Staying Active

He Was Surprised by Retirement: In a Good Way

Listen to Mr. Bynum's discussion

"I thought retirement might be just a bit boring," says Robert Bynum, "but it's been very exciting."

In fact, Bynum's retirement has been such a singular achievement that in 2005 the UAB Center for Aging created an award just for him: the Robert P. Bynum Award. The annual award is given "to honor and to recognize older adults, age 75 or older at the time of the award, who remain actively engaged in activities that enhance the health or well-being of other older adults."

Not surprisingly, Bynum fits the description exactly:

"I've done dozens...literally dozens...of different things—in my little hometown of Oneonta, Alabama, and many of them in Birmingham too. Ranging from Arts Council, if you want to go down the alphabet, to Literacy Council, Alabama Quality Assurance Foundation, the UAB Center for Aging, Chamber of Commerce, United Way, and many, many more."

When asked what advice he'd give to people who are nearing retirement, Bynum says:

"I'd tell individuals to play retirement by ear, and reflect their own feelings. I'm sure there are some people who'd prefer to fish, or play golf, or other kinds of things than getting involved in church and community activities...and we all know people who do.

"Frankly, I can't imagine a retired individual—particularly an individual who's been exposed to other people in connection with his or her work—not to continue being interested in doing something for the community, and really for satisfaction for themselves."

One of his most satisfying activities after retiring from his post as Deputy Commissioner of Social Security, according to Bynum, has been "continuing to show an interest in the well-being of that program. In fact, my earlier wife Norma, who died 10 years ago, and my current wife Linda both say that no matter what I say to them, Social Security is still my first love." He laughs. "Not true, of course, but that's what they say. And I do maintain connections with the organization and other organizations and members of Congress, trying to be influential in decision-making for the program, for now and for the future.

"But so many other things, too. Goodness...church and community activities. I've helped organize so many things in Blount County...set up the Chamber of Commerce and was the first president of it. Just on, and on, and on. It's been wonderful."

A downloadable audio file of Mr. Bynum's article is also available.