One comment on my blogs on retirement asks why I bother to give advice when so many older people cannot retire. Some reach their late 60s and even early 70s while still paying off a mortgage; others are committed to financially supporting ailing family members, relatives or friends. And of course there are those who enjoy their work so much they are reluctant to give it up. One book I read recently proposed at great length that the solution to retirement is that no one should retire! I have much sympathy for those who continue to work to support themselves or others; less for those who work merely to increase their wealth.
It is a temptation for many to keep working past the usual age for retirement, as the alternative – no job or role, is frightening. Stopping work creates a void in one’s life, removes a purpose for living, and may diminish one’s self-esteem. There is no doubt that retirement for some results in depression and social isolation. This event needs to be anticipated and planned for. In particular, retirement needs to be viewed as an exciting and unique opportunity rather than as an inevitable hiatus in life that will be hard to fill. Even for those who are constrained by financial demands, it is important that they look ahead to a time when they will be free to pursue their dreams.
And a fulfilling retirement does not demand lots of money. There are many worthwhile and satisfying activities that are cheap, even free, and many which will bring you into social contact with people. All it takes is to think about what you have always wanted to do – painting, singing, walking, acting, public speaking, bridge, exotic cooking, working with refugees, coaching sport, bush regeneration, and so on, and pursue it with enthusiasm. My mantra is that: If you wish to get value out of life, you need to put something of value in. So just go for it!
Renaissance not Retirement 