“Retirement" – What does that mean to you?

By Dana

We’re living longer, healthier lives than ever before AND YET for some stupid reason almost all of us are still subscribing to the 1950’s paradigm of retirement, when a person (typically a man) would have - if lucky -  a couple of years to relax and play before their final day.

Now, if someone “retires” at the age of 65 they have a very reasonable chance of living another 30 years. 30 years! That’s a third of our lives!! 

Whether you’re considering retiring or not, it’s time to redefine “retirement” for the modern times.

In fact I’d love to replace this horrible word. 

Let’s look at the definition:

“Retire”:

“To withdraw from action or danger. To retreat.”

“Retirement” 

“the act of leaving your job and stopping working, usually because you are old”. 

Old? Hell no! At almost 60 I have more to offer than ever before, …and I bet you do too.

The truth is, we’re in our prime and anything that implies that we’re withdrawing from life , we’re no longer needed and the best years are behind us is absolutely not true.

I’m so not done. 

You’re so not done. 

Nothing could be farther from the truth. 

We need to reimagine retirement and come up with our personal definition of what this time in our life will be. 

We’re smart, accomplished, capable and vibrant so let’s live the last third of our lives in a way that is truly inspiring to us!

For me – the “retirement” years is moving toward freedom, flexibility and joy ⎯ choosing to make an impact in a way that is truly meaningful to me. I will still work, .. when and how I want. Saying YES to fulfillment and NO to anything that resembles a “should”.

What does retirement mean to you?

And do you have a better word for this stage of life?

I’d love to hear.