defines our social well-being. Moreover, a large body of research indicates that your Zip Code is the best predictor of your health and even your longevity.?

So at the risk of inflaming your retirement math anxiety, start thinking about how your?Zip Code may affect your well-being in older age. Ask yourself, What’s my where?

Check out my Forbes article and consider the five questions I pose to begin your assessment, to start your discussion with those closest to you, and ultimately to decide how your preferred where fits into your overall longevity plan.

Please share this #LongevityEconomy newsletter and follow me here on linkedin.com/in/drjoecoughlin. Thank you!