First thoughts by LISA CRUTCHFIELD

The secret to a successful retirement is…cheese making. Seriously.
As editor of Fifty Plus, I get a lot of books. Some are helpful and interesting, others not so much. I do look at them as they come in and occasionally something will jump out at me.
Recently we received one called “The Successful Retirement Guide.” It offers suggestions on “how to stay intellectually, socially and physically engaged for the best years of your life.” Each activity that’s listed explains why it is beneficial to the retired person.
Hmm, thought I. That sounds promising.
The first page I flipped to was Cheese Making. It’s benefit: intellectual stimulation.
According to the book, cheese making goes back at least as far as the ancient Greeks. In The Odyssey, Homer says Odysseus and his men entered the home of Polyphemous the Cyclops and ate his cheese while he was out tending his sheep. Polyphemous retaliated by eating some of Odysseus’ men.
There’s a history/literature lesson, as well as a suggestion for a new hobby! The basic process of how cheese is made is explained and suggestions for further reading are included.
I feel smarter already.
“What else should I know for a successful retirement?,” you might be asking.
Well, Puppeteering offers social and physical opportunities, Origami aids intellectual, social and physical development and Gold Panning can offer social interaction (provided you haven’t come across a secret mother lode) and physical benefits. Who knew?
“The Successful Retirement Guide” also offers more traditional suggestions, including Crocheting, Birding, Beer tasting or brewing and Renewing your wedding vows.
It’s kind of fun to think about all the things you could be doing after retirement, just in case you didn’t spend decades daydreaming about it while you were supposed to be working.
At Fifty Plus, we try to offer a variety of stories to keep readers entertained and intellectually stimulated.
This month we profile the painter P. Buckley Moss, whose show at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen is drawing crowds.
Ray Shreiner waxes nostalgic about a 1920s piano marathon; Randy Fitzgerald relates a recent encounter with a nocturnal visitor in his home. Ginnie Manuel offers more of her fabulous recipes and freelancer Nancy St. Clair Finch tells us why she’s having a tough time shopping for clothes.
There are some good reads this month. And check out the calendar; there’s a lot going on in the Richmond area.
Or, if you need more suggestions, you can try Beekeeping for intellectual and physical stimulation, or Gardening, which promises intellectual, physical and social opportunities. If all else fails, the book says, you can always talk to your plants.