As retirement nears, you’re on the cusp of a new and exciting chapter in your life. Years of careful planning and diligent saving have brought you to this moment. You’ve worked hard, made smart financial decisions, and now it’s time to reap the rewards of your efforts. Retirement offers a world of possibilities — from pursuing long-held passions to exploring new horizons. However, while it’s time to start enjoying the fruits of your labor, it’s also crucial to ensure you’re financially prepared for this next phase.

Empowering Your Financial Journey

ZOLL is committed to supporting your financial wellness, both during your career and as you approach retirement. We’ve partnered with two trusted organizations to provide you with comprehensive financial support at every step:

CAPTRUST: Your Personal Investment Guide

• Independent investment advisory firm with over 25 years of experience providing personalized investment advice to help employees navigate retirement benefits:
  • CAPTRUST will assist you with investment questions, retirement planning, and other financial matters.
  • Ask an advisor if the IRS super catch-up contribution makes sense for you.
  • Ready for guidance? Click here to schedule a FREE 30-minute appointment with a CAPTRUST counselor.

Fidelity: Your Financial Administrator

• Administers ZOLL’s 401(k) Plan and Health Savings Account (HSA):
  • If you are enrolled in an HSA, Fidelity shares tips for using your HSA in retirement to help you avoid penalties once you transition to Medicare.
  • If you are retired or no longer working for ZOLL, you have the option to elect automatic installment withdrawals from your retirement account, and Fidelity can help.
  • Visit NetBenefits.com.com to access your accounts and explore their financial wellness resources.

The transition from saving to spending requires thoughtful consideration and strategic planning to make the most of your retirement years. With CAPTRUST and Fidelity by your side, you’ll have the support you need to make informed financial decisions and confidently approach retirement. Let’s explore some key financial steps to take as you stand on the threshold of this new adventure.

• Consider meeting with a CAPTRUST financial advisor to:
  • Get professional advice on your retirement strategy.
  • Review and finalize your retirement budget and be sure to include retirement income sources.
  • Develop a withdrawal strategy.
  • Evaluate your investment portfolio with your financial advisor.
  • Reassess your risk tolerance and discuss any necessary adjustments.

• Schedule a financial wellness checkup with Fidelity to:
  • Review any debt repayment strategy.
  • Understand when you need to start taking RMDs from retirement accounts.

• Familiarize yourself with Social Security claiming strategies.

• Review your insurance coverage:
  • Health insurance options (Medicare, supplemental plans).
    • ZOLL partners with Doctor’s Choice to offer all employees and their family members Medicare guidance to help navigate the transition and help you choose the best plan for your needs.
  • Life insurance portability

• Considering meeting with your personal attorney to:
  • Create or update your estate plan.
  • Review your will, trusts, and beneficiary designations.
  • Consider power of attorney and healthcare directives.

These steps can help ensure a smoother transition into retirement and a more secure financial future.

Manage Your Investment

Ensuring your investments are on track is vital for a brighter tomorrow. ZOLL partners with CAPTRUST Financial Advisors to provide expert guidance at every stage of your journey, helping you plan with confidence.

• Schedule your FREE one-on-one call with a CAPTRUST advisor to:
  • Create your personalized financial blueprint.
  • Find investment strategies that align with your risk tolerance and time horizon.
  • Craft a diversified, tax-smart portfolio personalized for you.
• Regularly review your investments with your advisor to ensure you’re staying on track to meet your goals.
• Set a schedule (e.g., quarterly or annually) to evaluate your progress and adjust as needed. Changes in market conditions, new legislation, personal circumstances, or shifting priorities may require updates to your plan over time.

Budgeting in Retirement: The Key to Financial Peace of Mind

Did you know that as you enter retirement, managing your finances becomes more important than ever? Retirement brings a significant shift in your financial picture. Instead of a regular paycheck, you’re now managing multiple income streams and making important decisions about distributions. A well-planned budget can help you navigate this new chapter with confidence, helping you balance various income sources like Social Security, pensions, and retirement account withdrawals. It also guides you in making strategic decisions about when and how to tap into these resources, ensuring that you enjoy your retirement years without financial stress.

Here are some ways a budget can support you:

• Ensures financial stability so you can live within your means, prevent overspending, and depleting your savings too quickly.
• Helps you manage your fixed income effectively, accounting for everyday expenses, but also building in flexibility to be prepared for emergencies, big purchases, or experiences in retirement.
• Guides your plan for health care expenses as you transition to Medicare, to make the best use of Health Savings Accounts and choose the best medical plans for your needs.
• Maximizes your retirement income and allows you to plan withdrawals from various accounts strategically while minimizing taxes on distributions.

By creating and sticking to a budget in retirement, you can enjoy your golden years with greater financial confidence and security.

ZOLL partners with Doctor’s Choice, CAPTRUST, and Fidelity to support you in retirement.

• Schedule your FREE one-on-one with a CAPTRUST advisor to discuss your personalized budget.
• Meet with a Doctor’s Choice concierge to learn how to navigate Medicare and choose the best coverage option for you.
• Visit NetBenefits.com for more information regarding 401(k) distributions.

Investing in physical fitness after age 60 is one of the most impactful steps you can take to ensure a healthier, more vibrant retirement. Your health will either empower you to do everything you want or limit your ability to fully engage in life’s activities. Good health in retirement doesn’t happen by chance — it’s the result of consistent effort and smart choices made over time. Staying active helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improves mobility, and supports independence, allowing you to fully enjoy your golden years. Whether it’s walking, yoga, swimming, or strength training, prioritizing fitness now lays the foundation for a more fulfilling and energetic future.

As you enter retirement, staying physically active is essential for maintaining mobility, preventing falls, managing chronic conditions, and enjoying an independent lifestyle. By focusing on early detection and proactive health management, older adults can reduce their risk of chronic diseases, maintain independence, and potentially lower health care costs in the long run.

Regular Check-ups and Screenings

Prioritizing preventive care becomes increasingly crucial for maintaining health and quality of life as we head into our golden years. Regardless of whether you are covered under an employer-sponsored health plan, COBRA, or Medicare, maintaining your health through preventive care and regular check-ups is crucial, especially as you age. Preventive care for seniors encompasses a range of services, from annual check-ups and cancer screenings to vaccinations and bone density checks, all tailored to address the unique health needs that come with aging.

These regular check-ups allow your doctors to:

• Monitor changes in your health.
• Assess potential health risks.
• Perform necessary preventive screenings to track blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other key metrics.

All ZOLL medical plans include free in-network preventive care and prescription drug coverage through OptumRx to support your best health, whether you are employed or are on COBRA.

COBRA

COBRA can serve as a valuable bridge between your current employer-sponsored health coverage and Medicare while you transition to retirement. If you leave your job before becoming eligible for Medicare, COBRA allows you to maintain your existing health coverage for up to 18 months. COBRA is typically more expensive than your employer-sponsored plan, as you’ll be responsible for the full premium plus an administrative fee. It’s important to plan carefully and consider the timing of your retirement, COBRA coverage, and Medicare eligibility to avoid gaps in coverage or potential late enrollment penalties for Medicare Part B.

For more information on COBRA Continuing Coverage, contact your HR Benefit Advocate.

Medicare

We all think of Medicare when we think of retirement. Transitioning to Medicare marks a significant milestone in your health care journey, and proper preparation is key to ensuring you choose the right coverage for your needs. As you approach your 65th birthday, it’s important to start exploring your Medicare options well in advance. Working with Medicare guidance resources like Doctor’s Choice can help you navigate the complexities of various plans, understand your coverage options, and evaluate factors such as costs and additional benefits. By taking a proactive approach and carefully assessing your health care needs, you can select a Medicare plan that provides comprehensive coverage tailored to your individual circumstances, ensuring a smooth transition to this new phase of your health care coverage.

Doctor’s Choice Medicare Guidance

ZOLL partners with Doctor’s Choice, at no cost to you, to provide you with concierge Medicare assistance every step of the way, including:

• Education regarding Medicare basics, including tax savings impact.
• Enrollment assistance and advocacy.
• Issue resolution.
• Health Savings Account (HAS) contribution guidance.

Doctor’s Choice provides you and your family members with personalized advice on the right plan based on your lifestyle, health status, and budget.

Establish Healthy Habits

Staying active, practicing good nutrition, and getting enough sleep is essential for a happier, healthier life, regardless of age or physical condition.

Stay Active

Regular exercise can boost energy, maintain independence, protect your heart, manage symptoms of illness or pain, and support weight management. It also benefits your mind by improving mood, memory, and cognitive function. Regular exercise offers numerous benefits, including:

• Better Sleep: Improves sleep quality and duration.
• Mood and Confidence: Boosts mood and self-confidence by releasing endorphins.
• Brain Health: Enhances brain function and helps prevent cognitive decline.

Even small amounts of exercise can have a significant impact.

• Activities like walking can enhance creative thinking and reduce anxiety.
• Engaging in enjoyable physical activities, such as hiking, bowling, or dancing, can increase motivation to stick with a routine. This leads to benefits like improved energy, mood, and sleep quality.
• Consider exploring local sports leagues to stay active and build social connections.
• Try dancing as a fun way to improve cardiovascular health and build strong bones.
• Gardening and yoga are also excellent options for improving mental health and physical well-being.

By incorporating physical activity into your daily routine, you can take control of your health and enjoy a more vibrant life, at any age.

Eat Healthy

As we enter midlife and beyond, healthy eating becomes increasingly vital for maintaining both physical and emotional well-being. A balanced diet not only supports your body’s health but also plays a crucial role in fostering a positive outlook and emotional balance. The good news is that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean dieting or deprivation. Instead, it’s about savoring fresh, flavorful foods made with wholesome ingredients and enjoying meals with loved ones.

Regardless of your age or past eating habits, it’s never too late to make a positive change. By adopting healthier eating habits now, you can experience numerous benefits, including:

• Longevity and Strength: Live a longer, healthier life with more vitality.
• Cognitive Clarity: Sharpen your mind and stay mentally agile.
• Increased Energy: Boost your energy levels to enjoy life to the fullest.

By embracing healthy eating, you can enhance your overall quality of life and set yourself up for a more vibrant future.

Check out these Mayo Clinic articles about eating the rainbow and fueling your mind.

As you enter retirement, finding joy and purpose beyond your career becomes more important than ever. Easing out of the structured routine of work can feel like a big shift, but it’s also a chance to rediscover what matters most to you. Now is the perfect time to explore new interests, nurture relationships, and create a healthy balance between activity and relaxation. By building these habits before and during retirement, you’ll maintain a strong sense of purpose, stay socially connected, and welcome this new chapter with confidence and enthusiasm.

Embrace the Transition to Retirement

Retirement is a major life transition — one that brings both endings and exciting new beginnings. Preparing emotionally and psychologically can help you navigate this change confidently. Consider focusing on these three key areas:

• Your Identity: Much of our sense of self is tied to our careers, so it’s natural to wonder who we are without our work titles. Retirement is a chance to rediscover and redefine your identity. This process doesn’t happen overnight; instead, you’ll gradually uncover new interests, strengths, and ways to contribute — whether through volunteering, creative pursuits, or sharing your wisdom with others.
• Your Purpose: Purpose is what motivates you each day. As you step away from your career, you may find new meaning in mentoring, exploring hobbies, traveling, or deepening family connections. Give yourself time to explore different passions — your sense of purpose can evolve and expand in retirement.
• Your Relationships: Leaving the workplace often means losing daily contact with colleagues who formed a big part of your social circle. To maintain a sense of connection and well-being, seek out opportunities to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones — whether through community groups, volunteering, or spending more time with friends and family. Creating a new social structure can help you stay engaged and supported as you navigate this next chapter.

By reflecting on these areas, you can approach retirement as a rewarding new phase — full of growth, connection, and discovery.

Retirement might mean closing the door on your career, but it opens a whole new world of opportunities to explore interests, rediscover old hobbies, and try things you may never have had time for before. Engaging in activities you enjoy not only brings joy and fulfillment, but also supports your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Whether you already have favorite pastimes or are looking to expand your horizons, there are countless options to explore.

Stay Active and Engaged

Staying active — physically, mentally, and socially — can boost your mood, sharpen your mind, and even support better long-term health. Many activities, including hobbies, can be enjoyed solo or with loved ones, making them a great way to strengthen relationships and build new friendships. They also help ease the transition from work to retirement, providing structure, purpose, and a sense of accomplishment.

Ideas to Get Started:

• Explore creative outlets: Painting, photography, writing, or music lessons can provide a sense of achievement and a way to express yourself.
• Keep moving: Try walking, gardening, yoga, pickleball, or dance classes to keep your body moving and your spirits high.
• Stimulate your mind: Join a book club, learn a new language, solve puzzles, or research your family history through genealogy.
• Give back: Volunteering or mentoring lets you share your skills and experience, helping others while enriching your own life.
• Connect with others: Join local clubs, community groups, or online meetups to meet like-minded people and expand your social circle.

Retirement is your time to explore what brings you happiness. Whether you’re nurturing lifelong passions or discovering new ones, these activities can help you stay energized, connected, and ready to embrace all the possibilities this new stage has to offer.

Strong social connections are key to a happier, healthier, and even longer life — especially as you enter retirement. Whether you’re finding new friends or reconnecting with old ones, building your community can help reduce stress, boost your mood, and provide a sense of purpose as you transition into retirement.

Staying socially connected has benefits:

• Better health: Close relationships can strengthen your immune system, speed up recovery from illness, and lower your risk of high blood pressure, depression, and even dementia.
• More motivation: Friends and loved ones can inspire you to stay active and try new things.
• Emotional well-being: Social connections help you manage stress, overcome loneliness, and find fulfillment.

Simple ways to stay connected:

• Join or start a walking group, club, or class that interests you.
• Volunteer for causes you care about.
• Attend local events, festivals, or community gatherings.
• Reach out to old friends or spend more quality time with family and loved ones.

It’s never too late to find your people — whether through social media, community groups, or volunteering. Even small, everyday interactions like listening, laughing, and sharing can make a big difference in your well-being. Investing in relationships now helps you stay active, resilient, and fulfilled.

Retirement brings a new set of changes — shifts in daily routine, relationships, and personal goals. It’s natural to feel uncertain at times, but this stage of life is also a unique opportunity to turn change into growth. By adopting a “growth mindset,” you can transform new experiences and challenges into sources of fulfillment and joy.

What is a Growth Mindset?

A growth mindset means viewing change as a chance to learn and improve, rather than something to fear. It’s about seeing every experience — even setbacks — as an opportunity to adapt, grow, and discover new strengths.

How to thrive in retirement:

• Stay open-minded: Embrace new activities, friendships, and routines with curiosity. Every day can bring fresh opportunities and rewarding experiences.
• Focus on the positive: Look for the benefits and lessons in each new situation. Focusing on what you can gain helps you move forward with optimism.
• Build resilience: Strengthen your ability to bounce back from life’s ups and downs. Practices like mindfulness and gratitude can help you stay grounded and enjoy the present moment.

By nurturing these habits, you can make the most of retirement — turning transitions into opportunities for personal growth, connection, and a truly rewarding next chapter.

Retirement is more than the end of a career — it’s the start of a new chapter. As you step away from work, you may find yourself asking, “Who am I now?” This is a natural part of the transition. Many of us dream about retirement as a time to travel, spend more time with loved ones, enjoy hobbies, or simply relax. While we often plan carefully for the financial side, we sometimes overlook the emotional changes that come with leaving work behind.

As you approach retirement, keeping your mind active and adaptable is key to embracing this new chapter with confidence, curiosity, and a sense of purpose.

• Explore new interests: Use retirement as an opportunity to try new hobbies or revisit passions you may have set aside, helping you uncover what truly excites and fulfills you.
• Reflect on your values: Take time to consider what matters most to you now, beyond your career, and align your activities and goals with those values.
• Build meaningful connections: Strengthen relationships and seek out new social circles that support your evolving identity and provide a sense of belonging.

Remember, retirement is your chance to redefine yourself and create a life that feels truly fulfilling.

Retirement is often pictured as a time of relaxation and freedom, but many people find themselves facing unexpected stress and emotional challenges as they adjust to this big life change. Without the structure of work and the daily routines you’ve known for years, it’s normal to feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or even a bit lost. Finding ways to nurture your emotional well-being and manage stress is key to embracing this new chapter with confidence and fulfillment.

• Stay socially connected: Engage in part-time work, volunteer, or join community groups to reduce isolation and boost emotional health.
• Engage in meaningful activities: Pursue hobbies or causes that bring joy and a sense of purpose.
• Prioritize physical activity: Exercise reduces anxiety and stress while increasing energy and resilience.
• Establish comforting routines: A daily rhythm — even a flexible one — can provide stability and reduce feelings of uncertainty.
• Practice mindfulness and self-compassion: Techniques like meditation and deep breathing help manage emotional ups and downs.
• Make self-care a priority:
  • Keep up with regular health check-ups and maintain open communication with healthcare providers.
  • Prioritize rest and nourishment by aiming for 7–9 hours of quality sleep and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Review the latest information on sleep disorders, the top 10 sleep myths, and tips for getting a good night sleep.
  • Set boundaries to protect your energy and say no to draining commitments.
  • Take breaks and practice gratitude daily to build optimism and resilience.
• Know when to seek support: Stay connected with loved ones, and if stress or anxiety become overwhelming, reach out for professional help.

ZOLL offers free support through Healthy Hearts! Healthy You! and Modern Health for all current ZOLL employees. Review the support resources at the bottom of the page.

As we age, it’s natural for our cognitive abilities to experience some decline. Things like memory, processing speed, and problem-solving can slow down. Retirement often brings a welcome break from work responsibilities, but it can also mean less mental stimulation and fewer daily challenges that once kept our brains sharp. Without the regular “workout” that comes from professional demands, it’s easy for mental agility to diminish faster than expected.

That’s why it’s essential to treat your brain like a muscle: it needs consistent exercise to stay strong, flexible, and healthy. Maintaining mental agility not only helps you adapt to the changes that retirement brings but also supports your overall quality of life by reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

Ways to Boost Your Brain Power

• Exercise regularly: Physical activity supports brain health and lowers the risk of mental decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Get plenty of sleep: Sleep helps clear toxins from the brain and consolidates memories, supporting overall cognitive function.
• Eat a healthy diet: Focus on plant-based foods, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats like olive oil while limiting red meat and salt.
• Stay mentally active: Challenge your brain with puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or playing games that require strategy.
• Remain socially involved: Social connections help ward off depression and stress, both of which can impair memory.
• Keep your blood vessels healthy: Regularly monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol to maintain heart and brain health.
• Have a laugh: Laughter engages multiple brain regions, boosting creativity, learning, and memory.

Engaging your mind through new learning, problem-solving, social interaction, and creative activities can keep your brain resilient and ready to enjoy all the opportunities this new chapter offers.
 
ZOLL offers free support through Healthy Hearts! Healthy You! and Modern Health for all current ZOLL employees. Review the support resources at the bottom of the page.

Your ZOLL benefits include free resources designed to help you navigate life’s challenges, manage stress, set meaningful goals, and build confidence in your daily decisions. Before you retire, take advantage of these tools to support your well-being and empower your journey every step of the way.

Modern Health

Before you retire, take advantage of your mental wellness benefit from Modern Health, which offers you and your dependents access to personalized one-on-one, group, and self-serve resources for your well-being, so that you can be the best version of yourself — at home, at work, and in your relationships. Modern Health coaches can help you manage a wide range of situations that may come your way, including stress, relationships, parenting, personal growth, financial well-being, and professional development, among many others. Should you need additional support, licensed professionals are available to assist one-on-one with more serious concerns such as depression and anxiety.

Healthy Hearts! Healthy You!

All current ZOLL employees have access to our free wellness program, Healthy Hearts! Healthy You!, designed to give you an accurate picture of your current health and provide you with a roadmap for how to maintain or improve your well-being. You can participate in free health coaching, take a Home Sleep Apnea Test, and access personalized support to meet your wellness goals. You do not need to be enrolled in a ZOLL medical plan to participate. All ZOLL full-time employees (30+ hours per week) and spouses are eligible to participate in the program and earn rewards. In addition, by participating in and meeting the requirements, you and your spouse could each earn points toward an annual reward of $500.