Retiring 'Retirement': A Call for New Language

Why We Need New Language for Later Life - And Some Important Updates

Before diving into today's reflection, I want to share both some news about Rethinking Retirement and a bit more about who I am and why I'm passionate about revolutionising how we think about retirement.

At 67, I'm not just writing about retirement – I'm living it. With over 40 years of experience in retirement planning (yes, I started helping people plan their retirements when I was 27!), I bring a unique perspective that spans generations of retirees. Earning my PhD at 64 proved it's never too late to chase your dreams, and now I bridge the gap between academic research and practical experience.

Think of me as your research translator - I take complex academic studies about ageing and retirement and transform them into practical, actionable insights. Through my research and training in Deep Imagery (based on Jung's work), I understand the psychological factors that contribute to a richer later life. Because sometimes, the biggest barriers to an amazing retirement exist only in our minds.

My own later life journey has been anything but conventional. From completing a Vision Quest at 61 to buying a 4-acre wood at 63, I've pursued unconventional paths to understanding what makes a meaningful later life. At 66, I spent two transformative weeks living with a Maasai tribe, immersing myself in their ancient wisdom and perspectives on ageing. Most recently, at 67, I completed intensive game ranger training in South Africa, learning to track animals and read nature's subtle signs – skills that remind us it's never too late to master something new and connect deeply with the natural world.

Exciting Updates

Starting next week, you'll receive two distinct types of content: thoughtful text-based posts every Monday and engaging video content each Thursday. I believe this rhythm will provide you with both deep insights and practical wisdom in formats that suit different learning styles.

For our paid subscribers, I'm enhancing your benefits package. While my recent concussion has temporarily delayed sharing the writing process of my next book, I'm excited to announce that you'll soon have exclusive access to:

• A carefully crafted webinar on reimagining retirement (currently in its final testing phase)

• A curated collection of retirement planning resources and assessment tools

• Early access to new frameworks and research insights

Now, onto today's reflection...

Why We Need New Language for Later Life

The way we talk about retirement and later life has long shaped how we experience it. I've spent much of my professional life studying the psychology of retirement, examining what happens when we step away from our careers and enter the next phase of life. Through my research, I've come to realise that the language we use around this life stage doesn't fully capture the complexity of what it means to grow older in today's world.

When I first became involved in pre-retirement education, retirement seemed like a straightforward concept. It’s a time to stop working, to relax, to enjoy life in a different way. But over more recent times, as I delved deeper into the subject, I discovered that the word “retirement” carries with it a range of assumptions that don’t align with the modern experience of ageing. It’s a term rooted in a very specific historical context, one that doesn’t always reflect the realities of the diverse ways people choose to live as they age.

Language is powerful. It shapes our expectations and influences how we see ourselves. And when we look at the term “retirement,” it becomes clear that it often connotes a period of withdrawal, of stepping out of the flow of life. But for many, this life stage is not about disengagement, it’s about transformation, reinvention, and, in many cases, continued active contribution.

Research shows that the language we use to describe ageing can significantly affect our attitudes toward it. Studies have found that when we view older age through a lens of decline or limitation, it can lead to poorer health outcomes and a diminished sense of purpose. But when we frame later life as an opportunity for growth and continued engagement, we see a more positive and active experience of ageing.

That’s why I believe it’s time for new language. The term “retirement” no longer fully captures the richness and potential of this life stage. It’s a term that doesn’t speak to the desire for continued contribution, the quest for meaning, or the possibility of reinvention that many people in later life seek.

I’m in the process of developing a new framework for thinking about this phase of life, one that better reflects the experiences of today’s older generations. I’ll be sharing more about this in the coming weeks, but for now, I invite you to consider how our language influences your view of later life. Could it be time for a shift?

For Reflection:

1. Think about the word "retirement" - what images and expectations does it create in your mind, and how might these mental pictures be limiting your vision of what later life could be?

2. If you could create a new term to describe the phase of life traditionally called "retirement," what would it be, and how would this new language reflect your aspirations for that period?

3. How have you seen older adults in your life challenge traditional notions of retirement, and what has their experience taught you about the possibilities of later life?

Next week, I'll begin sharing my new framework for thinking about this life stage - one that better reflects the experiences of today's older generations. Together, we'll explore a different way to age – one filled with purpose, joy, and endless possibilities. Because retirement isn't what it used to be. Forget the outdated notions of endless leisure and quiet days. Today's retirement is about freedom, reinvention, and living life on your own terms. Whether that includes golf and cruises or starting a new venture – the choice is yours.

Wishing you a gentle week ahead. It’s still winter, be kind to yourself.

Denise x