Elder Voices
What I want people to know ‌ about Retirement
Elder Voices
What I want people to know… about Retirement Purpose over paycheck
Retirement doesn’t mean one thing Retirement isn’t a given - depending on one’s circumstances and economics The definition of retirement is as unique as every individual here Knowledge of racial disparity and barriers and retirement
We won’t know what we’ve done until we’ve done it
Retirement is only one piece of the equation Other cultures are more respectful of older individuals apart from work roles Retirement is a transition Finding a sense of meaning and purpose is an ongoing challenge
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We’re not limited to professional self either when we’re employed or not employed Retirement can be full of freedom and passion
Retirement can be brutal
Choice and agency are key to outcomes Retirement can be an exciting time of growth and satisfaction
Cultural / socioeconomic perspectives Relatively new phenomenon with many ways to interpret Not everyone gets to retire. Not everyone has the choice to stop working Retirement is not one thing, it is many things It is wonderful to explore things you never had time to explore when working
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Elder Voices What I want people to know ‌ about
Retirement
#21
Aging is uncertainty
#24
I am very busy in my retirement
#27
Retirement sounds as if you have dropped out of life #30
I walk five of the days of the week
#22
Yes, I am still doing a lot of things
#25
I do not watch much tv
#28
We need more conversations across generations #31
I love my life despite its issues as I get into my late 80s
#23
Retirement may be a moment, a stage, aspiration, or something greater or something you choose mentally not to do but we all seem to consider retirement attached to age #26
Retirement is a gift, can you refuse it?
#29
I am very much alive and living a very good life
#32
I want others to know how important it is to be realistic about what retirement is, how to prepare as to face it with a positive attitude
#33
I don’t like the word retire
#35
Retirement is the most interesting time of my life
#37
Take time if you need to to figure out “what’s next.”
#39
It can be viewed as a next chapter
#34
Intersectionality matters
#36
You make my future as an elder bright
#38
Retirement can be an exciting, rewarding opportunity for giving and joy of living #40
I love my life despite its issues as I get into my late 80s
Our Elder Voices group continues to meet monthly. Guided discussion, mentoring, and activities shape these rich gatherings of local elders. Interested in learning more about Elder Voices? Contact: macdonaldcs@vcu.edu.