To the Nordic countries I watched with my husband. Travel preparations from age 62

I loved watching travel programs on BS with my husband.

While eating dinner, we would watch the scenery together, saying things like, 'This place is beautiful' or 'I'd love to go there,' and strangely enough, it was always the Nordic countries.

Colorful streetscapes.
The harbor of Nyhavn in Denmark.
Lively markets.
The Market Square in Finland.
And breathtaking, magnificent nature.
The fjords of Norway.

Thinking back now, perhaps I had been longing for the Nordic countries all along.

The things I loved since I was a child:
Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales and Moomin.
Small houses in the forest.
Lakeside scenery.
Streetscapes with gentle colors.
I think the Nordic countries have been somewhere in my heart since those days.

Since my husband passed away, I haven't talked about those kinds of trips anymore.

🍀𓂃𓈒𓏸 ❀ 𓈒𓏸🍀𓂃𓈒𓏸 ❀ 𓈒𓏸🍀𓂃𓈒𓏸 ❀ 𓈒𓏸

A trip to the Nordic countries that AI took me on

One day, I came across an article by
An-san about 'traveling with AI'.

While enjoying imaginary travels, they created works that looked just like real travel magazines, and I was completely drawn into that worldview.

I also asked AI (ChatGPT) to plan a trip that would suit me.
First, I asked it this:

Then,AIanswered immediately.
Finland.

Next, I asked it this.

And what it showed me was——

🇫🇮 The country that suits me best is Finland

2nd place Denmark🇩🇰

3rd place Norway🇳🇴

They were all Nordic countries.
Of course, I haven't actually been there yet.
But strangely, my heart fluttered.

"I will definitely go."

🍀𓂃𓈒𓏸 ❀ 𓈒𓏸🍀𓂃𓈒𓏸 ❀ 𓈒𓏸🍀𓂃𓈒𓏸 ❀ 𓈒𓏸

"What do I want to do?" rather than "How much will it cost?"

From that experience, I suddenly realized something.

When thinking about retirement funds, I was always just thinking about "How much do I need?" or "Will it be enough?"

But perhaps what is truly important is, "What do I want to do with that money?"

I want to go to the Nordic countries.
I want to see cute tableware.
I want to peek into general stores.
I want to drink coffee slowly at a cafe.
I want to gaze at the fjords.

Once my dream became clear, the reason for saving money also became clear.

🍀𓂃𓈒𓏸 ❀ 𓈒𓏸🍀𓂃𓈒𓏸 ❀ 𓈒𓏸🍀𓂃𓈒𓏸 ❀ 𓈒𓏸

Preparing for retirement funds, what I am doing

I have worked as a nurse for over 40 years.
When I was young, I feel like I put my own dreams on the back burner for the sake of my family, for raising children, and for my work.

That is exactly why I am now saving up "money to enjoy the future" little by little.

One of those ways is NISA (Nippon Individual Savings Account).

NISA is a system where the profits earned from investments are tax-free.
By saving steadily over a long period, your money grows little by little.

The important thing is to start early.

The longer the time, the more your money works for you.
It is never "too late."
At 62, I am still continuing it.

*NISA does not guarantee the principal. I recommend starting within a range that is comfortable for you.

🍀𓂃𓈒𓏸 ❀ 𓈒𓏸🍀𓂃𓈒𓏸 ❀ 𓈒𓏸🍀𓂃𓈒𓏸 ❀ 𓈒𓏸

When you have a dream, saving becomes fun

Once the goal was decided, saving money no longer felt like a burden.

It is not money to erase anxiety, but money to enjoy the future.

When I think of it that way, monthly savings turn into something to look forward to.

🍀𓂃𓈒𓏸 ❀ 𓈒𓏸🍀𓂃𓈒𓏸 ❀ 𓈒𓏸🍀𓂃𓈒𓏸 ❀ 𓈒𓏸

The journey has already begun

Actually, I am currently dealing with hip pain.

I am waiting for hip replacement surgery.

I have already had surgery on one side and was able to say goodbye to the pain that had continued since I was young.

That is exactly why I am looking forward to my life after surgery.

When people talk about preparing for old age, they only think about preparing for anxieties.

But I think preparing for future joys is just as important.

The Nordic scenery I watched with my husband.

Colorful townscapes.

Lively markets.

And magnificent nature.

I want to see it with my own eyes someday.

For now, I am traveling within AI travel magazines, waiting for that day with anticipation.

Perhaps the journey has already begun.

62 years old.

There are still landscapes I have yet to see.

Continue reading here👇

#AI Travel Club

🍀𓂃𓈒𓏸 ❀ 𓈒𓏸🍀𓂃𓈒𓏸 ❀ 𓈒𓏸🍀𓂃𓈒𓏸 ❀ 𓈒𓏸

Thank you for reading until the end.

Dialogues with AI like this one, and insights into life in the latter half, are compiled in the magazine
“Notes on Preparing for Old Age. It’s Okay to Be Alone.”
.

Preparing for old age is not just about money.

NISA and pensions, health, travel, AI, reading, and connections with people.

It is a record of gradually organizing my life to be uniquely my own after becoming alone.

If you would like, please take a look at this as well.

Osono | Senior Health Room