“Will I ever get to retire?”
It’s a question I’ve heard more than once lately—and it’s almost always asked with stress, fear, or flat-out dread.
People are worried about their savings, their retirement, their relevancy, and how they will live as they get older.
And if you read the news articles, they paint a very grim picture. We as a nation are not prepared for retirement.
I remember when 401(k)s started replacing pensions. At the time, saving for retirement felt absurd—I was barely making enough to live. I even opted out of it during my first few jobs.
Did I mention that I was horrible with money when I was young?
I was almost 30 by the time I finally understood the value of a retirement savings plan.
And it sounds like I was not alone.
Retirement Isn’t What It Used To Be
My brother-n-law just retired from 30 years in the police force. 30 years! He was dating my sister when he got the job. And I remember his excitement of starting the career he dreamed of.
And just like that, 30 years have passed. He’s still young, in good health and energetic. Waaaaay to young to retire and do nothing.
So what will be next for him? What will his ‘career pivot’ look like?
The History of Retirement – And Why It No Longer Works
The concept of social security benefits in retirement was created in 1935. It was part of The Great Depression and Social Security Act. At age 65, one was eligible to receive full benefits. But back then, men lived on average to age 60 years and women, 64 years.
That means we were expected to work our entire life!
There were no golf course communities that we flocked to after we stopped working.
But by the 1950’s, after World War II, the concept of leisure living in retirement was formed. And every American dreamed of it; to the point that it became the expectation.
Today, people live on average to age 78.4 years which is causing issues with the ability to offer the benefits of social security to future generations.
The New Retirement – Pivot with Purpose
Now, people in their 50s and 60s are doing something different.
They’re leaving the high-powered job and stepping into something more meaningful—a dream job, a creative pursuit, or a fun gig that still brings in income.
What are you planning to do in your retirement?
Several newsletters ago, I wrote about the pros and cons of not working. From what I’ve seen—personally and through others—I believe this:
We all need to be participating in life.
That can be a job. A hobby. Service to others. But we need something that gives us purpose.
If the idea of going to an 8-5 job every day does not thrill you, create something else for your retirement years!
The Surprising Secret To Longevity
Scientists and researchers are diving into longevity studies. And overwhelmingly, the third pillar to the secret of longevity—alongside diet and exercise—is: Social interaction.
We need to be around people.
We need to be engaged.
We need to be contributing.
Otherwise, what is the point?
You spend years becoming an expert in something—whether that’s business, caregiving, medicine, or law. Just because you’re 70, 80 or beyond doesn’t mean your knowledge has ended. You are still relevant.
So stop telling yourself that you are not.
We all need one another. We need different viewpoints — from all age groups, religions, and ethnicities.
So no matter where you are in your lifespan, be thinking about the life you are creating for yourself. Know that you have options. You hold the power to make the choices that suit you best.
And create something you deeply enjoy and love. Why live life any other way?
Don’t let fear shape your next chapter.
Instead, ask yourself: What do I want to create now? Make it meaningful. Make it joyful. Make it yours.
You’re not done—you’re just getting started.
You can Emerge Positive.
Positively,
Deanne
