Did you happen to watch Beetlejuice 2 yet? I have three even scarier words – retirement, retirement, retirement! That’s right folks, hanging up the gloves, a supposedly blissful time can feel more daunting than relaxing. According to Paul Long’s article “Retirement Isn’t All It’s Cracked Up to Be,” retirement ranks #10 on the Holmes & Rahe Stress Scale. In fact, 20 of the 43 most stressful life events happen during these later years.
The problem? Many people plan for their career but forget to plan for what comes after. We’re used to preparing for transitions like school, college, and work, but few of us receive guidance on how to navigate life after our career ends. Without preparation, retirement can feel like diving into unknown waters, leaving people overwhelmed and struggling with issues like identity loss, boredom, and lack of purpose.
Mindset Is Key
Shifting your mindset can make a world of difference. Dr. Becca Levy, a Yale psychologist, found that people who maintain a positive outlook on aging tend to live 7.5 years longer than those who don’t—more than quitting smoking or starting to exercise!
But how do you adopt a positive mindset about retirement?
Identify Where Your Beliefs Come From: Society often portrays aging negatively. Pay attention to birthday or retirement cards—they’re often laced with ageism disguised as humor. Awareness is the first step toward change.
Find Inspiring Role Models: Look for five older individuals who live fulfilling, active retirements. What are they doing that appeals to you? Have open, meaningful conversations about the lifestyle you want, with those that are living it.
Embrace Optimism, Not Forced Positivity: Acknowledge challenges honestly but maintain a hopeful outlook. As Dr. Levy puts it, wisdom can be more valuable than youthful physical abilities.
Challenge Fears About Aging: Question stereotypes that glorify youth. Push back on the belief that older means invisible or – for lack of better words – weak & incapable.
Celebrate the Freedom of Retirement: Retirement offers flexibility and emotional well-being that often increases with age. There was a time to plant the seed. A time to water the plant. But now it is your time to finally enjoy the fruits of your labour guilt-free.
It’s time for mornings without alarms, afternoons without meetings, and adventures without limits. May your days be filled with new passions, rediscovered hobbies, and time spent with the people and things that bring you the most happiness. Cheers to making the rest of life the best of life!
