Steps to take to ensure a happy, productive, memorable and purposeful retirement
The bottom line is that people who desire a long and engaging life, need something that gives their lives meaning and purpose. Remove that purpose and engagement, and their lives enter a slow decline of mental ability.
“By age 50, the greatest determinant of whether a person would live to 80 and be healthy was the quality of the person’s relationships,” said Dr. Waldinger.
The average 75-year-old will spend 69.75 years living in a little compartment, but only five years outside in the dazzling, living world. It’s a catastrophe, the final nail in the coffin for the human soul.
“If we’re not in service to other people, what are we doing?” Allen asked. “Why did we get sold on: ‘Amass enough money so you can sit on your ass for 30 years?’”
“Optimists have fewer physical and emotional difficulties, experience less pain, enjoy higher energy levels and are generally happier and calmer in their lives,” said Dr. Small.
Melody outlined what she thinks are four foundational habits to help women remain joyful and steadfast in their twilight years.
“The transition from working to not working can often lead to feelings of being lost or lonely as you adjust to new routines and you may be feeling that you no longer have a purpose without your former career goals,” wrote Andrew.
Many people embrace certain myths about retirement which work to prevent them from making the most of the experience. Let’s explore a few of those myths.
Be honest with yourself. How has God figuratively tapped you on the shoulder and offered an opportunity to do a very special thing, unique to you and fitted to your talents and desires?
When our work has no purpose, then it’s hard to go through the motions to complete mundane tasks. Boredom with our jobs and bitterness at being controlled is what makes retirement so attractive.