Along The Paths of Retirement
Retirement
is defined as leaving the paid labor force. Many people think that it is a
single event; a happy one if they are financially secure and are retiring
voluntarily and not so happy if they are financially challenged and/or are
being forced to leave social connections and/or their work identities
behind.
I
voluntarily retired at the end of last August. I had been preparing to do so
for some time, including the creation of this blog and workshops including
humor, wisdom and retirement The
workshops are created for both those doing pre-retirement planning, and those
who have already have already left work.
And I have not left Kwantlen entirely. In the spring 2012 I signed up as
a substitute teacher and have been called once so far.
According
to Robert Atchley, a highly respected gerontologist, rather than thinking of
retirement as a single event, it can be better understood as series of
adjustments[i]. Not everyone goes through all of
them. See if any of the following
three possible paths may reflect your experience. They are:
1.
The honeymoon path is
a happy time; especially for those with good financial status when a person
attempts to do all the things that he or she never had time to do while
working. Traveling is a frequent
choice. (Not me)
2.
Another option is immediate retirement routine. Many of us already have activities
besides work. For instance I volunteer and the local
seniors centre and am creating a series of workshops that will not only benefit
the community but also help me financially. I’m keeping busy with my blog and
workshop activities. My next workshop with be presented to TALK. In words it’s Third Age Learning At
Kwantlen
3.
The last option is rest and relaxation during which individuals sit back,
relax and catch up on their reading. This period may last several years and
then we pick up on our previous level of activity. I have been reading a lot of
novels but I am also following research articles and I am following my wife
developing Acrylic Painting
Retirees
may also experience disenchantment. Honeymoons
don’t last forever. We may miss our work and feel a lack of productivity. Or we
might experience the death of a loved one or be forced to move from our
neighborhood and community. These experiences may last several years before we
can return to our previous level of activity. In extreme cases we may
experience depression. Fortunately the proportion of people who become
depressed is reported to be quite small
The
return to activity is seen as a reorientation period during which we re-evaluate
our situation and become more realistic in our choices. We can then develop more satisfying
routines.
In
planning for retirement it’s important to remember that, as a society we are
increasing our longevity.
Retirement can last a long time and continues to require
adaptation.
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