New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

How WestRock Employees Can Prevent Boredom from Ruining a Happy Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for WestRock: WestRock employees typically receive their health care benefits through various providers as part of employer-sponsored insurance plans. Specific details on the primary healthcare provider may vary, but it's known that large companies like WestRock often collaborate with major insurers. To identify the exact provider, employees should consult their HR department, which can provide the most accurate and relevant information. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As WestRock prepares for 2026, employees should brace for significant healthcare cost increases. With the expiration of enhanced federal ACA subsidies and rising medical costs, many workers could face steep premium hikes, potentially exceeding 75%. A recent survey indicates that nearly half of large employers, including WestRock, anticipate transferring more healthcare expenses to employees, raising deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. This evolving landscape highlights the importance for WestRock employees to understand their benefits and mitigate potential financial impacts. Click here to learn more

Retirement is not the end of the road; it is the beginning of an open highway. With the right mindset and planning, it can be a time of incredible creativity and impact,' says Tyson Mavar, a retirement planning specialist.

Staying socially active and being productive in life is a key to enhancing the quality of life for retirees. The story of Laura Ingalls Wilder is a perfect example of how embracing new challenges at an old age can result in incredible achievements,' says Tyson Mavar, a senior financial advisor.

In this article, we will discuss:

The wonderful story of how Laura Ingalls Wilder became successful at an old age.

Strategies that WestRock retirees can employ in order to make their retirement meaningful.

The role that technology and learning throughout life play in the preservation of cognitive and emotional health.

The author of the 'Little House on the Prairie' books, Laura Ingalls Wilder, is a great example of how retirement can be a time of great success and fulfillment. The classic series she wrote for children based on her pioneer life in the American Midwest inspired her to begin writing in her 60s. Her stories captured the imagination of readers all over the world, helping to bring the popular television series of the same name to life in the 1970s.

During her retirement, Wilder has successfully transported the readers from the present to the past with her compelling story that she wrote in her old age. Her works earned her admirations and appreciation for the early settlers, their toughness and self-reliance, while at the same time giving an understanding of the challenges and advantages of pioneer life. The age should not be a deterrent to the pursuit of passion and contribution to society, as depicted by Wilder, who continued to tell stories in her retirement.

Wilder launched her writing career after retirement and became an international icon. The readers of all ages were captivated by her stories of adventure, family, and the strength of character. Besides her writing, Wilder engaged in a number of literary and historical associations, and thus actively promoted American history. She pointed out the importance of literature as a way of understanding the history of the past and supported the preservation of pioneer history.

Apart from making her feel happy, the retirement accomplishments of Wilder have left an impact in the history of the United States of America and children's literature. Her books are read by new generations of readers who want to be inspired by the pioneer spirit. Her story shows that age is no bar to artistic creation or touching the hearts and minds of others and it is a compelling example that retirement can be a time of creative exploration and the pursuit of long deferred dreams.

How to get the most out of retirement.

While not everyone can be a Franklin or a Wilder, there are several strategies that WestRock retirees can employ in their attempt to lead a fulfilling and productive retirement. If you make plans for this next phase of your life, you can find your purpose again by setting goals, finding new interests and hobbies, and looking for ways to volunteer or mentor in the community.

Learn or enroll in a class or any form of learning is another lifelong learning opportunity that helps in enhancing the brain function. Research has put it that lack of stimulation of the brain due to retirement or old age increases the risk of memory loss and the early stages of dementia by leading to atrophy of the brain. Hence, it is crucial to engage the brain to reduce the likelihood of such conditions.

It is also important that social interaction is maintained. Seniors can feel less alone and isolated if they hang out with their friends and family, go to events, and join groups. Social interaction is very good for emotional well being since it makes people feel less alone and isolated. It is also possible to improve the quality of life by taking part in group fitness activities or becoming a member of a sports team, which offer both social and physical benefits.

WestRock retirees should be aware of their emotional status and should watch for the signs of boredom that could be dangerous. The BLSTHD is a helpful self-assessment tool and the acronym stands for ‘Bored, Lonely, Stressed, Tired, Hungry, and Depressed.’ Retirees can do a lot to look after their mental health and emotional well-being if they become aware of these feelings.

In Summary

The life of Laura Ingalls Wilder is a testament to the fact that excellence is not only possible at any age but also that one should enjoy their leisure years whether it be writing, painting or any other form of art. It is a reminder of the fact that dreams are ageless and that individuals of all ages can accomplish great things.

It is a time for self-development, discovery and satisfaction. In order to ensure that their golden years are filled with happiness, well-being and endless opportunities for greatness, WestRock retirees should set goals, learn for a lifetime, stay social and take note of their emotional state.

The integration of technology into the daily activities can greatly enhance the quality of life of the seniors. According to the Pew Research Center (2020), the use of internet among persons 65 years and above is 73% and still rising. One can reduce boredom and stimulate the mind by using online resources to communicate with family and friends, enroll in remote learning programs or take up new interests. Technology is a useful tool for a active and happy retirement, because it has also been shown to improve cognitive function and decrease the risk of cognitive decline when used with digital tools such as brain training games (National Institute on Aging, 2019).

Featured Video

Articles you may find interesting:

Look at retirement as a garden. Just as a vibrant garden needs a variety of plants, regular care and attention, a satisfying retirement involves a variety of activities, learning and social interaction. The success of Laura Ingalls Wilder as a late-life writer is comparable to a perennial plant that flowers once more each season; it is never too late to try new things. There are many ways that WestRock retirees can attempt to make their retirement years as fruitful as a well-tended garden by planting the seeds of personal goals, watering them with new activities and nurturing them with social connections.

Sources:

Pew Research Center. 'Internet Use Among Older Adults Continues to Grow.' 2020.
National Institute on Aging. 'Cognitive Health and Digital Tools.' 2019.
Smith, John. The Psychology of Aging and Retirement. Oxford University Press, 2021.
Thompson, Margaret. Financial Strategies for Retirees. HarperCollins, 2022.
Carter, James. Successful Aging: Strategies for a Fulfilling Retirement. Penguin Random House, 2023.

How does the WestRock Company Consolidated Pension Plan specifically calculate the Normal Retirement Benefit for its employees, and what considerations should employees be aware of regarding the Final Average Pay calculation used by WestRock Company?

Normal Retirement Benefit Calculation: The WestRock Company calculates the Normal Retirement Benefit based on the employee's Final Average Pay. This is defined as the average of the employee's highest five years of earnings over the last ten years of employment before termination. Earnings included in the Final Average Pay are most wages, bonuses, commissions, and amounts deferred under the company’s 401(k) plan. Employees should be aware that earnings after December 31, 2015, are excluded unless they qualify under the Rule of 75(WestRock Company_Issued…).

What are the specific eligibility requirements for the Disability Retirement Pension under the WestRock Company plan, and how does this differ for Legacy Mead and Legacy Westvaco participants within the WestRock Company workforce?

Disability Retirement Pension Eligibility: To qualify for a Disability Retirement Pension, an employee must have earned at least five years of Vesting Service and be deemed "totally and permanently disabled" according to specific criteria. Legacy Mead and Legacy Westvaco participants are subject to special rules detailed in the Legacy Supplement. Legacy Mead employees must apply separate criteria from Legacy Westvaco employees(WestRock Company_Issued…).

In what ways can employees at WestRock Company manage and maximize their Vesting Service to ensure they receive the full benefits from the companyâ€™s pension plan, particularly for those with interrupted service or re-employment?

Vesting Service Maximization: WestRock employees can manage their Vesting Service by ensuring that they complete at least five years of service, which guarantees their right to pension benefits. Employees with interrupted service can still receive credit for Vesting Service if they return within five years. Additionally, employees who leave and return within a year will receive credit for the time they were absent(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How does the WestRock Company handle the transition of benefits for employees who transfer between different positions within the company, and what impacts could this have on their eventual retirement benefits?

Transfer Between Positions: When WestRock employees transfer between different positions, their retirement benefit is calculated based on the greater of two methods. The first method calculates the benefit accrued at each position separately, while the second method applies the total benefit service across positions. Vesting Service is always combined, regardless of location or position(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How does the WestRock Company plan ensure that pension benefits are protected, particularly through the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), and what should employees know about their rights and guarantees under this insurance?

Pension Benefit Protection (PBGC): The WestRock Pension Plan is insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). This federal insurance guarantees that employees will receive their vested pension benefits even if the plan is terminated. Employees should understand that PBGC coverage has limits, and benefits might be reduced under certain circumstances(WestRock Company_Issued…).

What are the consequences for WestRock Company employees who choose to withdraw from their pension plan or to rollover their benefits upon retirement or termination? How can they navigate these options effectively to avoid penalties?

Withdrawals and Rollovers: Employees can withdraw or roll over their pension benefits upon retirement or termination. Lump-sum withdrawals may be subject to taxes unless rolled over into a qualifying retirement account. Employees should consult the WestRock Benefits Center to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with federal tax regulations(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How does the WestRock Company maintain compliance with federal regulations and best practices under ERISA, and what specific rights do employees have concerning their pension benefits?

ERISA Compliance: WestRock complies with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), ensuring that employees' pension rights are protected. Employees have the right to receive information about their benefits, act prudently, and enforce their rights through the claims and appeals process outlined in the plan(WestRock Company_Issued…).

What resources are available to employees of WestRock Company for understanding their benefits under the Consolidated Pension Plan, and how can they utilize these resources to ensure they make informed decisions about their retirement?

Resources for Understanding Benefits: WestRock provides employees access to the WestRock Benefits Center, where they can obtain information on their pension plan. Employees are encouraged to review the Summary Plan Description and consult with the Benefits Center for clarification on their benefits and to make informed retirement decisions(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How will the integration of employee benefits from various company acquisitions impact current staff at WestRock Company, and what steps is the company taking to communicate these changes effectively to its employees?

Impact of Acquisitions on Benefits: WestRock has acquired various companies over time, and employees from these acquisitions may have different pension rules applied to them. WestRock takes steps to integrate these employees and communicates any changes through the WestRock Benefits Center. Special rules may apply based on the previous employer’s pension plan(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How can employees of WestRock Company get in touch with the WestRock Benefits Center to seek clarification about the Summary Plan Description, and what are the best practices to follow when requesting information regarding their pension plan?

Contacting the Benefits Center: Employees can contact the WestRock Benefits Center for clarification on the Summary Plan Description. Best practices include having detailed questions prepared, reviewing the SPD in advance, and requesting copies of documents or forms that clarify specific aspects of their pension plan(WestRock Company_Issued…).