Retirement can be one of the most difficult of life’s transitions because it’s a step back (or down) compared to other transitions. The change from school to work, from single to married, even job changes can mean more responsibilities. In contrast, retirement is a letting go. The transition may be difficult, but there are ways to minimise the issues.
Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott don’t call it crazy, but compared to what we have now the retirement they see coming seems at least strange. Gratton and Scott are both professors at the London Business School and, in their book The 100-Year Life, they suggest that we need to prepare for exactly that—a 100-year-long life.
Genealogy is a favourite hobby for many people and, in particular, retirees. Peter Calver, the founder of the Lost Cousins website, says that many subscribers to his genealogical newsletter are approaching retirement or have retired.
Clinical psychologist Deanna Pitchford looks at the latest research about sleeping. The facts are it’s incredibly important to get enough sleep.
When more than 1000 couples were asked how much they need to save to maintain their current lifestyle in retirement almost half had ‘no idea’. And, significantly, most couples weren’t on the same page about the amount needed. As a couple preparing for retirement, these are the kinds of things that need to be talked about. For your retirement’s sake and for your relationship’s sake.
‘People who work very hard need to start building up other interests to make their retirement work.’ That’s the advice from Professor Gordian Fulde.
More than 60% of people in the Western world lack adequate dietary fibre in their meals, which leads to multiple chronic conditions. Particularly vulnerable to inadequate fibre intake are children, older adults, people trying to lose weight, those on restricted grain or low gluten diets, or folks who eat out frequently.
I didn’t seek out a financial advisor until I was less than five years from retiring. That was a mistake. Let’s call that the first lesson learned. Unless you know about the world of finances and retirement, you’ll need help because it’s an extremely complex field.
‘Purpose is that sense that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.’ That’s how Mark Zuckerberg described it. He continued saying purpose leads to a sense ‘that we are needed, that we have something better ahead to work for. Purpose is what creates true happiness.’ As you face your retirement, what is going to be your purpose during retirement? How will it help you be a part of something that’s bigger than you?
I’ve seen people who have retired without having a plan, and mostly, it isn’t a pretty sight. When I asked a clinical psychologist friend what she thought could be the major problem for those who retired without planning, ‘Anxiety and depression’, was her immediate answer.