Tag: unretirement

Purpose Pearls

Boston University (BU) initiated STAR (Society of Terrier Alumni Retirees) Wellness Week. Speaking online on a STAR panel (Retirement Reimagined: The Transition to New or Renewed Purpose) with two other BU alumni, I visualized this mini-report blog on retirement paths.

Lisa Haynes, author of Retired and Killin’ It: The Ultimate Retirement Plan, endorses planning a “bold and purpose-filled second act.”

Robert Morison, co-author with Ken Dychtwald of What Retirees Want: A Holistic View of Life’s Third Age, proposes a 3-way purpose model with “giving, growing, and enjoying” categories.

As preparation for my retirement book, Transforming Retirement: Rewire and Grow Your Legacy, I surveyed 125 individuals (ages 55-96), asking their age, whether they were retired, semi-retired, or did not plan to ever retire. I asked for hours a week they worked, and hours a week they volunteered. Many were volunteers, both those still working as well as those on a wide continuum of retirement possibilities.

Giving, often in a volunteer role, was instrumental for survey participants in terms of their current identity and purpose. For example, the Pro Bono Network was key for one 60-year-old retired woman; her attorney volunteerism provides civil legal aid. While volunteering took a hit during the pandemic, some were gritty (passion + persistent) volunteers! One person volunteered to receive early-testing samples of COVID vaccines. Others joined research studies to receive a placebo or trial medication for a variety of illnesses. Some made future volunteering plans to donate organs for transplant purposes or research after death.

There are many paths in giving-growing-enjoying purposes in retirement:

  • 64, a woman (recently retired) finds purpose in writing: “I am writing some children’s books, especially for young girls…who suffer societal pressure to conform to the latest norm.”
  • 72, a man retired at 52, 57, and 70, volunteers 10 hours/week: “…an opportunity to serve…mentor the younger generation…wisely provide my time, talents and treasures.”
  • 76, a man retired 9 years, volunteers 20 hours/week: “…you are not your job, but something else…a chance to learn and grow intellectually and spiritually.”
  • 80, a woman semi-retired for 20 years, volunteers 15 hours/week: “…time to make and keep connections with important people and the larger earth.”
  • 80, a man retired 3 times, his volunteering varies: “Close friends are more important than before…[I have] opportunities to do favors for others.”
  • 93, a woman retired 29 years, uses her expert sewing skills to mend clothing for others in her assisted living residence.

Artist Pablo Picasso captured the essence of volunteerism: “The meaning in life is to find your gift. The purpose is to give it away.” However, having bodymind wellness makes a critical difference in one’s pursuit of purpose. For those challenged with their health or a family member’s health, purpose possibilities may be limited.

My definition of purpose is having passion for living a life of meaning while accepting inevitable life changes with grit.

Pearls of Peace (PoP) Quiz

482. How do you define purpose at your current age?

483. What activities provide meaning for you?                                                                        

Looking for a Diamond Career?

“Stardust” Time Capsule (Meteorite grains, including diamonds, 7 billion years old)

Careers featuring seasoned citizen populationsare not only rewarding, but necessary. By 2030 Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) will be 65 years old or beyond. Referred to as a “gray tsunami,” I prefer my terms, seasoned citizens or beyonders. Individuals currently 65 can expect to live 2 decades more, on average, beyond the expectations of many. Life expectancy at age 65 is rising due to better health care. U.S. Census Bureau reporting tracks life expectancy at 65 from 11.9 years (1900) to 19.1 years (2010). By 2023 this number for females reached 20.7 years and for males, 18.2 years. In Japan, life expectancy years for those 65+ are even higher for these aging diamonds.  

March is “Careers in Aging Month,” hosted by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) to raise awareness about the variety of careers available in elder care with the growing seasoned citizen population. Consider some possibilities:

  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a need for medical health managers increasing by 29% by 2033.
  • Social service jobs in senior-living centers are critical on many levels. Some positions require specialized training with certifications; however, low pay is problematic. I recently met a young caretaker who relies on her husband’s paycheck.  
  • Family mediators skilled in guiding difficult elder care conversations and end-of-life issues are game-changers.
  • Recreational therapists (including music therapists and art therapists), as well as fitness instructors, are increasingly in demand. Bodymind exercise is one of the best ways for seasoned citizens to prevent cognitive decline.
  • Financial money managers who help family members and/or guardians plan for extended care are helpful.
  • Technology experts who coach seasoned citizens about cell phone and laptop usage are essential. Scams are increasing and this population is at a higher risk.
  • Aging-in-place consultants may be next-in-demand, as many Baby Boomers wish to stay in their own homes as they embrace aging bodies.
  • Educators and mentors may enlarge careers to provide elder classes. Education levels are increasing; among those 65+ in 1965, 5% had 4 or more years of college. In 2023 this education level comprised 33% of the 65+ population. Many are lifelong learners.
  • Entrepreneurs who work in some aspect of elder care may find 65+ folks an untapped population.

.  Whether you are looking for a career involving seasoned citizens or not, here are questions to ask yourself:

  • If you did something completely different in your work life, what would it be?
  • What is your unofficial resume?
  • What do you really care about, and why?
  • What would you do in life if you knew you could not fail?

Perhaps you are an aging diamond – 65 or beyond, still sparkling, questioning traditional retirement. Neuroscientist Daniel Levitin has a term for folks who keep working — “unretirement.” He cites between 25% and 40% of retirees as reentering the workforce. Are you one of them?

Pearls of Peace (PoP) Quiz

480. What is your plan for your future years?

481. How is your navigation going if you already are in the 65+ starship?