Rediscovering Life After Retirement – Purposeful Aging

When you are occupied with raising a family or becoming successful in your chosen career, time can fly by fast. Following the usual trajectory of life, time can seem to slow down as you get older, you may even find yourself having more time for other things. After an active life, an active retirement could be the next big thing to look forward to.

You may have promised yourself that you would have a ball when retirement came, but when that time comes find yourself feeling depressed. Coming home to an “empty nest” or spending another holiday alone may leave you feeling sad. Feeling this way is not abnormal, though it does not have to stay that way. You can age purposefully and find the zest for life you once had. Counseling can help.

The New Life Course—Aging with a Purpose

With an increase in the number of people entering retirement, aging is getting more and more attention from scientists and medical experts. Other experts have also taken an interest in improving and enriching the lives of the aging population. Retirement truly can be a time for new beginnings.

While you may know this to be true, it can be difficult to have that level of optimism if you are feeling depressed or feeling that your life is losing meaning. When you are sad and feeling alone, it can be difficult to accept the positive potential of aging.

Changing Views on Retirement

These days, retirement is increasingly viewed as a time of life with many options and possibilities. Gone are the days when life after retirement was a silent journey toward calmness and restfulness. There is more to aging. Your pursuits can be active, meaningful and heartwarming.

You can follow dreams that you are passionate about, perhaps ones you shelved a long time ago in favor of more lucrative or practical pursuits. This can aid you in continuing to build a meaningful and rich life after retirement. If you find yourself at a crossroads as an aging adult and you’re confused about which way to go, a counselor can assist you in rediscovering your purpose.

The Purpose That Drives the Life Course

If you are finding aging to be a less than enjoyable experience, you may be having a difficult time seeing the purpose in your life. You may not realize that many life-enriching opportunities can unfold as you get older. It is okay to need help in discovering these opportunities that may be right in front of you.

Having a purpose is powerful: it is uplifting, and it can change your perceptions in a significant and meaningful way. According to an article by Next Avenue for Forbes, “Purpose enhances psychological and physical health, and is correlated with greater productivity, creativity and resilience. People with purpose tend to be more involved with their families, communities and colleagues.”

Adding More Enriched Years to Your Life

Retirement can be an exciting, new phase of your life. Retirement can also be a period of your life filled with change, fear and sadness. The good news is you have some say in which way things go. It can be difficult to change how you feel, though you are not alone. Counseling can help you process through the changes associated with retirement and come out better on the other side.

After your children have grown, focusing on yourself in retirement can be a huge adjustment. If you are struggling with finding purpose in your senior years, call Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC, to seek the help of an experienced, independent counselor.

There is no limit to your purpose. A therapist contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC, can help you make the most of your retirement. Call today to schedule an appointment.