The previous articles in this series discussed the first three stages of retirement. The first of these stages is “gearing up.” The second is the “cheering” phase, enjoying the first blush of hew retirement. Then comes the third “fearing” stage, wondering if we might have retired too early. This article covers the fourth stage, the “reengineering” retirement step.
Fortunately, the letdown phase of retirement doesn’t last forever. Retirees begin to get comfortable with the parameters of their new circumstances and navigate their lives accordingly. This is easily the most difficult stage in the retirement process and takes both time and conscious effort to succeed.
The fourth retirement stage may start 15 years or more after the start of your retirement. A time to reengineer retirement and prioritize simplifying your life. Retirees approaching 80 will have figured out many of the ups and downs they faced at the beginning of retirement. This contentment in their retirement hopefully means less depression and anxiety while doing things that make them feel fulfilled.
Have you thought about it how your retirement will be in 15 or 20 years? Is your current retirement plan putting you on track for this final transition?
Reengineering Your Health
Though this may be a time of a more relaxing lifestyle it may also be a time when health conditions become more prevalent. More time will focus on maintaining health and independence.
Regular checkups with medical professionals are necessary. Your physician can help you guard against a heart attack, stroke. They can also be in the watch for depression or loneliness issues. Timely shots can prevent you from flu, shingles, and other diseases. Eye care, dental care and preventative tests can give you the best chance of staying healthy and maintaining independence.
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. (C. S. Lewis)
Now is the time to down size, consolidate and make your family aware of your final wishes. This step will take away stress and take a huge burden off your family.
Rediscover Your Purpose
At the beginning of our first discussion we discussed how retirement was an ever evolving transition. Perhaps the most difficult aspect of reengineering retirement is the reevaluation of the self-examinations we encountered earlier in our retirement. “Who am I, now?” “What is my purpose at this point?” and “Am I still useful in some capacity?”
New—and satisfying—answers to these questions must be found if the retiree is to feel a sense of purpose. The re- engineering phase comes when we are more comfortable being retired but we must have done all we can to prepare and plan for what’s next.
90 % of a group of multi aged retirees said they were moderately happy. 75% said they were very content. While the amount of money they had during retirement made a difference the thing that made the biggest difference was they had a purpose. Retirement advisors have said it is vitally important to find new passions that leave you feeling fulfilled. Their advice is to find a way to challenge your body and mind with new and exciting activities.
After Reengineering Retirement
These stages of retirement are not written in stone, not every person will experience each stage as intensely or for the same amount of time as others. Most retirees, however, will experience this process in some form once they stop working.
There is a whole new kind of life ahead, full of experiences just waiting to happen. Some call it ‘retirement.’ I call it bliss. (Betty Sullivan)
If you thoughtfully plan for your transition you can take care of yourself both financially and emotionally. You can help ease the overwhelming emotions of this significant life transition. And you can spend more time enjoying your life to the fullest.
Money is important, but so are health and mobility and a reason to get up every day. Volunteering, spending time with family, socializing with friends, or even having a pet to care for can help give you purpose. If you are feeling depressed or anxious reach out for help. When you first find yourself going off the road, a slight correction could put you back on track. Don’t you wait until you are careening down hill. It could take considerable effort to correct your motion and get back on track.
Have you made a financial and emotional plan for retirement? What is working well in your retirement? What needs improvement?
Finally, don’t forget about the fifth, last (and best) stage of retirement: Enjoying the Good Stuff.
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