By Joy Valentine
Joy for Seniors
As discussed in my last article, the word “retirement” is often synonymous with freedom. Today many retirees lead vigorous lives and are as active or more active than they were during the pre-retirement stage of life. However, their activities are those that they freely choose.
Their general vitality is quite high, as demonstrated in the following profile:
They are the most frequent attendees of church and temple; they vote at a rate better than twice that of people in their mid-30s and younger; they stay informed on issues by choosing news broadcasts and documentaries as their favorite TV shows and by reading designed to increase their knowledge of life and the world. Gardening is a popular outdoor activity, particularly among women, many of whom are experienced and accomplished gardeners. Golf is popular, although to a lesser degree than one might think, with only about 13 percent of those over age 55 participating.
Although many retirees consider themselves technically “retired,” they often continue to work, most often in a part-time capacity. They tend to view their work as an activity that provides them with structure and purpose, rather than as merely an income-generating activity. Related to the experience of structure and purpose is the fact that it provides a continuing sense of identity as a productive member of society with something of value to contribute, an ingredient extremely important to mental health.
In spite of the increased vigor and active lifestyle described above, there are many older Americans, 18-25 percent, who have significant mental health problems, which, like physical problems, tend to increase with age. These problems are often attendant to the transition into retirement, in which the sense of identity and purpose is lost, and few will seek the help they need to improve their psychological well-being.
Retirement is one of the most difficult transitions in life, according to a 1993 survey from Roper Starch Worldwide in New York City. Forty-one percent of people who have retired say the adjustment was difficult. The younger the retiree, the harder the transition: 36 percent of retirees aged 60 and older say the transition is difficult, compared with 45 percent of those aged 45-59. Other surveys reveal that senior managers have the most difficult time, due to the loss of power and control so prominent in their jobs. At work, they could pick up the phone and move heaven and earth. Now they’re at home, and their wife tells them they’ve got to take out the garbage.
As technology continues to extend our life expectancy, the concept, as well as the experience, of “retirement” will lose its traditional meaning. The demarcation between work and no work will be less significant, as older Americans continue to increase in numbers, visibility and strength. Already the old guideline of age 65 when one becomes eligible for social security and the front porch rocking chair is extremely antiquated when one considers the lifestyle that many seniors now desire and demonstrate. One can only speculate what George Orwell might have done with “2084.” And I’m sure Aldous Huxley would agree that if it is to be a new world, it most certainly will have to be brave!
Joy Valentine is a broker associate with Coldwell Banker in Los Altos. For comments, call her 24-hour Senior Hotline, 562-1019, or e-mail joy@joyinhomes.com.
