Volume 14, Number 6: November 2006
ADVANTAGE PRIME TIME
Specifically for Seniors
Retirement: Now What?
When you're looking forward to retirement, the answer to that question seems a no-brainer: relaxing and doing x, y, and z that you never had enough time for.
When you're in retirement, the question is often weightier than expected. Even energetic and active people, after a time, can find the transition from work to retirement trying-even depressing.
Get busy! is the right advice, but you may need help with how and even why.
IDENTITY AND CONNECTION. A retired teacher fills time with exercising, woodworking, and church but finds he misses helping children. A staff director enjoys her book club but misses solving problems. Work, even when you're ready to leave it, has provided identity, confidence, relationships, and purpose . . . for decades. Sometimes retirees, even busy ones, may feel an undefined lack.
WIDE OPEN OPPORTUNITY. Here are useful steps when facing the wonderful 'problem' of more open time in your life.
- Make a wish list. Is there something you've always wanted to do-learn a language, build a table? Were you frustrated by too little time for reading, gardening, environmental causes?
- Define your needs. Maybe you'll never feel bored or unfulfilled, but if you should, specify what you miss: the outdoors, helping others, daily social interaction, working with your hands?
- Find solutions (and say yes). Now look around for opportunities to fulfill your 'wishes.' They're out there. Also, accept invitations that come to you. Maybe you never thought about ballroom dancing. If asked, try it! You may love it, and if not, what have you lost? Here are many possibilities for a healthy, vibrant retirement. Whatever you choose, remember the importance of friendships and social connection.
- exercise regularly at something you enjoy, from walking to yoga
- take classes or go back to school
- volunteer for something you care about
- work part-time or start your own business
- join a club or group
- get a pet