Retirement has evolved from a sudden transition to a slower pace of work; the science of flourishing in later life is explored; the importance of staying engaged with old colleagues and new ideas is discussed; retirement is being redefined in a changing world; the significance of prioritizing happiness over societal norms and status symbols is highlighted.
Retirement can be seen as an opportunity to continue contributing professionally and redefine one's life by embracing progress and exploring new interests.
Many older workers have concerns about retirement, but understanding oneself, identifying strengths, and reconnecting with family and friends can contribute to a fulfilling retirement.
Deep dives
The Shift in Perspective on Retirement
Retirement doesn't have to be an end to work, but rather an opportunity to keep contributing professionally and redefine one's life. As career trajectories progress, transitions from individual problem-solving to team-building and teaching become valuable. The shift from fluid to crystallized intelligence offers new strengths and capabilities in older workers. Embracing progress rather than a fixed endpoint of happiness is crucial. Retirement should be approached as a chance to make a change, explore new interests, and find fulfillment.
Dealing with the Worries and Challenges of Retirement
Many older workers have concerns about retirement, ranging from loss of status to loss of purpose. They may feel unhappy in their current jobs, but fear making a change or don't know what else to do. These individuals have often focused on professional success and have not developed other skills or connections. The key is to understand oneself, identify specific strengths, and discover what brings overall satisfaction. Reconnecting with family, making friends, and exploring spiritual aspects can contribute to a fulfilling retirement.
Embracing Change and Redefining Professional Contributions
Transitioning from a corporate job to retirement can be a significant adjustment. Acknowledging and accepting the loss of a previous career is crucial, as well as valuing the experience gained. Retirees can explore different avenues, such as voluntary work or taking on new roles that align with their interests and skills. Maintaining physical fitness and cultivating diverse interests beyond work are universal aspects to consider. By finding new ways to matter and staying connected with others, retirement can be a time of personal growth and fulfillment.
Retirement used to be a cliff edge; you’d be working one week, and gardening the next. That’s changing. Now, retirement can mean working on the things you enjoy at a slower pace, and staying engaged with new ideas. Isabel Berwick speaks to author, columnist and Harvard Professor Arthur C. Brooks on the science of flourishing in later life, and what older brains can do that younger ones can’t. Later, she talks to former FT journalist Michael Skapinker about the importance of staying engaged with old colleagues and new ideas – even if you’re not doing the same thing every day.