This Is Not Your Father's Retirement

When retirement and social security were introduced in 1935, the average life span was 61 years. People did stop work and go home with little time to have productive activity before death. Since that time, many have regarded retirement in the same framework.

Today’s retirement is a brand new model! It represents a stage for which few, if any of us, are adequately prepared to enter. It is a stage for which there are few examples. In terms of whole life, we are embarking on a journey for which we have no road map. While there are financial advisors to inform us about fiscal options, it is clear that no amount of money alone can guarantee a great life.

The world have changed: We live and work in an age of technology and knowledge. Our workplaces seldom include manual labor. We live and work in a less physically demanding environment. We have much knowledge of current medical science and technological advancements. We are blessed with ‘world class longevity’. With good health practices and lifestyle we can remain active and productive for years beyond retirement. The current life span in the US is approximately 80 years.

What will you do with these added years of vitality? There are decisions to be made. Our early life decisions were influenced and directed by our many role sets, i.e., parental direction for schooling, peer influence for social activities, and employment directors for job and career mobility. Retirement decisions, however vast, are generally less influenced by others in our lives because there are fewer of these role involvements. For many, retirement decisions are the first real involvement with minor or major life events. The retirement stage is truly an age of personal decision-making and should not be left up to children, spouse or partner.

Consider the fact that this phase of life could be a half-way point chronologically. Many crucial decisions must be made to achieve a successful next stage. It may not include retirement as we've know it. It’s not as important what you choose as it is that you choose because activity is the key to longevity.

The retirement stage is not what it used to be, but with well-crafted decisions and wise planning, it can begin the best years of your life.