As our paid working life comes to an end, most of us plan to enjoy many years in what we traditionally call ‘retirement’. In today’s world, the population is ageing, which means that we are probably going to have far more time in this phase of life, than any previous generation – maybe even decades! Whilst we all age differently and have no way of knowing how long we are going to live, the potential to live longer, healthier, and enjoyable lives provide a golden opportunity to: –
- Change our lifestyle and routines
- Pursue new activities
- Fulfil long-nurtured ambitions
- Strengthen our relationships family and friends
- Focus on our health and wellbeing
- Meet new people
- Reconnect with the community we live in, and
- Grow in ways that were not possible when our lives focused on paying the mortgage, raising the family, doing the daily commute, and eons of workday stresses and cares.
Of course, there is always a period of adjustment when we make big life changes, but this stage offers an exciting opportunity – a chance to reflect, re-vison and re-ignite our lives.
It takes skill and planning to ensure that our post-paid work years are happy, healthy, and secure, rather than drift into aimless, mind-numbing, monotonous leisure (doing nothing) – a luxury that can quickly fade into disenchantment.
The goal in retirement is not to give up, let go and stagnate. You still have a life to live. To get the best out of later life, plan for the transition and the foreseeable future. After all, life is a continuous adventure and it’s up to each of us to make the most of it.
Dr. Angela Robertson is an inspirational author, speaker, facilitator, and coach with a wealth of experience in maximising individual and collective potential. Through her coaching, writing, and speaking engagements she encourages people, regardless of their age and stage, to continually expand their horizons, leverage their strengths, and channel their energy into activities that matter.
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