The Key to Happiness in Retirement: Finding Purpose and Meaning

Before one retires, careers and relationship identities gave purpose, fulfillment, and meaning. The roles you played were the outer shell of who you authentically are. When your titles and patterns of living are gone, you may find yourself lost and traveling in unknown territory.

In a 2021 study by Edward Jones and Age Wave, 92% of retirees said having purpose is key to a successful retirement.  Individuals with a connection to purpose have greater reasons to get up each morning. They are more engaged and productive; and their relationships are more fulfilling.

The title identities of being a nurse, sales representative, CEO, partner, wife, husband, or caregiver describe “what you do,” not “who you are.”  After you officially retire, you may wake asking yourself questions like: Who am I? What is my purpose now? What do I do now?

Society tends to focus more on “what you do” than “who you are.”  It is no wonder why many people go through life without reflecting on who they are at their unique core level. While discovering who we truly are can be scary, it mostly is empowering and helpful to live an authentic purposeful life. When you live according to your values, unique interests, and abilities, you will live your life more content, purposeful, and fulfilled.

Every human being has untapped potential. You are born with certain talents and traits, and your life experiences have taught you skills, knowledge, and wisdom. Look for the deeper meaning in the experiences of your entire life. They will help you discover what will bring you greater purpose and meaning.

You can choose to develop your potential and make your unique impact in the world. Once you identify your talents and interests, you can make decisions to fully embrace a purpose-driven life.

The following five questions will help you begin your personal growth journey:

1. What are my top five principles to live by?
2. Are my values aligned with how I live my life?
3. What came naturally to me? What was I good at?
4. What did I feel drawn to over and over again?
5. What am I curious about?

Values are the principles you hold to be of worth in your life. They are the essence of who you are. When you live a life in alignment with your values, you tend to be happier and more fulfilled. When you do not live according to your values, strife and frustration occur. To achieve your greatest happiness and authenticity, your core values must match your behaviors.

Living intentionally according to your values, interests, and abilities will help you live your best life, at any age. One of the biggest regrets people have is living their life according to society and other people’s expectations. Make the time to get to know yourself. You just might enjoy who you are and your new ways of enjoying life. It’s never too late to discover what makes you happy.