I completely agree. Retirement isn’t the end; it’s a new beginning. It’s a time to explore our passions and redefine our purpose. This is a beautiful way to look at it
I never stop learning. My husband and I have worked online since we opened up the first internet service in 1996. I love writing, I can't draw anymore like I used to, so I have been working for months with AI images. I go on YouTube and learn so many things, from health, food, just things out of curiosity. I get curious about birds, I learn, I get curious about types of flowers, I learn.
I have a seasonal neighbor who is 92, she is very creative and I learn from her.
I don't want to sound like a cliche but age is truly just a number. I know people younger than me who are old. I know people who are older who are real firecrackers. Unfortunately, the media we consume puts us into boxes and categories and, because it is so pervasive, we absorb it without knowing. I think if someone worked full-time and is suddenly retired, the lack of structure would be disorientating. Sudden freedom is great but now what? Women may have the advantage here because generally we are better at multitasking and have to be good at a lot of different things. The one thing most women aren't great at is truly taking care of themselves. Retirement should be a time to refresh, re-imagine, without guilt. That's the big one: without guilt.
guilt seems to be one of the last rules many people let go of. Especially for women who have spent decades caring for spouses, children, parents, employers, communities, and everyone else. Sitting quietly with a cup of coffee, taking an afternoon nap, starting a painting, learning something new, or changing your mind about how you want to spend your days can feel strangely uncomfortable at first.
But perhaps retirement isn’t a reward for a life of work. Perhaps it’s an invitation to finally become acquainted with yourself again. The “without guilt” part may be the most revolutionary piece of all.
Oil painting classes at 69 woke me up and now I’m starting to think of a million other things to do and places to see!
I completely agree. Retirement isn’t the end; it’s a new beginning. It’s a time to explore our passions and redefine our purpose. This is a beautiful way to look at it
I never stop learning. My husband and I have worked online since we opened up the first internet service in 1996. I love writing, I can't draw anymore like I used to, so I have been working for months with AI images. I go on YouTube and learn so many things, from health, food, just things out of curiosity. I get curious about birds, I learn, I get curious about types of flowers, I learn.
I have a seasonal neighbor who is 92, she is very creative and I learn from her.
This is me exactly. Initially retirement for me meant focusing solely on enjoying my moments. Then I thought, “Wait, I still have a future!”
You described that feeling perfectly.
I don't want to sound like a cliche but age is truly just a number. I know people younger than me who are old. I know people who are older who are real firecrackers. Unfortunately, the media we consume puts us into boxes and categories and, because it is so pervasive, we absorb it without knowing. I think if someone worked full-time and is suddenly retired, the lack of structure would be disorientating. Sudden freedom is great but now what? Women may have the advantage here because generally we are better at multitasking and have to be good at a lot of different things. The one thing most women aren't great at is truly taking care of themselves. Retirement should be a time to refresh, re-imagine, without guilt. That's the big one: without guilt.
guilt seems to be one of the last rules many people let go of. Especially for women who have spent decades caring for spouses, children, parents, employers, communities, and everyone else. Sitting quietly with a cup of coffee, taking an afternoon nap, starting a painting, learning something new, or changing your mind about how you want to spend your days can feel strangely uncomfortable at first.
But perhaps retirement isn’t a reward for a life of work. Perhaps it’s an invitation to finally become acquainted with yourself again. The “without guilt” part may be the most revolutionary piece of all.