Purpose and Power in Retirement: New Opportunities for Meaning and Significance

Eighty million baby boomers are heading toward retirement. Some are retiring now, either out of choice or because they have been laid off. Others will work for a few more years until their retirement plans kick in, until they feel they can retire or until theyre forced to retire. Whatever their age at retirement, they will have better health and live longer than their parents. Each of them will face these questions: Do I want a reason to get up in the morning and be excited about the day ahead? Do I still want to make a difference in the world? They need a visiona goal that takes into account their experience, wisdom, strengths and limitations, while giving purpose to their lives. Dr. Harold G. Koenig, with expertise in the fields of geriatrics, mental health and religion, explains that the notion of retirement was in fact a marketing tool developed in the post-World War II period. Continuing today, societys image of retirement is based largely on myths, such as: things will get better when you retireyoull be able to do everything you wanted to but couldnt when you worked. In fact, these beliefs can be harmful, leading to emotional issues, identity crises and problems with physical health. Citing current scientific and medical research, Koenig illustrates how having a purpose motivates and energizes people in their retirement years. He presents a step-by-step guide to identifying a goal toward which they can strive. He shows how striving for that goal in itself brings meaning, satisfaction and a sense of reward to retirement years.