Editorial

The 2019 Amusement Expo has just concluded in Las Vegas, and once again, some of the familiar faces I’ve known over the years weren’t there. I’ve known a lot of people who came into this business, spent their allotted time in it and then moved on to different pastures. So, this month, I’m going to talk to the guys and gals who are kicking back or even retiring from Coin-Op.

I myself came into the business in my mid-20s and will hit the big 8-0 this May. So, as you can imagine, I’ve seen a ton of people come and go during all that time. One of my oldest friends has been Al Kress, now semi-retired down in Florida, who’s run all the bases in Coin-Op during his lifetime. (He’s been an operator, a distributor, a manufacturer and even president of the AAMA.) Al recently forwarded on a laundry list of advice for seniors which readers like us should find useful. I’ll paraphrase some of the better thoughts from that list…an A to G for the aging (ouch!):

A) It’s time to start spending some of that hard-earned money you stockpiled by fixing machines on your knees in smelly bars. But, it’s not a good time for making new investments. Don’t buy problems when you should be enjoying some peace and quiet.

B) Do some moderate exercise every day, eat well and get your sleep. Keep yourself in good shape while keeping in touch with your doctor. Apparently, it gets harder to stay healthy during these “golden years.”

C) A key goal is to enjoy your money with your life partner. Buy her or him beautiful things, and regardless of age, keep love alive. Love your partner, love your family, love life. And spend your time with positive, cheerful people. Their attitude will rub off on you.

D) Always stay up to date by reading the papers and watching the news. Make sure you have an active email account and get your feet wet in social media. By any means, keep some of the better relationships you made during your years in the business up-to-speed by contacting those folks and saying “wassup?” from time to time.

E) Don’t abandon your hobbies…be they golf, fishing, traveling or whatever. No hobbies? Get some. Hiking, cooking, reading, or doing something really worthwhile like volunteering at a homeless shelter or teaching a small business class at your local college.

F) Never surrender to the temptation of living with your children or grandchildren, provided you have a financial choice in the matter. They need their space and you need yours. If you’ve lost your partner, go out and find another whose company you enjoy, and unless you like your privacy, never live alone.

G) If you have a strong belief, savor it. But don’t waste your time trying to convince others. They will make their own choices no matter what you tell them, and it will only bring you frustration. Live your faith and set an example. Be true to your beliefs. (Thanks, Al!)