RETHINKING RETIREMENT

The ancients had a proverb:  "Whom the gods love, die young."  This maxim was frequently misunderstood by people.  This observation did not mean that those whom the gods loved were taken from this life in their youth.  Rather, it implied that, if the gods love a person, no matter what age they attain - even if they go over the biblical three score and ten - they still maintain the gift of essential youth.  

The implication is that there is a quality that some maintain which enables them to stay relevant, focused and energetic.  In America, we have just elected a man who is 78 years of age to be our next president.  We watched him campaign tirelessly over recent months, often making appearances in three or four states within one day.  Whether you support him or not, it is clear to observe that he speaks with relevance, clarity and passion.  He is quick-minded and able to respond without confusion or delay.  During his first term [2016-2020] we did not see his hair turn grey or any dulling of his capacities - even though he aged from 70 to 73 during that term.  

I'm currently reading a book that was published in 1973, in which I found the following quote regarding retirement:

There has been a good deal of research into the problem of retirement. In an aging population, and with social security pensions, there are many more people who now retire from work, because they have to, while they still have a fair time to live.  In such retirement, the researchers show, there is a good deal of unhappiness, and most of it has its source in boredom.   [from William Barclay's DAILY CELEBRATION, Vol. 2, p.264]

Now there are certainly genetic issues that are relevant to our aging process.  There seems to be little that we can do to alter the genetic package that we've inherited.  But there are certain decisions we can make and practices that we can adopt that may impact - even enrich - our retirement years.

When I was preparing to retire [in 2017], I deliberately read a number of books to guide me into that process.  I found Bob Buford's to be most helpful [and they are available online at very low prices].

• Half Time: Changing Your Game Plan
• Finishing Well: What People Who Really Live Do Differently
• Beyond Half Time: Practical Wisdom for Your Second Half
• Game Plan: Winning Strategies for the Second Half of Your Life
• Stuck In Half Time

He is obviously focused on helping people find fulfillment, meaning, and fruitfulness in their latter years.

 

I observe a phenomenon that may make this topic even more important to future generations.  In working with younger people as a pastor, I have noticed a pattern of thinking that is prevalent among the later generations.  For information’s sake:

1.   Boomers:             born from 1946-1964

2.   Generation X:       born from 1965-1980

3.   Millennials:           born from 1981-1995

4.   Generation Z:       born from 1996-2012

Many Millennials and those from Generation Z have adopted aggressive plans to make a lot of money and retire early!  Boomers have already been very successful in gaining wealth, much of which will be passed to Generation X in the form of inheritances.  Projections for Millennials is also for them to be highly profitable.  Already we see that their vocation choices are driven by monetary goals rather than talents, interests or skill-sets. 

There will certainly be challenges for these younger generations if they indeed attain their goal of early retirement.  Will there be a crisis of meaning as they enter into a life of limitless leisure?  Will they be able to sustain a sense of purpose?

To attain this objective of remaining relevant, we must resist strong tendencies that emerge as we age.

• The trap of thinking that our greatest achievements are behind us!  

Look it up!  There are many examples of people whose greatest success came late in life!  

Consider Harlan Sanders who was fired from a dozen jobs before starting his restaurant, and then failed at that when he went out of business and found himself broke at the age of 65.  But then things worked out when he sold his first Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise in 1952.

•  The trap of disengagement!

As we age, there is a strong and natural tendency to withdraw socially.  Seniors no longer enjoy going out at night.  Home becomes a safe respite with low demands and increased leisure.   We benignly begin to give up our dreams and settle for what we've already accomplished.  Unbeknownst to us, however, by doing so we become increasingly irrelevant!

• The trap of losing our sense of wonder!

To stop learning is to stop growing!  The average four-year-old asks between 300 and 400 questions per day!  There is so much that they need to learn about!  

I decided as a young seminary student to become a lifelong learner.  I challenged myself to read a book every week.  I saw that to maintain vitality and relevance, I would need to continue growing in wisdom and knowledge!  I was not always able to maintain this pace, but it continued to be my goal.  As a retired person, I recently noticed that I had slacked off in this area.  So, I have re-challenged myself to reestablish this goal in my life!

• The trap of disinvesting!

Investing in others is a key to remaining vital and fruitful.  

 

My favorite illustration of this is from a geographical reference observed in the Holy Land of Israel.  The Sea of Galilee in northern Israel is fed by underground springs, but primarily by the Jordan River which, in turn, flows out from the Sea of Galilee and flows along the eastern borner of Israel, eventually emptying into the Dead Sea.

 

The Dead Sea has no outlet and consequently becomes a collecting area for minerals that are subject to evaporation and a consequently heavy mineralization!  As a result, it is the saltiest body of water on earth!

 

We too, must learn that to stay healthy and vibrant, we must learn to have an outflow!  We must invest in others!  So many around us could benefit from the wisdom and experience that we have gained throughout our lives!  We must find those who are needy and hungry and nurture them!  Doing so will keep us young!