Who Will You Become After You Retire?

Who will you become after you retire?

This is an important question. After working for 40 or more years, our identity can become tied to our job title, career status and daily work life. Then there comes a Monday that you don’t go to work – you’re retired. The transition is hard, even for those who have a retirement philosophy.

Experts agree that four aspects of life are essential for fulfillment and good health into our 80s and beyond:

Social interaction. Retirement can break our social network and result in isolation if we’re not careful.

Play. Physical activity, especially with others, is good for your body and soul.

Creativity. Creative pursuits keep us young and vibrant.

Mental stimulation. Keep learning. It’s good for brain health.

If you haven’t done so already, I recommend brainstorming a list of activities to help identify the things you envision doing with your time during your retirement years. Think about whether your list covers the four categories above with a balance that seems right for you. Remember, when you’re retired, you no longer have to sacrifice personal fulfillment to earn income. You might make your greatest contribution to your family, your community, or even the world by what you do during your retirement years.  What does this look like for you?