Retirement Experiences of Psychologists

Book excerpt: Today, almost all Americans can expect to live longer and healthier lives than their parents or grandparents ever thought possible, which introduces an entirely new realm of opportunities and challenges than previously contemplated. Although often underappreciated, how this new generation of well-educated, longer living citizens will ultimately decide to develop personally satisfying lives, beyond relying upon traditional jobs and employment colleagues for meaningful affirmation in retirement, is truly uncharted territory. There are few role models or societal expectations for these unprecedented times--especially for women and ethnic minorities. This volume brings together distinguished senior psychologists from a wide range of former occupational positions to share their personal retirement experiences--their struggles, their aspirations, their eventual journeys. Many do not consider themselves "retired"--and some even suggest the concept of retirement itself needs examination and refinement. Advances in technology, frustrating physical ailments, and missing friends influence late life decisions. However, even when facing existential unknowns, each of the authors remains optimistic and open to seeking new directions in their lives. How they navigate their individual journeys in retirement suggests some common themes and pathways, although there are also many individual nuances. The unique personal story approach in this book enables the reader to share the concerns of retirement with each author and find out how they resolved those concerns in seeking a meaningful retirement. It is comforting to learn that there is no one path that applies to everyone. The authors share their thinking and decision-making in approaching their retirement and provide multiple guides for the reader to consider. Readers will also appreciate that "retiring to" something, instead of "retiring from" something, provides a new perspective in examining and shifting life and work goals in later life.