3 science-backed ways to find purpose for a fulfilling retirement

3 science-backed ways to find purpose for a fulfilling retirement

Embracing the Joys of Getting Older: Finding Purpose in Post-Retirement Life

“We don’t really shift our focus to, how do we live well in this extra time,” says M.T. Connolly, author of the new book The Measure of Our Age, highlighting the missed opportunities of aging. While getting older comes with its share of challenges such as ageism and societal pressure to appear younger, there’s an abundance of reasons why aging can be exciting and fulfilling. Connolly explains, “A lot of people get happier as they age because they start to focus more on the meaningful parts of existence and emotional meaning and positive experience as finitude gets more real.”

However, the transition to retirement can be jarring, particularly when work no longer provides a sense of identity and accomplishment. Many companies fail to offer part-time or contract work options as employees leave. As Connolly humorously points out, “We have this American norm where we work just crazy hours, and then suddenly—boom—you’re retired. Here’s your pen. Enjoy your retirement.”

Rediscovering Purpose in Post-Retirement Life

During retirement, finding outlets that bring purpose and a sense of belonging is essential. Here are three ways to rediscover purpose and create a fulfilling post-retirement life:

1. Volunteer and Be in a Community

Belonging to a core group can be challenging post-retirement, leaving individuals feeling isolated. Maintaining connections is vital, especially as nearly 25% of those aged 65 and older experience social isolation. Connolly emphasizes the importance of staying connected to our loved ones, asking, “What are we doing to make sure that we stay connected to the people we love and care about?”

One way to combat this isolation is by joining a community board, garden, or volunteer group. Research suggests that older individuals who volunteer with at-risk kids experience improved long-term health and lower levels of inflammation. By volunteering, we embed ourselves in the mix of humanity.

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2. Engage in Storytelling

Regularly sharing stories with our loved ones strengthens social ties and combats feelings of isolation as we age. Connolly explains, “It’s a way to process and make sense of who we are and [is] a way to connect with other people.” Storytelling also allows us to pass along family memories and histories, ensuring they live on in future generations.

Storytelling creates moments of laughter, tears, and a profound sense of connectedness. Additionally, it facilitates knowledge transfer, leaving a legacy for generations to come. As Cío Hernández, Ph.D., a licensed marriage and family therapist, previously noted, storytelling “makes for tears of laughter and grief, a sense of connectedness, and the path for knowledge transfer to take into the future.”

3. Maintain Intergenerational Relationships

Building relationships across generations is not only soul-enriching but also a way to combat loneliness and stay connected. These relationships provide opportunities for both parties to learn from one another and gain a broader perspective. Older adults can impart wisdom, giving them a renewed sense of purpose.

Antoinette-Marie Williams, a prime example, discovered unexpected meaning when she joined a program fostering intergenerational friendships. Through the DOROT program, which offers activities across generations, she struck up a friendship with a 17-year-old chess player. Williams fondly recalls, “We talk about anything and everything… We talk about what’s going on in his life, and that’s rewarding for me because young people don’t interact with elders as much—only their parents and their teachers, and it’s usually a yes or no answer.”

Finding purpose in retirement doesn’t need to be complicated. It can stem from simple acts of showing up for others and being open to new connections. Connolly reminds us, “It’s just such a joy to not lose track of the deep things that tether us to being human.” If we shift our perspective on aging, acknowledging both the potential challenges and wonders, we can greatly improve our odds of having a better old age.