Retirement Age: Is it restricting your life?

Imagine not having to wait until retirement to enjoy your life. For many high-achieving women, the concept of working tirelessly until we reach the elusive “retirement age” is deeply ingrained. We envision a future where we can finally relax, travel, and savor the fruits of our labor. But what if the future you’ve envisioned never comes?

My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 67 and he passed away five years later. My parents had made so many plans for their retirement, but my dad wasn’t around to help those come to life. It’s a constant reminder for me to live my life with intention every day. I encourage you to change your perspective on retirement and start integrating more joy and balance into your life now.

The Traditional Perspective on Retirement

The traditional retirement age has its roots in the early 20th century when life expectancy was much lower. People worked until their 60s or 70s and then enjoyed a brief period of retirement. Life was also much simpler and slower, allowing us to enjoy the day-to-day more. The common belief in the United States today is to work hard now so you can enjoy life later. However, this mindset often leads to stress, burnout, and missed opportunities for joy in the present. Do you really want to wait until the end of your career to start living fully?

My husband and I decided we didn’t, so at the age of 53, we are moving to Spain later this year. We are excited to explore and create more life rather than waiting for the “right” time. If you want to stay up to date on our move, sign-up here.

The Importance of Finding Joy Now

Mental and Physical Health Benefits: Research shows that finding joy and balance in daily life can lead to significant health benefits. You probably already know that chronic stress is not good for you. According to a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, positive emotions are linked to lower levels of inflammation, improved heart health, and a stronger immune system. So not only can finding joy lead to a better life, it may also lead to a longer life as well.

Improved Relationships: Joy and balance can also enhance relationships with family and friends. When we are happier and less stressed, we are more present and engaged with our loved ones, fostering deeper connections. Every relationship has two parts, and this allows you to honor yours. So even when something isn’t “your fault,” you can better navigate the situation without impacting the relationship.

Increased Productivity and Creativity: A joyful, balanced life can boost productivity and creativity at work. The Harvard Business Review reports that employees who feel happy and engaged are more innovative and productive. When your life is good, you bring that into the workplace, allowing you to be more fulfilled and get more done in less time. This can create a regenerating cycle of a healthy work-life balance.

Rethink the Retirement Age

Instead of focusing on the retirement age, think about what you want your life to feel like now. Create a vision for that life using all of the senses. Don’t get bogged down by the how, just lean into the what.

Additionally, you can think about what retirement means to you. What are you most looking forward to? Create a list. Then identify what items on that list you can incorporate into your life now. Be intentional about including those items as you plan out your weeks. It may be that you need to say no to some things you’re currently doing to give yourself the space.

You might also consider a shift in how you use your skills so that you can accommodate more of the lifestyle you want now. As a leadership coach, I can help women from anywhere, utilizing the skills and experiences I gained from my twenty-five years in the corporate world. This is enabling me to move to Spain and work from anywhere.

You can also think about new skills that can bring you closer to what you want. I’ve become a derivates trader over the last few months. My husband has been trading options since I met him and now I get to learn a new skill and have more leverage for what I want to do.

Practical Tips to Enjoy Retirement Life Now

My first recommendation is don’t wait. Time is one thing you will never get back. Start with one small step. At the very least, find a small way to integrate more joy into your life. This could be setting aside 10 minutes each day for a favorite activity or scheduling a weekly phone call with a friend.

Live a balanced life while still preparing for retirement. The anticipation and excitement of something new can be incredible, but you need to get into action to experience it. Plan for joy and fulfillment in the present by allowing for it every day. This will help ensure that you are not just preparing for the retirement age but living a rich life now.

Additionally, you might want to look into books like The Joy of Missing Out by Tonya Dalton and The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, which can provide inspiration and practical tips for finding joy and balance.

Conclusion

In summary, you don’t have to wait until the retirement age to enjoy your life. By integrating joy, balance, and other elements of your retirement vision now, you can improve your health, relationships, and overall well-being. I encourage you to take one small step today towards a more joyful and balanced life. Remember, life is unpredictable, and the best time to start living fully is now.