You might be surprised by my answer after twenty years of working with folks getting ready to retire.
Because it’s not financial in nature.
Just the opposite.
Most people spend most of their time planning for the financial part of retirement and very little, if any thought to what their life will look like after they retire.
Ken Dychtwald, psychologist, gerontologist and founder and chief executive of Age Wave, a consulting and research company agrees:
“Far too many think far too small. I have asked thousands of people from all walks of life over the years who are nearing retirement what they hope to do in retirement. They tell me: ‘I want to get some rest, exercise some more, visit with my family, go on a great vacation, read some great books.’ Then most stall. Few have taken the time or effort to study the countless possibilities that await them or imagine or explore all the incredible ways they can spend the next period of their lives.”
The first half of our life our focus is on making friends, identity formation, seeking a partner, building a family and a productive career.
With the latest medical technologies and breakthroughs what we see now is this whole new stage of life between age 60 and 90.
As I point out in my book, “Simple Retirement – 7 Simple Steps To your Best Second-Half Life” this new stage is about reinventing yourself.
Dychtwald sums it up his way:
“It’s no longer only wow, you have time and are free to do your thing. It’s about continuing to grow, learn, meet new people, try new things and even discover new purpose. I also believe that there are important roles and accountabilities that need to be filled by today’s elders.”
In other words, the old rules and boundaries about the “golden years” of retirement no longer exist.
So be courageous and take bold action steps towards something you’re passionate about, whether large or small, and just get moving!
You never know where it will lead you.