klaus
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Mar 1, 2011, 8:22 AM
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Should retirement really be our life's goal?
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I recently read a number of articles in various financial media lamenting the fact that some people are going to have to delay retirement due to portfolio losses ascribed to the Great Recession. The wailing and gnashing of teeth was frankly disturbing, as Baby-boomers boo-hooed about having to work two or more years extra in order to retire. Now, I’m all in favor of being able to enjoy free time and I wouldn’t begrudge anyone the opportunity to retire. But I wonder, should retirement really be our life’s goal?
Given that North American life expectancy is increasing almost logarithmically, one is inclined to ask, “What’s the hurry?” How much golf can one play before the overload factor kicks in and it becomes old hat? Many people, who fervently anticipate retirement, find it tiresome after retiring. What’s more, there are numerous cases of individuals looking forward to retirement and once they do attain that stage in their lives, they are bored to tears, lose all interest in life and many become ill or die.
Those who find themselves financially unable to retire might consider changing jobs to something that’s more enjoyable, perhaps even semi-retirement with a part-time job that guarantees some income, while allowing for more free time.
I don’t want to frighten those nearing retirement age with nightmarish retirement scenarios, but like everything else, full retirement does have a down side and it’s better to be aware of that down side before taking the big step, in order to develop some strategies that allow one an opportunity to avoid the pitfalls.
A happy retirement is usually predicated around mental, physical and more importantly, spiritual fulfillment. Those who retire and then find themselves impatiently checking their watches all day long so as not to miss the early bird special at the local restaurant have a problem in that their lives are devoid of meaning. Similarly, retired people who spend all their time pursuing one interest, say golf or billiards, quickly find themselves wondering what’s so special about being retired.
A truly happy and successful retirement comes as a result of living a full life. Yes, playing golf or billiards are good fun and raise one’s spirits, as does the enjoyment of a great meal at one’s favorite restaurant. But more importantly, retirement gets better when one has a variety of interests and chief among these should be to give back to the community. Volunteer work is one of the best ways to broaden one’s social and spiritual base as one has an opportunity to meet and interact with new people, while helping to make the community a better place. It’s also important to have friends and family with whom to interact, because it will focus emotional energy outward, rather than inward, thus reaping some feel-good rewards that translate into increased epinephrine and better overall health.
Let’s face it, if you’re retired and in poor health, then retirement can be a drag. That’s why physical activity is equally important and retirement presents great opportunities to become more active because you now have more time available. Activities such as swimming, walking and weight training are ideal. The former two increase cardiovascular health, while the latter increases bone density and strength. In addition, stretching should also be an integral part of an exercise program in order to keep muscles lithe and joints pliable.
People whose biggest goal in life is to retire often wish they’d set another goal after doing so. If retirement is your big goal in life, make sure that you’re ready for it by planning for a multifaceted array of interests and activities.
Klaus Rohrich is President and Creative Director of Taylor/Rohrich Associates Inc., a marketing and advertising firm that specializes in niche marketing retirement real estate developments
http://www.maturitymarketing.com.
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