Retirement is a time many people look forward to during their working lives. One of the key goals while working and investing, people commonly frame retirement as a time for relaxation and leisure, enjoying the rewards of a thriving career and family life.
Some workers, though, feel anxiety about retirement. They focus on it being the end of something, worrying that their lives might lose ground without the comfortable routines of work and domestic life. Laura Kuntz shares, “Retirement can feel like stepping off a cliff, both financially and personally, without knowing there is a step there. A big part of our role is helping people clearly see and experience that step, so that they have confidence that the next stage of their life will be what they want it to be.”
While such feelings are understandable, they’re also addressable. Those exiting the workforce can generate direction and goals in retirement, identifying their reasons for being and turning them into action. Laura adds, “If you only get 50% of the way there toward envisioning your retirement day-to-day life, that generally is close enough. The rest will fill itself in.”
Here are some ideas and options to think about for finding purpose, health, and positive reinforcement during retirement.
Finding Purpose in Retirement
A common fear surrounding retirement is losing one’s purpose. This mindset can make retirement feel similar to a divorce or even a death—something is about to end—and a feeling of loss can take precedence.
However, there are crucial differences. Retirement is typically something people plan for and can be viewed as a liberating time to choose your own adventure, building connections with family and community, strengthening oneself, and embracing new possibilities. It’s also a great time to get reacquainted with loved ones, as older adults are often respected for their insight and experience, with more time to develop these qualities and relationships.
Volunteering is a popular and beneficial way to establish a purposeful existence. Tutoring, mentoring, working with animal shelters or food banks, and offering a helping hand at museums and community centers are just a few ways to gain connection and purpose.
One of the biggest lures of retirement is the freedom to pursue your passions and interests. Participating in creative arts, traveling, collecting, and learning new skills like cooking or computing are accessible activities that can generate a sense of meaning and independence in retirement.
“Sometimes coming up with a retirement “purpose,” can feel like such a high bar — it can feel overwhelming. Narrowing your focus to what is meaningful to you today, and then reaching out just a little can be a good way to start. You can always go further with what feels right,” shares Laura.
Staying Healthy
Health is a primary concern for most people, but especially retirees. It’s vital to stay healthy through regular exercise, preventive care, meal planning, and occasional checkups. Making adjustments to your routine is part of developing a healthy lifestyle in retirement.
This goes for mental health as well as physical. Forming social connections, experiencing new cultures, and practicing meditation or deep breathing can enhance mental acuity and aid in stress management. They work as hedges for the feelings of isolation some retirees fear.
Developing a New Sense of Identity
Rather than picturing retirement as the cessation of a career and a certain lifestyle and activities, it’s better to take it as an opportunity to redefine your identity. Many of the activities discussed here can provide the means for doing so.
This initiative involves stepping outside of your comfort zone. Retirees have the privilege of experiencing new activities and perceptions, bringing about meaning that wasn’t always accessible during their working lives. Retirement offers these opportunities for deep personal growth.
Whether it’s learning a new language, traveling to a foreign country, volunteering, or simply meeting new people, the chance to gain a better sense of self is one of the most valuable and attractive aspects of retirement.
Making Smarter Retirement Plans
Bringing purpose and enthusiasm to retirement is just as important as being financially independent. As you approach retirement age, it’s always a good idea to think about how it can be a transformative time.
Laurel Wealth Planning offers financial advice and perspectives to help you enjoy the fruits of retirement. To find out more about how they can help, schedule a complimentary meeting online or call 1-877-212-6700.
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The forgoing content was prepared by Indigo Marketing Agency with verbiage, opinions and/or financial commentary input provided by Laurel Wealth Planning.
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Laura, the founder of LWP, is a Senior Wealth Manager, Chief Investment Officer and Shareholder. She has a master’s degree in tax and is an excellent listener. While she is a sophisticated financial planner with experience in complex issues, her priority is ensuring a financial plan works for people.
