Facts on Retirement
Are you ready to retire?
Questions to Consider
- Will I miss my co-workers?
- Will I continue to have opportunities to learn and to make a difference?
- Will I miss the prestige or respect of working with my company?
- Will I find challenges similar to those I had while working?
- Am I financially secure?
Successful Retirement
- Age successfully be avoiding risk factors--smoking, obesity, inactivity.
- Use mental and physical abilities and capacities.
- Participate in productive or meaningful activities.
- Engage in reciprocal, not dependent, relationships.
- Continue to work part time or as a consultant.
Dr. Ronald Klatz of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine says, "It is time to put an end to aging as we know it, distinguishing between keeping people comfortable in the last years of life and keeping people as healthy and active as late in life as possible." Perhaps the Japanese term ikigai applies here which means, "finding significance and purpose in later life."
Retirement is a major change and needs to be carefully planned. If you are recently retired and are having difficulty with the adjustment or need assistance in retirement planning, contact the people listed below.
Roberta Williams, MS, CRC
Franklin-Williamson Human Services
(618) 937-6483 ext.7504
Linda Warner, EdM, QMHP
Heartland Human Services
(217) 347-7179
Juanita Suro, MA NCC MAC LCPC
Southeastern Illinois Counseling Centers
(618) 445-3559