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LEARN HOW TO MAKE OUR TYPE LARGER

The new face of retirement
Published March/April 2001

By CYN LoPINTO
Editor-in-chief, gerontologist

The face of retirement is quickly changing. The old image portrayed a 65-year old male happily leaving a job he had worked at for more than forty years. His office threw him a party on a Friday afternoon, gave him a watch, thanked him for “doing his part” and sent him on his merry way. How lucky! His future would now consist of sleeping-in, playing golf, traveling and finally relaxing. What nobody talked about was that a lot of these new retirees found the transition devastating. The change in lifestyle was drastic and for many, retirement was a major letdown.

Nowadays, people realize that the choices surrounding retirement are numerous. For those who have reached the age at which they are thinking about embarking on a new phase in their life, there are many different paths to consider. Because of financial reasons, a lot of those who leave their present full time employment, have to get another full-time job for that much needed paycheck. Early retirement trends coupled with a longer life expectancy, place issues regarding money on the top of the concern list for most seniors. Some may celebrate this opportunity by making a complete career change and trying something new. With the growing popularity of home-based businesses out there, alot of Americans are joining the entrepreneur crowd by setting up shop in their home. Part-time work is another choice for those retiring. Older adults enjoy the flexibility of hours and in many instances, the relaxed atmosphere of a job that doesn't require a whole lot of responsibility. Volunteering can be a wonderful way to spend this new life phase as well. There is a surge of interest in people "giving back" to their community. The rewards from this type of work are far greater than any monetary ones.

In December of last year, the West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging, hosted a forum featuring author Dr. James V. Gambone as its keynote speaker. In Dr. Gambone’s book, ReFirement: A Boomer’s Guide to Life After 50, the present concept of retirement is greatly challenged. Gambone feels that the word “retirement” itself should be done away with. He points out that if your look this up in the dictionary, it says “a retiree is one who has withdrawn from active duty or from one’s career.” In my Webster’s 1999 Classic Reference Library Dictionary, the definition for retirement is written as, “to depart for rest, to remove oneself from the daily routine of working.” These are some pretty limiting and depressing descriptions!

Gambone challenges all of us to replace this outdated word with the term “ReFirement” when talking about this new phase of our life. ReFirement is defined as “a positive and optimistic vision of how to live a meaningful life.” It is the image of a person being “fired up” and beginning something new, and not a symbol of the end of something.

Couple on motorcycle

According to Dr. Gambone, Baby Boomers will be the one group that will finally change the way America sees retirement. As the largest generation in history, Baby Boomers, (defined as those born between 1945 and 1963), have the power both socially and politically to turn this issue upside down. To live the ReFirement lifestyle at any age, you need to understand yourself and your values. You should begin to work on accepting your own aging, saying “no” to the concept of retirement as well as taking charge of your health. My favorite section is one on how to get your “groove” back. This Gambone defines as “creating an environment in which people can experience happiness on a regular basis in their daily lives, keep regrets about their past from inhibiting their ability to change, and look to the future with excitement and passion.” This is something all of us could benefit from. Exercise your sense of humor and get back the fun in your life. Focus on the things that bring you pleasure. This could be your time for greater joy and meaning in your life.

Gambone also feels that staying connected to society is essential for healthy aging. We need to live in harmony with people of the opposite sex, as well as those of varying ages and economic levels. He talks about energizing yourself through what spirits you and claiming your legacy. He points out ways to develop your own “Individual ReFirement Plan” and how to join the worldwide ReFirement movement.

Join the ReFirement Movement

Check out the following Web site and start a ReFirement group in your area. Share stories and ideas with others who think like you do.
www.refirement.org

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