Finding Purpose After Retirement

We all know that we are aging and approaching retirement. We also know that with age comes a variety of health changes. But the aging process doesn’t have to be depressing. It is a natural process in place since the beginning of creation in the Bible. Life expectancy today is longer than it was in the 1930s, which can give us hope.

When an older person believes they have a purpose in life and goals, they can have better well-being. Aging doesn’t mean you must decrease your activity. Having a purpose doesn’t stop when you turn fifty.

Fearing the aging process has become less common among older adults. The belief that older adults cannot contribute to society is becoming less popular. These ageism beliefs are slowly diminishing as we see older adults pursue purpose after retirement.

What is considered the natural process of aging?

A gray head is a crown of glory; it is found in the way of righteousness. – Proverbs 16:31, NASB

One of the most common signs of aging is gray hair. We begin to fret when we noticed the first gray hair sticking out. We also notice it’s a little harder to lose weight and our sleep patterns have changed. As we age, these become things we accept but don’t need to fear. Aging doesn’t happen overnight and it doesn’t happen with a big fanfare. It is a quiet process that each of us gradually experiences.

So teach us to number our days, that we may present to you a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12, NASB

Aging is not a disease; it is the process of our bodies growing older. It is this process that can cause chronic diseases and other health issues. Some of these issues can reduce your quality of life.

Understanding the biological aspect of our bodies helps us understand the natural aging process. Certain things we have done in the past can attribute to the onset of health issues we face as we get older. We can ask God for wisdom in how to approach aging while retaining a sense of purpose.

The four most common indicators of aging

Eye trouble.

Eye trouble can be one of the first indicators of the aging process. It is most noticeable when you find yourself needing reading glasses to see things up close. If you already have glasses you may develop a need for bifocals.

Hearing loss.

The next most common indicator would be hearing loss. This usually happens around age 60. If you had hearing problems throughout life this can happen sooner.

Loss of flexibility and strength.

As we go through the natural process of aging we may find that we lose flexibility and strength. This happens due to the gradual loss of muscle tissue and tone. This gradual loss is also noticed in the heart and other internal organs.

Memory loss.

In today’s world, one of the most feared natural processes of aging is memory loss. The increase in so many older adults being diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease brings a level of anxiety. Memory loss is not something to be feared, but something we can accept with God’s help.

Healthy aging factors

Aging can be done in a healthy manner. It is up to you to choose how to navigate the process in a way that does your mind and body good. The most common factor of healthy aging is mindset. Most older individuals feel as though the freedom in their later adulthood contributes to their mindset of positive aging.

As older adults begin to pursue different avenues of purpose, we are seeing more older adults contributing to various areas of the workforce. After remaining healthy through the pandemic, many older adults have decided to choose healthier habits.

This not only affects them physically but can affect them mentally and emotionally. Because they can be out and engage in society again, the risk of depression and loneliness is lower.

Define your purpose after retirement

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day. – 2 Corinthians 4:16, NASB

When you retire finding a purpose can be difficult. For so long, your identity was tied up in your career and your family. Now you have retired and your kids are grown. This is the time for you to discover your purpose after retirement. Take inventory of what inspires your passion. Write down the things you want to do or see. Create a plan to experience new things.

It’s okay to reinvent yourself once you have retired and you have time to pursue other interests. You no longer need to engage in daily activities for financial reasons. You can choose activities simply for pure enjoyment. Learning new mindsets about time, money, and yourself can help you choose which activities you pursue.

Tips for finding purpose after retirement

There are several things that you can do when you have retired from your career. The pursuit of a second career after retirement is possible. You may find that you want to pursue a second career simply for enjoyment. If you choose not to pursue another career, there are ways to find a purpose after retirement, including the following.

Embrace the change.

Older adulthood has also been referred to as empty nesting. This occurs when all the children are adults and moved out to pursue their lives. You can decide to embrace the change of the empty nest by focusing on the positives rather than the negatives, including reinvesting in your relationship with your spouse.

Increase knowledge.

Now is the perfect time to learn because you have fewer demands on your time. You can take time to choose the things you want to learn. This will exercise your mind and improve your concentration.

Create a new living space.

Take this time to turn your home into a home that reflects your contentment with older adulthood. Reorganize the spaces in your home to reflect your desire for a purpose after retirement.

Enjoy friends.

As you grow older your need for friends may increase. Having friends becomes a focus of enjoying company and conversation. You can spend more time with peers who are also retired and build each other up with encouragement.

Engage in self-care.

As an older adult, you want to engage in self-care that will promote healthy living. Choosing a healthy menu and adequate activity can help you maintain your level of health. This also includes getting plenty of rest as well as identifying emotions and reactions that can lead to stress or anxiety.

Travel when you can.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, travel is beginning to open up. Choose a place to visit that you have always wanted to see, and don’t forget to take day trips to put more enjoyment in your schedule.

Be intergenerational in interactions.

Take time to connect with people from other generations. Share your wisdom with them as they share theirs with you. Learning from each other is a great way to remain purposeful and intentional. Volunteer to work with others either younger or older than yourself to widen your perspective.

Enjoy using technology.

As we grow older we begin to see how technology can assist us in our pursuit to have a purpose after retirement. Technology can be a great tool as you seek to increase knowledge. You can take a class at a local career and technology center to learn how to use new technology.

Maintain your health with medical check-ups.

Regular visits with your doctor can help you maintain your health. Taking care of health issues before they become life-threatening can help with the pursuit of healthy aging.

Simplify.

Get rid of things that are no longer of use. Cut things out of your schedule that don’t serve you well anymore. Simplifying life leads to greater freedom.

Pray and read the Bible.

God’s word is full of encouragement and advice for healthy living. It can also help you reach a new growth phase in faith and worship.

Appreciate the day.

The aging process doesn’t have to impede your purpose after retirement. Find a way to appreciate each day as you pursue your new purpose.

Create goals.

Creating goals is one way to initiate purpose. By setting a goal you are allowing yourself to have a purpose for that goal. When you are seeking to solve something, progress on your goals can bring a sense of well-being.

Value your experience.

You have worked hard and now you have wisdom in that area. Use that wisdom to propel you into a new purpose after retirement.

Know your identity.

God designed you for a purpose. He will equip you for every good purpose. Your identity is not found in everyone else or what you are for them. Your identity is found in how you pursue God in your life.

Don’t overdo it.

Keep in mind what your body can and cannot handle and don’t push yourself. Be mindful of what your muscles and bones can handle.

If you are experiencing signs of depression regarding the aging process, reach out to a Christian counselor near you. A caring counselor will be able to help you by using faith-based techniques.