Q: How can I make my retirement more purposeful?
A: You may have seen some new retirees who have a hard time adjusting to retirement when their jobs are suddenly over. Many aren’t quite sure what do to during this new lifecycle. Here are 3 ingredients to a purposeful retirement.
If there is a secret to living well in retirement, it might be found in three parts: health, avocation and community. A fit mind and body keep you capable, a diversion that demands mastery keeps you improving, and people in your life help you stay connected to the world.
Health
As we get older, we take fewer things for granted, except maybe our own habits. Decades of the nine-to-five don’t lend themselves to healthy diets or disciplined exercise routines. In retirement, you have the opportunity to start fresh and create new habits, recognizing that it’s never too late to mind your physical wellness.
Cognitive health requires as much minding. Solving puzzles, trying new things and taking on hobbies that require problem solving can help you stay sharp.
Avocation
People speak of the importance of hobbies in retirement, but maybe a better word is avocation, something that requires discipline and problem solving. Examples include art, artisanship, volunteering, teaching and civic leadership.
So-called “encore careers” are common avocations, allowing retirees to use their experiences to, say, staff a nonprofit, become an entrepreneur or serve as an educator.
The purpose of an avocation in your retirement wellness plan is to create the cycle of challenge and reward that is critical for maintaining your sense of place in the world.
Community
When we get older, we have to be deliberate about getting into the world and meeting people. Houses of worship, community centers, libraries, community festivals, coffee shops, trivia nights, book clubs – the world is filled with opportunities to go out and enjoy the presence of others.
It’s also a good idea to try to seek out people who are different than you in some way. Volunteering can connect you with young people. So can auditing classes at the local college, in which many make no-cost, no-grade seats available for lifelong learners. City government is another good avenue, as a member of an advisory board or department volunteer.
Finding your Perfect Blend
Your perfect, purposeful mix of health, avocation and community will be unique to you. You might not discover it immediately, but if you give yourself the chance to try and fail and try again, you’ll be able to find your own path.