The word retirement can elicit a variety of emotional responses and images. Regardless of whether you yearn for it, cringe at the thought of it, or realize you haven’t yet considered it, read on to get your creative juices flowing―this is a change in life that can be leveraged to your advantage!
What are we talking about?
Retirement can mean a lot of different things. Here, we’re talking about the shift that occurs as we move away from active employment and into a new phase of our lives.
Five years ago, Colleen retired from her career as a respiratory therapist and anesthesia assistant. When the time came, she balked at the idea of quitting. It took conversations with trusted friends, soul-searching, and time for her to realize that retiring wasn’t synonymous with quitting: it was just moving toward something new!
Change is afoot!
Retirement can alter a number of things, including:
- income level and source
- career/job label
- primary activities
- daily structure
The following may be changing simultaneously:
- labels change from middle-aged to senior or elder
- social and support networks fade or weaken
- bodies age and become slower to recover
- family roles shift
There is a lot happening all at once.
Context
All societies see most people partially or completely retiring at some point. In Canada, the median age for retirement is 63 for public employees and 67.8 for the self-employed. The overall median is higher now than in previous reporting periods, meaning people are retiring later.
Factors at play
When considering retirement, most of us think about the financial implications. Just as important are our physical and mental well-being and our engagement in the world.
Physical well-being
Now could be the perfect time to establish a baseline by having our overall health assessed. Armed with the information from a physical exam and follow-up tests, we can have a better idea about what to watch for, and what the best exercise and nutritional approach could be.
Nutritional supplements can be supportive to a healthy lifestyle. When we have a good knowledge of our current health, and any known health risks, we can target supplements. The goal is to be healthy enough to do what we enjoy, now that we have the time for it!
Nutritional supplements to consider
- vitamin D and calcium can be helpful for osteoporosis
- vitamin B12 to offset deficiencies in diet as absorption of this important nutrient may decrease as we age
- vitamins C and E, carotenoids, zinc, and copper to slow macular degeneration
- targeted supplements for conditions that make nutrient absorption a challenge, such as in Crohn’s disease or celiac disease
Mental health
Mental health becomes even more important as we age. Challenges that are more prevalent in aging adults are often the result of isolation, loneliness, and perceived loss of purpose. This can lead to an increased likelihood of depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and conditions like dementia remaining undiagnosed.
Much of this can be minimized through proactive efforts. Supportive measures, such as confiding in a friend, checking in with our family doctor, joining a support group, or seeking out counseling, can make all the difference.
Social connection
Having one or more close friends, social activities, and cognitive stimulation are vital to our quality of life, especially when shifting away from working life. Ensuring this area is active helps to fill our days and nurture our sense of well-being. Having a pet can also be a great way to feel connected, plus the responsibility can provide a sense of purpose.
Physical exercise
Health Canada says every week, adults 65 and older need these types of activities:
- aerobic physical activities (at least 150 minutes per week)
- muscle and bone strengthening exercises (at least twice a week)
- physical activities that challenge balance
- light physical activities, including standing (several hours per week)
The amount and type is dependent upon our interests and capabilities. It will become important to shift to lower-impact activities, reassess risk factors, and upgrade sports gear, such as shoes, to cushion our bodies.
Strategize
Identify what matters to you, and how to achieve it. When Colleen planned for her retirement, she identified five things that mattered most, including the following:
- mental acuity
- physical, sexual, and nutritional health
- contributing, being of service
- being current and stimulated
- reaping the benefits of her hard work
She then identified critical elements for her retirement and stuck with them, even through the pandemic. She now loves being retired!
Leverage this phase
Consider the potential benefits in this stage of your life. There are ways to mitigate the challenges, and there are surprising bonuses.
- Be pragmatic―if change is coming, prepare for it, rather than ignoring the inevitable.
- Identify potential challenges―have effective ways to address them.
- Recognize your wisdom―use it for yourself, and to support others.
Make a conscious decision to plan well, implement diligently, stay connected, have compassion for yourself, and leave room for surprises.
Tangible steps to take
- Connect with friends and family about retirement insights.
- Pay attention to what people are doing, what opportunities exist.
- Try some of the things we never got around to.
- Be proactive and lay the foundation for our future.
This article was originally published in the October 2024 issue of alive magazine.
Nancy Hillis
Michelle von Hahn
Alexa Everett
Laura Bolt