Redefining Retirement: Challenging Age-Old Perceptions

The concept of retirement has long been associated with a complete withdrawal from paid labor, often viewed as an abrupt change reserved for the elderly. As data reveals, about 75 percent of retirement sequences today involve transitioning from full-time employment to exiting the labor force [DIRECT QUOTE].

This traditional perception of retirement has deep historical roots, dating back over a century when the majority of men aged over sixty-four continued to toil in the labor force. However, times have changed, and as life expectancy has risen, so too has the number of years spent in retirement. Present trends suggest that those aged twenty today may spend up to a third of their lives in retirement [DIRECT QUOTE]—a reality that challenges our traditional understanding of this life stage.

Entering one's late fifties often comes with societal pressures to embrace the label of "senior citizen." Age-based designations like this may inadvertently perpetuate the notion of old age, even when individuals do not necessarily feel that way. Senior discounts, which can begin as early as age 55 and become more prevalent at ages 62 or 64, further contribute to this stereotype.

Ageism in the workplace is a pervasive issue that starts as early as age 45, despite legal protections against age discrimination for employers with at least 20 employees. A startling two out of three workers between ages 45 and 74 report experiencing or witnessing age discrimination at work, with job seekers over age 35 citing it as a top obstacle to employment. In industries like high-tech and entertainment, the likelihood of encountering age discrimination is even higher [Direct Quote].

Negative comments about older co-workers' ages are the most common form of age discrimination, with 21 percent of respondents in an AARP survey citing this experience. An additional 18 percent reported being asked for age-related information on job applications, and 10 percent claimed they were not hired because of their age [Direct Quote].

In today's world, retirement takes on a new meaning. While global life expectancy has been on the rise for nearly two centuries, recent challenges, such as the pandemic, have affected life expectancy in the United States. Nevertheless, there remains a compelling need to plan for a life that is full of meaning and purpose throughout its entirety.

As I approached the traditional retirement age, I confronted the cultural expectation that I should retire, even though I didn't feel ready to do so. Rather than conforming to this societal drift, I chose to defy it, seeking ways to stay fully engaged with life for as long as possible. My mission is not only to chart this course for myself but also to assist others in embracing a retirement that defies convention and embraces the pursuit of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment.