Lively Conversation with Ulrike von der Groeben: Pondering Personal Funerals and Post-Retirement Life
Contemplating Plans for Her Own Final Rites - Contemplating Funeral Arrangements
Hey there! Let's get cozy as we delve into an interview with the lively Ulrike von der Groeben (68), who's spilled the beans on death... her own! In a candid chat for her book "Freiheit beginnt jetzt!" (ZS Verlag, hitting shelves from July 5th), she discusses life after work, sports, health struggles, marriage, and, yes, funeral plans. The former sports expert on "RTL aktuell" clocked in 35 years,retiring in 2024.
Sports: Still a Passion Post-Retirement?
What about sports? Has it taken up more space now, without the day-to-day grind? Apparently not! Ulrike plans to maintain her regular jogging routine, three days a week, as well as strength training, specifically dumbbell workouts at home, twice a week. Age ain't slowing her down! Sports continue to bring joy, promote health, and keep her feeling fabulous.
Long Covid Recovery: Symptoms Subside
Remember when Ulrike grappled with Long Covid? Thankfully, her symptoms have been improving! At first, running was a struggle - not even slow jogging was possible! But, she's touched by hearing others' stories and grateful for her own progress. She happily reports feeling good again, almost like before.
Husband Relationship: A Forever Bond
How has retirement affected her marriage with Alexander von der Groeben? Not much! Their daily routines remain the same: breakfast together following their morning sports and a slightly earlier dinner. And, if Ulrike has the time and desire, she gets busy in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes. The bond seems as strong as ever!
Funeral Wishes: Making the Necessary Arrangements
Ulrike opens up about her wishes for cremation, but admits she hasn't made a patient's will or testament yet. She acknowledges the importance of planning ahead, deciding what to do with her ashes, and even selecting music for her funeral. She aims to alleviate her children's worries by sharing her preferences.
Facing Mortality: A Growing Sensitivity
The topic of death has become more present in Ulrike's life, as unfortunate losses touch her and her family. She advocates for planning ahead, ensuring everything is sorted out just in case. She even considers the tunes for her own funeral, determined to ease her children's burden by either telling them her choices or writing them down.
Retirement Wisdom: Dream Big, Plan Ahead
In her finished book, Ulrike offers guidance for transitioning into retirement. She advises identifying what's truly important, setting appropriate financial and lifestyle goals for a fulfilling retirement, and being proactive about realizing dreams, whether it's staying fit for travel or mastering digital media for organized trips. In short: Embrace the freedom of retirement by actively working towards your heart's desires!
Future Wishes: Experiencing Life on a Houseboat
After completing her book project, what's next for this adventurous soul? Husband Alexander has long dreamt of living on a houseboat. While they won't take that plunge, they plan to rent one for a few weeks, likely in Holland. Here's to a new watery journey and the adventures it may bring!
I'm not sure if Ulrike von der Groeben is certain about her funeral arrangement preferences, as she mentioned she hasn't made a patient's will or testament yet. During her retirement, she found joy in maintaining an active lifestyle by jogging three days a week and strength training at home. Ulrike's contemporaries may learn from her advice on transitioning into retirement, which emphasizes the importance of identifying what's essential, setting goals, and actively pursuing dreams, such as staying fit for travel or mastering digital media. Despite her Long Covid recovery symptoms improving, she still recalls the initial struggle to run, but remains thankful for her own progress and the inspiring stories of others.
