Active Retirement: Ideas for inspiration

Many retirees don't think it's right to cut themselves off from the world when they retire. Work fulfils basic human needs such as a sense of achievement and belonging, self-esteem and financial security. Once our working life is over, we need to find new ways to fulfil these needs, otherwise we risk experiencing a sense of emptiness. People often idealise retirement, seeing it as the culmination of a working life, but in reality it is important not only to prepare financially, but also to find new ways to fulfil oneself.

A new meaning in life for an active retirement

After retirement, many people find it difficult to find a new meaning in life. Retirement planning experts emphasise that the key to a successful old age is to give new meaning to your life. This is not easy, as the entire working life is often automatic: professional success, buying a house, starting a family. However, once retired, a person has to re-evaluate their life and start it with a clean slate.

If a person is not ready for this, they may face depression or feelings of emptiness. According to Statistics Canada, about 20% of people over the age of 65 suffer from some degree of depression. This data is probably an underestimate, as many retirees are not willing to admit their emotional state. Depression usually manifests itself one, two or five years after retirement if one's retirement plans fail to materialise.

Many retirees feel lost after the end of their working life if they fail to plan ahead for this period. They lose familiar landmarks and face emotional difficulties such as depression. Failure to prepare for this phase in advance can lead to a long search for new sources of meaning in life and a need for emotional support.

Retirement is in your hands

It is important to take stock of your life as early as possible and rethink your mission by asking yourself questions about your values and place in society. Research shows that those who make the most successful transition from work to retirement are those who continue to do what they did during their working life. However, many pre-retirees see retirement as an eternal holiday without thinking about long-term plans. During this period, it is best to avoid hasty decisions, such as moving to an unfamiliar place where you don't know anyone.

Psychologists often emphasise the importance of social activity for retirees. He believes that people can not completely withdraw from the world and just have fun - they must continue to develop and feel useful. The ways to find meaning in retirement life can be different: part-time work, self-employment, volunteering, knowledge transfer or family support. For those thinking about their retirement projects, there are resources such as coaching and retirement planning courses to help decide on a direction.

Here are some ideas for being active in retirement:

• Part-time work: Not only is this a way to supplement your budget, but it's also a way to stay in demand;
• Volunteering: Volunteer centres can help you find projects where you can make a difference;
• Participation in community projects: Associations and federations offer pensioners participation in various initiative groups and projects.

But it should not be forgotten that there are pitfalls to avoid when planning for retirement. Not all ideas should be immediately considered as very good, beware of making impulsive decisions. Let's take a look at ideas that are best to think about first:

• Making radical decisions: Move immediately to a rural area where you don't know anyone, or sell everything, buy a van and set off to conquer America;
• Short-term plans: When I retire, I'm going to renovate my house from top to bottom. That's great! But then what?
• Focus on one activity: I will play golf as often as possible. Apart from the risk of fatigue, what will you do in case of injury?
• Getting back into shape: OK, but training three times a week is not a retirement plan;
• Looking after the grandchildren: If you are too demanding, your children will start to find your help quite burdensome;
• Immerse yourself in the consumer world: Plasma screen, stainless steel cooker, new snowmobile.... You'll get bored.

Conclusions: Best ideas for active retirement 

Active retirement is an opportunity to find new meanings and continue to evolve. It is important to think about plans for this stage of life in advance to avoid feeling empty and bored. A variety of activities, from part-time work to volunteering, will help you stay in demand and benefit society.