Retirees Enjoy Shell Knob - R U Ready For Retirement?

We are here for a season. I'm not talking about seasons of the year, as in Winter, Spring, etc. No - This regards the Season's of Life, and as many experts have told us, we are living longer and our later years will often be extended.

Shell Knob, Missouri is a retirement destination due to:

• our moderate winter climate (most years),

• Table Rock Lake,

• Low cost of living

• Convenience to Wichita, St. Louis and KC

What are your dreams for your later "Season of Life"? Statisticians throw around the term 'Life Expectancy', as in how long we might live. For many years I thought that if I lived a full 70 years as my father did, I would be satisfied, but now I'm not so sure I'm ready to depart yet.

According to the experts, "The risk of dying has dropped to a record low level, and life expectancy has reached a record high," said Arialdi M. Minino, a statistician at the CDC's Center for Health Statistics, Division of Vital Statistics.

They also say: life expectancy in 2007 increased to 77.9 years -- or 77 years and 11 months -- up from 77.7 years in 2006, with white women having the greatest edge and longest life expectancy at 80.7 years.

"This is great news," Dr. William O'Neill, executive dean for clinical affairs at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, said " people living 20 years or more than their predecessors will have to rethink retirement planning, O'Neill said.

As a Shell Knob REALTOR, I get to see both sides of the "Seasons of Life". The 50-somes, come to the Ozarks shopping for a lake and potential retirement home that the grandkids can come and enjoy.

Then the grandkids finish college and are too busy to come visit, so the now "Seniors" start to think it might be time to move back to where their children have established homes. That way it is more convenient perhaps to medical specialists as well as family, for the final "Season of Life."

Call Joan , Lake & Retirement Specialist 417-846-7128

Tri-Lakes REALTORS 417-858-3344