By Steve Wilson In the December issue of Kiplinger Magazine, Edward Mercier wrote, “Retirement is a source of significant anxiety for Americans. It’s reported that 40% fear retirement more than death.” How can this be? After all, retirement is the idyllic time of life we’ve worked for, saved for, and dreamed about for decades. Yet when the time comes, many are hesitant, nervous, anxious, and according to Mr. Mercier, frightened. It’s been said that retirement is like heaven. Both describe a beautiful future life, yet when it comes down to it, few are ready to go, and even fewer volunteer to go early. 50 www.sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com
During the course of my retirement, I’ve met individuals struggling to make sense of or find meaning in their retirement. I’ve thought a lot about what separates those living their dreams from those lying awake at night. I would suggest there are three factors contributing in one degree or another to almost everyone’s fear of retirement. 1. Loss of Identity American businessman and politician James Hennigan said, “Like it or not, whatever identity we have in this country, especially for men, comes from what we do for a living. It’s the first question we ask and are asked. ‘Retired’ is not an identity; it’s the lack of one.” The
