One of the most important things I have learned is that retirement has distinct stages. Understanding those stages is key to unlocking the “juice” in your retirement journey. Learn how to squeeze out the juice and use it!

Before getting to the “nuts and bolts,” a new life, or second life in the retirement years, presupposes that you are reasonably healthy. It requires energy. You get some of that energy by regularly cutting “crap” out of your diet,  taking critical nutritional supplements, and (walking) for 20 minutes a day or more. If you are taking medications, do some research about them. (Read Dr. Nally’s column this month) Drink at least eight ounces of water several times a day. (Read Pat Garner’s article on critical hydration)  In reasonably good health, the body is often relatively quick to respond to loving care. Try it, you are worth it. Now, on to the “how to”.

FIRST RETIREMENT STAGE – THE HONEYMOON

In the first retirement stage, new retirees enjoy the freedom and release of not having to go to work every day. This is the honeymoon phase—finally getting to do what you dreamed about: having a great time, and assuming the fun, finances, and good health will last forever. For most retirees, this stage lasts for about 2-3 years.

SECOND RETIREMENT STAGE – ACCEPTANCE

In the second stage, fun and games are not as pleasurable or fulfilling as they used to be. This is especially true with former “hard-chargers” who loved doing what they did while working but were tired and looked forward to the freedom of retirement. At this stage, the settled retirement lifestyle starts to take hold. Most people don’t realize or understand that the traditional settled retirement lifestyle results in “stealth decline” — a decline that creeps in as a result of failure to use the mind and body in ways that maintain youthful competencies.

Most people try to “stay busy,” but that’s different from having a defined purpose that benefits both self and others. Most retirees don’t see the decline creeping in. Also, at this stage, health issues that may have been minor irritants before retirement start flaring. And finances at this stage? Money may be going faster than anticipated. For far too many, financial statistics are not in the positive column and do not bode well for the future..

Daily interaction, primarily with same-age people, contributes to stealth decline. (Does it shock you to read that?) Frequent exposure to the circumstances and mindset of others affects the rate of aging and decline. It is impossible to associate regularly with same-age retirees in various stages of decline in a relatively closed (community) environment and not be influenced by them and how they live.

Most retirees in the second stage accept and like where they are. Friends, activities, health, and financial issues are what they are. Life continues to revolve around the traditional retirement culture, with participation in senior activities with senior friends and family. Little if any thought is given to the future regarding what could still be. After all, this is retirement. “Living for today” is of greatest importance.

THIRD RETIREMENT STAGE – THE FINAL ACT

Stage three can be the most gratifying or disappointing stage of retirement.

At the end of stage two, many retirees still want more from life and themselves, but they don’t know what to do or how to do it. If they think about going back to work at their previous employment or something related to it, most likely, that’s not realistic because so much of what they used to do has changed. They have also changed mentally and physically.

Often, a considerable part of the change while aging is the devastating loss of self-worth because people are no longer productive. Signs of physical deterioration compound the issue. Retirees long for more but are unable to find fulfillment. Some have the courage, motivation, and ability to reinvent themselves, but most do not. It’s just reality.

THE BEST STRATEGY – DO IT!

Before retirement, know yourself. The lure of leisure and freedom that comes with retirement is compelling, but you can’t allow a fantasy vision of utopia to replace reality. Well before you close the door on your work life, KNOW WHO AND WHAT YOU ARE, WHAT YOU STILL WANT OUT OF LIFE, AND HOW YOU INTEND TO GET IT. This will be your compass for the rest of your retirement journey.

If you are now retired and if you are determined to get more out of life but are feeling stuck, here are some suggestions:

+Remove yourself as much as possible from the retired culture and lifestyle. Do not lose touch with the “real world” you used to be part of.
+If you can find a part-time job you enjoy, consider it a gift, even if the pay is less than you would like.
+Take classes that will teach you a new skill you enjoy, that has value in the marketplace, and that will help you grow and maintain critical cognitive abilities. You will meet new people with a mindset unlike yours, which is a benefit.
+Join groups that are NOT exclusively related to age. This is important!
+Run for public office if interested in politics. You can’t do any worse than some politicians in charge.
+Volunteer to work at something that will take you outside of yourself and put you in contact with younger people. Even if you don’t approve of or understand their thinking or lifestyle, interacting with them can be a way to extend or improve your cognitive abilities. Volunteering is often an excellent gateway to paid work. Embrace opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with a diverse range of people.

You are so much more than what your chronological age implies! Unfortunately, the culture we live in has concocted blanket rules and roles that apply to aging. YOU DON’T HAVE TO ACCEPT THE RULES OR ROLES established by culture and time!

Remove “old,” from your vocabulary and use “mature” instead. You have acquired wisdom and valuable experiences that are not outdated. If you still want to create and produce, do not allow tradition or “advice” from unhappy friends to tamp down your enthusiasm or extinguish your determination. Ignore thinly veiled suggestions that you are too old or not as competent as you used to be. Listen to your gut and re-tool your life as you would prefer. Be courageous and go for it. There is nothing to lose and a new life to gain.

One thing I have learned at age 96  is that ordinary intelligence strengthened by fierce determination can lead you to accomplish miracles in your life. You can do it!

At 103, Jayne Burns works part-time as a fabric cutter in a fabric and crafts shop. Some will say, “Oh, the poor thing—she still works.” WRONG! Jayne is LIVING instead of being wheeled around in a wheelchair or languishing in a nursing home.