What Does Retirement Mean to You?

What Does Retirement Mean to You?

Scientist are sending astronauts and robotic cargo ships to the moon as part of a broader push to prioritize human spaceflight. Yet, some are defining retirement in old ways! What does retirement mean to you?

Old views of retirement consider it to be the resignation, sometimes mandatory, from a long-term employer at about 65. This age was set by German Chancellor Otto von Bismark in the late 1880s.

Nowadays, people are living longer and have better health at older ages than they did in Bismark’s times. We have gained 25 years of life since 1900, and research show that we have many creative and productive years ahead!

Fortunately, baby boomers, the demographic group born during the Post-World War 11 baby boom (approximately between the years 1946 and 1964), are redefining traditional views of retirement.

Roughly 44 million boomers in the United States are now 65 years or older. By 2050, the US Census Bureau expects that figure to double as the largest generation in American history lives longer than any before it.

Some boomers are looking forward to their retirement adventure when they continue to pursue paid or unpaid activities that give them purpose, direction, and satisfaction. As a group, baby boomers are the wealthiest, most active, and most physically fit generation in their era.

Unfortunately, research suggest many adults are not prepared for their golden years. Current economic and social welfare systems do not meet the demands and expectations of older adults, and many adults don’t assume responsibility for their later years.

Create desired lifestyle

Take the necessary precautions to ensure you can continue to do as you wish throughout life. If you manage your health, mental and financial issues you can create your desired future. You can convince others to hire you full-or part-time, study, travel, establish your own business, restructure or modify your current position, do volunteer work or pursue leisure activities that give you feelings of accomplishment and confidence.

Mary, a computer systems analyst, took early retirement from her software company at 50 to pursue her dream of being a chef. A growing segment of the work force, like Mary, is retiring from their job five to 15 years earlier than tradition dictates to pursue new lifestyle options. Mary’s company reduced costs by offering an attractive early retirement package.

A number of boomers are entrepreneurs. Matt, a dermatologist, is expanding his practice to several locations in California. By hiring competent assistants, he has time and money for exotic vacations.

Travis and Martha have another option. Research the lifestyle before making investments. For example, rent a small van and take a few short trips with a compatible partner. If you want to combine study with travel, investigate Road Scholar, an educational organization that offers inexpensive short-term academic programs, combined with international travel.

Thousands of adults return to school to discover they are excellent students. Many mature adults share classrooms with students fresh out of high school. Don, an athletic coach, returned to school at 65 to pursue a degree in Latin.

Some mature women enter the work force for the first time. Ethel, widowed at 60 with a house mortgage, turned her crisis into an opportunity to pursue her writing dream. She has a column and hosts a radio program dealing with seniors’ issues.

Volunteer work makes many adults feel good. It gives them a sense of purpose and helps them develop interests and friendships. Local newspapers and the Internet list community organizations that require help.

See yourself as someone who has choices, takes action and operates from a position of inner strength. Many outstanding people did not reach their prime until long after 60. Grandma Moses was painting at 91, and Dr. Ephraim Engleman, a San Francisco rheumatologist and University of California professor, practiced medicine until his death at 104!

Retirement can mean continuing growth and revitalization. It’s never too late to pursue your dream. What do you want to be doing when you are in your 90s?

Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life gives additional tips for creating and living your desired lifelong career! https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Check audible Questers: https://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

Author bio: Dr. Carole Kanchier, registered psychologist, coach, educator, speaker, and author of award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, and forthcoming Arouse the Force Within You, helps individuals and organizations manage lifelong career decision making: www.questersdaretochange.com. https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963.

Dr. Kanchier is available for keynotes and consultations.

carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; http://www.questersdaretochange.com/blog