By Mary Beth Kane

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused us all to re-examine our personal priorities and has made many people introspective about the fragility of life. More committed than ever to healthy aging, those who fall in the 65-and-older-age group are double checking their once aggressive bucket lists and now putting family and sentimental gestures at the top.

Although “bucket” is derived from the term “kick the bucket,” which refers to the end of life, there is generally still a positive connotation to having a bucket list. A bucket list is simply defined as a written or mental tally of the experiences or achievements that one hopes to have or accomplish during one’s lifetime. Often centered around the retirement years, a bucket list can include anything from learning a new language to traveling to local or exotic destinations. It can also be as simple as uniting extended family for a multigenerational photo.

Sure, adults of every age range can tout a bucket list as something they strive to achieve. However, retirement is usually when one dreams of living the life of freedom and minimal responsibility that allows for completion of a list sometimes created years prior. Many believe this will be the time to do all those things one was too distracted or busy to do during the younger years.

Some of the most common bucket list activities include:

  • Travel to a dream destination
  • Learn a new language
  • Create a masterpiece – painting drawing or other work of art
  • Learn a new hobby
  • Write an autobiography or memoir

Over the recent span of self-quarantining and social distancing through COVID-19, perspectives and priorities for retirees have changed. Instead of seeing world monuments or collecting souvenirs from the most exotic destinations in the world, many seniors just want to be closer to the ones they love.

Jean Thompson, a 72-year-old retired certified nurse midwife, said she was committed to her bucket list prior to retiring five years ago and burying a son who lost his battle with cancer shortly after. Most of her list seemed insignificant considering her loss, but a few travel goals remained.

“I was still determined to make it to Scotland, Paris and Australia before leaving this earth,” Thompson recalls. “But the pandemic has erased all desire to travel anywhere, especially outside of the country. I realized there just aren’t a lot of things I haven’t done but still want to do. Now, the only thing I want to do is live long enough to get some real quality time with my only remaining son. That would be better than Paris, Scotland or Australia combined.”

How has your bucket list changed over the past several months?  What is now at the top of your list?

Marybeth Kane can be reached at Marybeth.kane@arborcompany.com