Leisure Lines

REFLECTIONS from a practitioner and educator who served 44 years in the field of recreation and leisure services

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Enjoying Life in their 50s


A KENTUCKY COUPLE, Lee Higginbotham and his wife Nikki, are both enjoying life - and especially leisure - in their 50s. Now married for 31 years, Lee and Nikki were childhood sweethearts who are still as active as when they were growing up.
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Lee worked at Ford for 30 years, and Nikki served as a mail carrier and held various other positions for almost as long. However, for the Higginbothams, retirement has not meant slowing down. In fact, this lively couple may be busier now than when they were working. Of course, there is a difference since they retired. Rather than spending most of their time doing things required, they now spend most of their time doing things which they choose.
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Lee is involved in some types of recreation by himself, or with other men. And, at times Nikki takes part in fun activities with other women, or by herself. However, most often, the couple participates in leisure activities together. They also enjoy getting with other family members and friends for times of fun. For the Higginbothams, a wide range of leisure outlets has become the norm.
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Here's a sampling of some of the activities which Lee and Nikki enjoy doing together: walking, running, golfing, bowling, volleyball, tennis, pool, roller skating, church and mission endeavors, motorcycle riding, and traveling. The couple has made trips to Texas, Florida, Colorado, and the Bahamas. They have also participated in several motorcycle group rides. When at home, table games, movies, and Wii sports are added to the list. And, grand parenting is always a special pleasure for both of them!
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Lee has a special interest in flying and skydiving. He is a certified flight instructor and gives private flying lessons. He also likes playing basketball with other men, working-out, and the technical side of computers.
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Nikki loves writing and poetry. She is in the beginning stages of writing a children's book. In addition, she likes singing, reading, walking, roller blading, and being involved in various kinds of service projects.
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The Higginbothams are a vivacious, fun-loving, and adventuresome couple. They stand out as a great example in giving hope and encouragement to everyone age 49 and under about enjoying life in their 50s. Further, their example should reinforce the notion that retirement - at any age - should not be the end of a person's value, dignity, or active lifestyle.
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-- Lee and Nikki Higginbotham are pictured above. They live in Louisville.

1 Comments:

  • At 12:32 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    After spending 2 weeks together in Destin, and getting to know this great couple better. It was so fun to see this great story about them. I hope our friendship with them will continue to grow.
    Sherry and Ronnie Young

     

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