Chatting with Ulrike von der Groeben: Pondering Her Afterlife Plans
Contemplating Arrangements for Her Own Final Farewell - Pondering Over Precise Funeral Arrangements
"I think it's essential to have everything settled just in case": Ulrike von der Groeben (68), talking to spot on news about death, discusses her thoughts on mortality. In an interview about her book "Freedom Begins Now!" (ZS Verlag, releases 7.5.) - a mix of autobiography and retirement guide featuring expert conversations and tips - she also reveals what life looks like post-career. The moderator was a sports expert at "RTL aktuell" for 35 years until 2024.
Were you always a fitness enthusiast? Has sport taken a bigger role in your life now that you're not working?
Ulrike von der Groeben: I've no plans to alter my running routine, which consists of three days a week. I also intend to have at least two weekly strength-training sessions, usually at-home workouts with dumbbells. As you age, Pilates alone isn't enough; a bit of strength training is necessary to stay fit. I genuinely enjoy it and am considering expanding my workout regimen now - since I finally have the time for it. Exercise is fun, maintains my health, and boosts my mood. If wrinkles are appearing, at least the rest of me should stay in shape.
How have long COVID symptoms affected you? Are you still experiencing them?
Ulrike von der Groeben: I'm hopeful that the symptoms will eventually disappear completely. Gradually, I'm seeing improvement. Initially, running was quite challenging; I couldn't even jog slowly at first – it was a struggle. That really irked and bothered me. Yet, when I consider how victims of long COVID suffer, I'm grateful for my progress. Currently, I'm feeling quite well, almost back to my pre-illness state.
How has your relationship with your husband Alexander von der Groeben evolved since your retirement?
Ulrike von der Groeben: Surprisingly, not much has changed. My husband is still a commentator and theater player. He continues his daily gym visits like before. Our routines are essentially the same: We have breakfast together post-workout in the late morning, as we did previously. The only difference is that we now eat dinner a bit earlier. And if I have free time and desire, I experiment with cooking and try new recipes.
In "Freedom Begins Now!", you reveal your wish for cremation, but you haven't made a living will or a will yet. Will you tackle that now?
Ulrike von der Groeben: It's not that I fear the topic or don't wish to address it. It's more like many other things that we put off – I often tell myself, "I'll do it when I have time." And then I'd rather go outside – that's more enjoyable than thinking about a living will.
To what extent do you contemplate the topic of death?
Ulrike von der Groeben: Death has become more present in recent times – unfortunately, due to losses in our group, including some younger ones. My parents also passed away at relatively young ages: my mother shortly after turning 60, my father in his mid-70s. In our family, it seems that hardly anyone lives to a ripe old age – I never met my grandparents, for example. But we lead healthy lives: we exercise regularly and watch our diets without being overly strict.
I find it crucial, however, that all arrangements are in order just in case - expressing the wish for cremation isn't sufficient. One ought to also decide what should be done with the ashes. I've even pondered the music for my own funeral, the songs that should play. It's important to me to spare my children the burden of deciding what would suit me best – I can inform them or write it down.
In hindsight, what advice would you offer others for navigating the transition into retirement?
Ulrike von der Groeben: I'd advise everyone to seriously consider what truly matters to them – both now and in the future. What does one need for a fulfilling life, and what does one's partner desire? How do we envision our retirement, and how much money do we require for it? Clarifying these matters early on is beneficial – not just financially: Those who aim to embark on numerous adventures and travel during retirement should also prioritize their physical fitness or become familiar with digital media for effortless trip planning. To summarize: Ask yourself what truly matters to you – and then take active steps towards achieving that, so that retirement becomes the cherished phase of life you've dreamt of.
Are there any dreams you'd like to fulfill now, post-book project?
Ulrike von der Groeben: Not really. Through the writing process, I've pondered many of the same questions I pose to my readers – and discovered with my husband that we don't have any unfulfilled, significant dreams. However, there's one of my husband's wishes we'd like to pursue now: He has always dreamed of living on a houseboat someday. We won't make the leap to that extent, but we do aim to rent a houseboat for a few weeks soon – likely in Holland, where our small sailboat is also docked. We'll see how we like waterfront living then.
- Despite being unsure about some aspects, Ulrike von der Groeben plans to maintain her exercise routine, which includes running three days a week, strength training, and Pilates, as a means to boost her mental health, mood, and overall fitness.
- Ulrike von der Groeben has experienced long COVID symptoms, but she has hope that they will eventually disappear, revealing her determination to recover and maintain her health.
- In her post-career life, Ulrike von der Groeben's relationship with her husband has remained steady, with their routines largely unchanged and her husband still maintaining his fitness and theater commitments.
- Ulrike von der Groeben acknowledges the importance of having her arrangements in order, such as making a living will and deciding what to do with her ashes, but she finds it challenging to tackle these matters, preferring to engage in other activities instead.
- Ulrike von der Groeben contemplates the topic of death more in recent times due to personal losses and her family history, and she encourages others to plan for their retirement by considering what truly matters to them and taking active steps to achieve a fulfilling life during this phase.
- Although Ulrike von der Groeben and her husband do not have any significant dreams left unfulfilled, they aim to realize one of her husband's wishes by renting a houseboat for a few weeks, in hopes of experiencing waterfront living and exploring the possibility of a more permanent arrangement in the future.
