Retirement

In all my 57 years, I do not ever remember my dad, Max Walker, or my grandpa, Wesley Walker, using the “R” word (retirement). Retirement was simply not part of their thinking and I am much the same. I know there are many folks who plan and dream of retirement. Our culture encourages it, and some companies and organizations force it. Yet the reality is that usefulness, accomplishment, production, experience, mentoring, learning and wisdom are all the positives of a person who stays engaged in living as much as they are able their entire life.

I heard a good definition of retirement the other day: “Take off the old tires, put on new tires and keep on rolling”. That saying suggests that “reassignment” is the way to live rather than thinking of a life of leisure and recreation in later years. There are many great examples of people who were most productive and made their greatest accomplishments in their later years. I always think of God calling Moses to lead the people out of Egypt when he was 80 years old, a reassignment after 40 years of watching sheep in the desert. Similarly, I think there are exciting reassignments for many people as they “mature” if they are open to staying active.

It is exciting to us here at Walker Manufacturing when we hear the stories from older customers who have a mowing business and they are using a Walker Mower. These reports confirm how the Walker Mower allows the older person, even with some physical limitations, to be just as productive in mowing as the able-bodied 20-year-old. What an opportunity some older folks (I am getting to that age myself ) have created for themselves, doing work they enjoy, providing a great service, having their own business and making a good income. For them this mowing business “reassignment” is just right. And we are delighted to have the Walker Mower be part of the story.