“Preparation for old age should begin not later than one’s teens. A life which is empty of purpose until 65 will not suddenly become filled on retirement.” – Arthur E. Morgan
Working provides people with a purpose, and retirement needs a purpose, too. We believe that it is essential to have purpose during your retirement years.
Warning: retirement without purpose may put your life in jeopardy. We have all heard about the seemingly healthy guy who retires and shockingly dies the next year. Work provided him with a purpose, and retirement needed a purpose beyond watching T.V. all day.
Living your retirement with purpose can help to resolve both personal and financial issues that are common among retirees. Having purpose can help you replace your work-related identity and have some other nice benefits as well, such as helping you to remain socially connected and mentally sharp. In some cases, it can even help you stay in good health.
Any purpose that gives you a reason to wake up ready to start the day motivated and excited, rather than bored and lethargic seems to work. Find something that makes you joyful.
Finding purpose in retirement can be daunting. Is there something that provides you with timeless, tireless, and contagious energy? Is it volunteering with kids or animals, staying physically fit, or writing short stories? If you need help finding purpose, there are a number of good books on the topic including What Color is My Parachute? For Retirement by John Nelson.
What will your ultimate purpose in your retirement years be?
