Finding Purpose in Retirement
Here at Intentional Living Academy we believe that finding purpose is important for your mental as well as physical health. For a lot of people, purpose can begin to feel like it is entirely tied up in your occupation or raising children, after all, it’s what you spend most of your time doing. So what happens when the kids grow up, you retire, or suddenly can’t work anymore? Where do you find purpose and what are you supposed to do with yourself?
I’m not going to lie, I am a student at ILA and far from retirement myself. When tasked with this article I was a little intimidated. What do I know about how to find purpose in retirement? So I decided to call in backup and interview my father-in-law who is on the verge of retirement and passionately researching what he is going to do when he retires. He was able to provide me with some amazing ideas and resources to talk more about how you should find purpose not only in retirement but right now.
What is purpose and why is it important?
First off let’s define what purpose is and talk about why it’s so important. In positive psychology, purpose refers to having a meaningful direction in life, involving a sense of commitment to goals that contribute to something larger than oneself. It is something that we make out of our personal beliefs about the world. We create our own purpose by finding meaning in life. This is something that we do naturally and often don’t even realize we’re doing.
Finding a purpose is incredibly important for both our mental and physical health. A clear sense of purpose is associated with greater life satisfaction, happiness, and overall well-being. It can act as a buffer against stress and adversity. It also drives motivation. When individuals have a clear goal or mission, they are more likely to engage in activities that align with it, fostering resilience and perseverance. Research indicates that having a purpose can lead to better physical health, including lower risks of chronic diseases and improved longevity. Lastly, pursuing a purpose often involves engaging with others, fostering relationships, and contributing to the community, which enhances social support and connectedness.
Most people find their purpose in a variety of places and experiences, often shaped by personal values, beliefs, and life circumstances. These could include relationships. Connections with family, friends, and community often provide a sense of belonging and commitment, helping individuals discover their purpose through support and shared goals. It could be through work or your career. Many people find purpose in their professional lives, especially when their work aligns with their passions and values or contributes to a larger mission. Another great place to find purpose is through your passions and hobbies. Engaging in activities that one loves—such as art, sports, or volunteer work—can reveal personal interests and strengths that contribute to a sense of purpose. Significant life events, such as overcoming challenges or personal transformations, can also lead to reflections on what matters most and guide individuals toward their purpose. For some, a sense of purpose is rooted in spiritual or religious beliefs, providing a framework for understanding life’s meaning and one’s role in the world. Acts of kindness and service, such as volunteering or supporting loved ones, often cultivate a sense of purpose through the impact made on others’ lives. Ultimately, finding purpose is a personal journey, and it can evolve over time as individuals grow and their circumstances change.
What do I do now I’m retired?
A big change someone goes through is the transition from working to retirement. The average person spends 20 to 30 years of their life working, and then suddenly one day, they just stop. They step away from their job and are faced with the question: What now? It’s important during this time of transition to figure out what you want your purpose to be and to discover where you’re going to find it. Here are just a few ideas my father-in-law shared with me that might help guide you in finding a new sense of direction after retirement.
Start a Project Before You Retire
Having a project in motion before retirement gives you something meaningful to work on once you stop working. Whether it’s writing, woodworking, or starting a passion project, you’ll already have something in place to keep you engaged when you transition into retirement.
Research What You Want to Do—Just Like Choosing a College Major
Approach retirement like choosing a new career or major in college. Research different hobbies, activities, or even part-time work that excites you. This will help ensure you’re heading into this new phase with curiosity and direction.
Stay Curious: Explore New Hobbies and Keep Learning
Retirement is the perfect time to dive into new interests. Pick up hobbies that challenge you and spark joy—whether it’s painting, cooking, or photography. Keep learning as well by taking courses or attending workshops. Keeping your mind active is essential for long-term happiness and cognitive health.
Create Structure and Set Goals
Without the structure of a work schedule, it’s easy to feel lost in retirement. Create daily routines and set personal goals—whether they’re related to fitness, learning, or personal growth. Having goals in place gives you something to work toward and helps maintain a sense of progress and purpose.
Stay Social and Reconnect with Loved Ones
Social connections are key to well-being. Stay in touch with friends, family, and community. If you have a spouse or partner, use this time to reconnect and nurture your relationship. Join social clubs, take part in group activities, or volunteer to keep yourself socially engaged and avoid isolation.
Prioritize Health and Embrace Adventure
Your health is the foundation for everything else. Stay active by exercising regularly, whether that’s through hiking, swimming, or yoga. Pair that with a sense of adventure—whether it’s traveling to new places, trying new activities, or stepping out of your comfort zone. Adventure keeps life exciting, while staying active helps you remain physically and mentally sharp.
Volunteer and Give Back
Many retirees find meaning by contributing to their communities. Volunteering allows you to share your time, skills, and experience in a way that benefits others, providing both social connections and a sense of fulfillment.
Conclusion
Retirement marks the end of one chapter, but it’s also the beginning of a new, exciting journey. It’s a time to rediscover yourself, embrace new passions, and find purpose in ways that may not have been possible during your working years. Whether through starting new projects, deepening relationships, exploring hobbies, or giving back to your community, your retirement can be as fulfilling as you make it.
By planning ahead, setting personal goals, and remaining curious, you can continue to evolve and find joy in this stage of life. The key is to stay engaged—physically, mentally, and socially—and to recognize that your sense of purpose doesn’t end when your career does. In fact, it can become richer and more meaningful. Retirement is a time to focus on what truly matters, and with intention, it can be the most rewarding chapter yet.
If you’re interested in diving deeper into these themes, below are my father-in-law’s recommendations for further readings that can inspire and guide you on your journey to finding purpose in retirement.
Books about Purpose in Retirement
By Brent Esplin
Keys to a Successful Retirement: Staying Happy, Active, and Productive in Your Retired Years, by Fritz Gilbert. This is a really good book. Part of the book is about finances but a lot of it is about the importance of finding purpose in retirement.
The New Retirementality: Planning Your Life and Living Your Dreams…at Any Age You Want, by Mitch Anthony. It has been about eight years since I read this but my notes say the early chapters of the book have some great information about the importance of purpose in retirement.
Life In Full: Maximizing Your Longevity and Legacy, by Richard and Linda Eyre. I really liked this book, and it has some great ideas on purpose in retirement.
How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free: Retirement Wisdom You Won’t Get from your Financial Advisor, by Ernie J. Zelinski. This is a great book on how to find purpose in retirement. It has some great material on why it is important and a lot of great areas to explore to find purpose.
Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life, by Arthur Brooks. Brooks is one of my favorite authors. This is not just about retirement, but how to use the wisdom you gain as you age whether you continue to work or not.
Life in Crescendo: Your Most Important Work Is Always Ahead of You, by Stephen R. Covey and Cynthia Covey Haller. Covey is definitely one of my favorite authors. He was working on this book with his daughter when he died several years ago. His daughter finished it after his death. My notes say that Part 4 really focuses on how to find purpose as we age. My notes also say that was my favorite part of the book.
