Marion Green has reinvented herself several times since retiring at 65. Now, she spends her time inspiring the younger crowd with her positive, adventurous nature. 

“I just returned from a twelve-day cruise to Canada and New England. I got my first tattoo at 66. I’m very liberal and live life. I worked for thirty years straight with two weeks of vacation being my only time off each year. I paid into my 401K and saved. I did it the right way and now I reap the benefits. I live a life of great freedom now,” Green explained. 

After retiring, Green was open to new opportunities. She worked at a local YMCA part-time. She worked as a nanny. 

She took a course from the In-Sight Institute to become a Certified Funeral Celebrant. As a result of her certification, she helped several families by writing original tributes and conducting uplifting funeral services. 

Green also participated in a sleep study course. Over ten nights, she was hooked up to monitors as her sleeping habits were recorded. She was paid for her participation. She took writing, roller-skating, and knitting classes. Her great love has become Country Western Line Dancing.

“I have something to do every day of the week,” Green said. “Monday is line dancing. Tuesday is knitting and roller-skating. Wednesday nights I do babysitting. Thursday is for writing. On Fridays I enjoy Country Western dancing. Saturday, I sometimes go to writing classes. Sundays I walk with my daughter so we can catch up on the week. Writing has become very important to me. After taking a creative writing class, I submitted an essay I had written about my mailman to an empowerment for a women writers’ website and it was published online. I was also paid for two stories in a local newspaper.” 

Green encourages other seniors not to see themselves as the senior stereotype. “I vowed not to wear polyester. I wear trendy outfits. I’ll even wear a denim skirt with a jacket. I take care of myself. I get my hair done, I wear makeup and I get out in the world. I look at Craig’s list for part-time jobs. My advice is to be proactive and be open to anything. After 60, we have to continue networking to find out about fun events. No one should go home and curl up after retirement.  Instead, take a class. Some classes are free while I’ve found others for under $30. Join a Senior Center because often they organize inexpensive bus trips to Las Vegas, which is fun.”

“I am loving life. I never had one leave of absence in thirty years. Every day I wake up grateful for good health and whatever the day holds. I surround myself with positive people now because you have to be happy. Life is short and complaining doesn’t do any good. You still have a lot of living to do after 60 and you have a choice. If you generate positive, you’ll receive positive energy in return. I’ve been called for jury duty and I look at that as a new adventure,” Green said.  “I have a huge sense of freedom as I don’t have to return to an office setting.  I have copied my last copy, faxed my last memo…Hallelujah!”