I have to ask, how did I get to this
new place in life where I am now an official retiree? When I was in my 20’s and 30’s, retired
people had white hair, wrinkles, wore white socks and sneakers and rocked in
porch chairs. They were senior candy stripers, volunteers or
the ladies who sat outside in lawn chairs watching everyone go by.
In the last 15-20 years, we’ve seen
fewer retirees in their 50’s and 60’s as companies less frequently offer
pensions. They oust the people who may
be due them within a few years and replace with younger, cheaper workers. It’s all about money, one way or the
other. If you are a retiree with money
and resources- life is good…better…usually.
You have to establish your inner compass and know where you are going…for
the rest of your life.
The over 40 crowd is growing every
year, but the senior group hasn’t found it’s voice and purpose or organized to
elevate their image and place in society.
Our society doesn’t value elders, unfortunately. A lot of talent and heart goes to waste.
My father retired as late as he
could, in poor health, and died a couple of years later at age 69. For him work was life. He once told me that if things on the job are
okay, then life is good. He meant
that. He’s of a different generation,
one that was on the job 24 hours a day. They
worked hard to get to retirement and to earn their pension.
I’ve read some people die shortly
after retiring; it is a phenomenon that bears looking at. I think you can lose your sense of balance and
struggle to define a new purpose and place in life. This leads to an internal struggle and heart wrenching
search. If you are lucky and/or prepared
for it, you find where you belong and delve into new passions. You find different energy in your heart and a
new way of looking at life and the world.
We need to celebrate these years.
When I worked, that was my identity. When I was no longer tied to an allegiance
with a company…a career…I felt compelled to construct another identity. I had to understand who I had become and
where my purpose lay. I’m retired, not
dead.
I’m young…in my estimation….isn’t
50 the new 40 or something like that?
Not that I’m 50, mind you, I’m just saying. I am in my late 50’s. I see myself as growing and developing; ripe
with potential and promise. Retirement
is not slowing me down. Quite the
contrary, I’ve developed other interests and talents that I never had time for before.
Retirement is rebirth and our
chance for a do over. I know I am lucky
to be able to leave the office behind at my age. Every once in a while I yearn for a job to
report to…I know, that’s weird. However,
I’ve worked full time since I was 17 and graduated high school…that’s a lot of
years reporting to someone else. The new
reality and routine takes adjustment. Mostly
I’m trying to learn who I am and what I need.
This is the first time in my life I’ve
stood still long enough and had opportunity to reflect on where I’ve been,
where I’m going and what meaning my life has.
And damn it, I’m going to make the best of it. There’s no one checking up on me, evaluating
me or hindering the creative part of me that needs to make a contribution. I am my own person. I am in charge of me.
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