Knowledge at Wharton cover image

Knowledge at Wharton

How to Prepare for Retirement and Live Your Best Life

Oct 15, 2024
In an insightful discussion, Teresa Amabile, an esteemed researcher on creativity and motivation from Harvard, teams up with Kathy Kram, an expert in adult development from Boston University. They delve into the emotional and psychological challenges of retirement, emphasizing the importance of meaningful work and social connections. Through intriguing research, they explore fears surrounding retirement, diverse pathways to fulfillment, and the need for community support. Their collaborative ten-year journey offers valuable insights into living your best life post-career.
50:37

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Preparing for retirement involves active psychological work and navigating essential tasks to achieve a fulfilling post-work life.
  • Social connections and open dialogue with family are crucial in easing the transition and enhancing the overall retirement experience.

Deep dives

Motivation for the Research

The authors were motivated to explore the psychological aspects of retirement, focusing on the transition individuals face as they leave meaningful work behind. Teresa Amabile’s previous research identified the 'progress principle,' emphasizing the psychological benefits of making progress in meaningful endeavors. This personal insight combined with a lack of rigorous research regarding the emotional experiences during retirement provided a launching point for their study. The collaboration expanded to include social and relational factors, enriching the research scope significantly.

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