Preparing for a Satisfying Retirement

Retirement from the workforce is a relatively newly developed life transition in our society arising only within the 20th century. The age for retirement has also been decreasing in recent years. Individuals are encouraged to start planning early for their retirement and are enticed by ads to retire at an early age. The majority of the planning that occurs, however, revolves around ensuring that future financial needs are met. Little attention is paid to preparing for the emotional/psychological effects of making this major life transition.

Historically elders were considered to have wisdom, insight, knowledge, and skills. They were productive, and considered to be making a contribution. During the 20th century retirees have been marginalized and devalued. How we perceive this change in our lives affects our ability to cope with the change and gain satisfaction and fulfillment from it. Use of the word retire is somewhat unfortunate as it is defined as a withdrawal from work life, a removal from service, or to be taken out of circulation. Individuals may choose to view this life transition as a graduation (a division into marked intervals and successful completion of a task or phase), a renaissance (a time of revived artistic or intellectual enthusiasm or achievement), freedom (a release from restraints and exemption from onerous or unpleasant conditions), or as a rite of passage.

As we negotiate each of life's major transitions, we revisit the question of identity. Who am I? What do I do now? How do I define myself? On what do I base my self-esteem? As employed individuals we had status. Our employment gave us a title, respect, responsibilities and a role in life. Our identities are also defined by our personal relationships. We may be parents, grandparents, friends, participants, or mentors, for example. We also define ourselves through our achievements at work, at home, and in our communities. When we retire we may feel a loss of part of our identity.

Employment also serves as a vehicle for meeting a number of our needs. Certainly, it provides us with a role and status, but may also give us public visibility. We may meet some of our social needs through work as well as gaining a sense of accomplishment through our achievements. Work also aids us in structuring our days, providing a routine that gives a sense of stability and predictability. Some jobs entail physical activity and work supplies us with an income and a lifestyle. Many individuals derive meaning and purpose from their work. When we retire, these needs will no longer be met through our work activities.

In making the transition from worker to retiree we question what the future may hold. It is important to look at our expectations and desires in a number of areas. We will need to engage in activities to occupy our time and meet the needs that are no longer met through work. We need to address changes in our significant relationships. Spouses who have been very independent while in the workforce may have difficulty adjusting to being together all the time. They may need to increase negotiation around shared and separate activities. Some individuals may experience a sense that their freedom has been reduced. Some feelings of disorientation may arise with a loss of time commitments and routine. Physical health issues may arise with our advancing age. We also need to prepare for and deal with future losses. We can, however, also look at the opportunities that may now have come available to us. We need to explore what will give meaning and purpose to our lives.

Acknowledging that we have sustained losses when we leave our jobs is important. We need to grieve those losses and accept that it is normal to experience this grief. Kubler-Ross has identified the stages of grief as denial, anger, sadness, bargaining, and acceptance. Once we have grieved the losses we can look at how some of them can be replaced. In order to replace them, we must first identify our needs.

In preparing for a satisfying future we need to choose a positive attitude toward this transition. We need to grieve losses and identify needs and means of meeting them. It is also important to stay active physically, socially, and mentally. Varying activities and contacts aids in reducing dependency on limited interests and people. It is important to restructure priorities around what is important to us and remain open to opportunities. Individuals may wish to revisit childhood dreams and access their potential. We need to find purpose and meaning in our lives.

Preparation for retirement requires more than checking the finances. We need to prepare psychologically for a major life adjustment. Consideration of our current state, our past, and our future is important in negotiating this transition in a healthy manner. If circumstances allow, gradual change can assist in making the transition a smooth one. In preparing to retire it is important to personally address the following questions:

• How do I view retirement? Is it an ending or a beginning? Is it a withdrawal or an opportunity?

• Who am I now? What is my identity? What will it be? From what do I derive my self-esteem? What is important to me?

• What do I expect in my retirement? What will I do? Who will I see? How will I structure my time? How will I cope with physical health issues and other changes and losses? What will give meaning to my life?

• What needs are being met through my current employment? I need to grieve those losses, but how many can I replace and in what manner? How will I keep myself active physically, socially and mentally?

• Is my spouse/significant other facing the same challenges at this time? How will we cope with any differences? How will we negotiate solutions to anticipated changes in our lifestyle and routines?

Self-exploration, planning, and communication are the keys to successful transitioning. Best wishes for a healthy, happy renaissance.