Letting Go and Moving On: A Contemporary Essay Including Reflections and Observations Surrounding Retirement in Later Life

Abstract

The underlying emphasis of this paper concerns the variability and uniqueness of individual approaches to the challenges presented by occupational retirement in later life. While there is no such thing as the most correct way to live in retirement an attempt is made to present a mix of insights, perspectives and options that portray the possibilities, potentialities, including positive and negative outcomes resulting from an individual’s mindset that either promotes an engaging and creative life, or a life closed to new experiences. A selection of key theoretical perspectives on aging is referenced in recognition of their respective contributions and approaches associated with exploring, explaining and identifying the challenges facing transition into older age and later life. Financial security is presented as only one part of the psychological and emotional equation when planning for retirement. For some older people there is a form of ‘closure’ on engaging an active concern with life leading far too often to a form of attitudinal and behavioural rigidity. Loneliness and social isolation are presented as key risk factors that can impact the mental health status of older people in later life. The heterogeneity of aging and experience of retirement helps to explain the variability of responses, decisions and adaptive capacities among individuals to life events, situational circumstances and environments in which they live. The paper offers insights and approaches for living a long, meaningful and happy life as part of the process of growing old in Japanese culture. The secret of living well in older age is shown to depend upon the ability, opportunity and capacity to maintain meaningful social connections with family, friends and the wider community.

Keywords

• Comfort-zone
• Ikigai
• happiness
• reflexivity
• resilience

Ethical Statement

Appreciation is extended to Ahmet Melik Baş a graduate student at the Chiba University in Japan for his generous support and assistance with English translation for co-author Ikuko Murakami.

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