by Patricia Schallert
I met Robert Warnagieris, Ed.D at the Ventura Retired Men’s Group. This is what he has to say about his life as a retired senior.
“I was born in Chicago but came to California at the age of 6 months. Therefore, I am a California product who grew up on the West Coast and received early schooling in San Luis Obispo County. I ended up in Ventura in 1970 because I like what the VC county seat of Ventura had to offer in terms of cultural, educational, youth/senior programs, medical facilities, shopping and climate opportunities for me and my family. I had put in 38 ½ years in with the US Navy as a civilian and was able to retire with 40 years of credit. It was time for me to move on. I am happy being retired from full time employment, but I really didn’t retire from an active life, I just don’t get paid. I have been retired for 28 years.”
“I have more time to pursue time with my wife, hobbies, home maintenance/landscaping and community activities. I don’t have to meet any special schedule nor travel for business purposes. I am free to stay home and scratch the dog’s ears if I please. I can do most anything I desire, and I do. I am a versatile person and often say I have expertise in many fields but master of none. I have been able to use all my experience, knowledge, and skills in many different venues.”
“When I retired, I expected to be able to switch from government service to an educational teaching or leadership position easily. It was not so easy; however, I was able to continue my graduate level teaching on a part-time basis.”
“There were unexpected changes in my marital status and the eventual stability I achieved in that regard. As an 88-year-old retired person I spend time taking care of my wife and myself, pursuing physical fitness, hunting, fishing, golfing, community activities, various forms of entertainment, gardening/landscaping, watercolor painting, writing, time with my family, visiting friends, reading, walking the dog daily, cooking, maintaining my home, financial activities, and, of course, visits with multiple doctors. Since the pandemic and aging, my long-distance traveling has been limited. I tend to be an extreme do-it-yourselfer.”
“My parents encouraged me to graduate from high school in 3 years and then enroll for college. I graduated at the age of 17 and enrolled in an engineering major at Cal Poly (SLO). The continued pursuance of education to advance in many fields has been a major factor in my life.”
“In my 20’s I didn’t realize what I could achieve with perseverance. I’m no genius but I set goals and achieved them. I wrote an Ethical Will for my family and listed 48 values that guide my life, ranging from education to having a dog. They are in no particular order, however, high on the list are family matters, education, physical fitness, citizenship, career, professionalism, integrity, long term friends, and spiritual matters.”
Editor: If you are a senior (over 70-years please), or know of one, who would like to share their retirement, or job, with us please let us know at [email protected].
