Essence of Desiring Essentiality: A Look at the Universal Desire to Feel Indispensable
As people approach retirement, they may find themselves facing challenges such as a loss of identity and purpose, loneliness, and isolation. These issues can stem from the fact that many individuals strongly identify with their professional roles and question their need in society once they leave their jobs.
One way to address these concerns is through identity and purpose workshops. These workshops encourage retirees to explore their core values beyond their professional roles, helping them discover talents and meaningful activities outside work. Methods like Simon Sinek’s Start With Why framework and strength assessments like CliftonStrengths24 are often used in these workshops [1].
Another strategy is mental preparation before retirement. Gradually preparing mentally for retirement while still employed can ease the shift from structured work routines to unstructured days. Techniques such as visualization and maintaining mental checklists of goals and activities can help retirees maintain focus and a fulfilling identity post-retirement [2].
Engaging in new or long-neglected passions is also beneficial. This could involve exploring hobbies, volunteer work, learning new skills, or community service. Revisiting personal dreams or goals that may have been set aside earlier can reignite a sense of contribution and joy [2][3].
Organizations can also support retirees by creating alumni networks and social events that keep them connected with former colleagues, preserving professional identities and social ties without full-time commitments [1].
Reflective practices on life story and legacy can also foster intentional living with purpose. Encouraging retirees to reflect on their life’s themes, values, and impact helps them identify who might benefit from their experience, which community issues speak to them, and how they want to contribute going forward [3].
Support in maintaining and building social connections is another crucial aspect. Facilitated social network mapping and assistance in developing new relationships help prevent isolation by intentionally redirecting social energy from work relationships to other meaningful circles [1][4].
Structured coping strategies are also essential in managing the psychological challenges that come with retirement. Resources that focus on adjusting to new circumstances and managing feelings of loss, loneliness, or purposelessness can help retirees navigate these challenges effectively [4].
Society also plays a role in these issues. For instance, the fact that one earns retirement and the money received through decades of contributions is not adequately acknowledged. It's important to prepare for retirement early by rekindling personal hobbies and interests, securing finances, maintaining contacts, and seeking therapeutic help if necessary.
Diffuse fears about aging, such as no longer having value in society, are common. Upon retirement, some may lose their sense of purpose, leading to emotional stress. The sudden switch from work to retirement often leaves many feeling lost. Few realize and prepare for the transition from work to retirement, which is often the longest phase of life.
Retirement is particularly challenging for men, as many identify with their work. Examples like that of former Trigema CEO Wolfgang Grupp, who attempted suicide due to age depression and questioning his need in society, highlight the importance of addressing these issues.
Elke Schilling, founder of the Silbernetz association, offers a daily open ear to older people who feel lonely due to a lack of purpose and social isolation. The Silbertelefon service, aimed at helping older people combat loneliness, is a common resource for those experiencing these issues.
In conclusion, a comprehensive framework for retirees to redefine identity beyond their careers, cultivate purpose, maintain social connections, and cope with isolation can promote emotional wellness throughout the transition. By implementing strategies such as identity and purpose workshops, mental preparation, engagement in new passions, alumni and social engagement programs, reflective practices, support in maintaining social connections, and structured coping strategies, we can help older adults navigate the challenges of retirement and maintain a sense of identity and purpose.
- To foster mental health and well-being during retirement, one could participate in science-backed vocational training programs, allowing retirees to explore new skills and maintain a sense of purpose.
- In order to address the challenges associated with aging and retirement, such as loneliness and mental health issues, embracing health-and-wellness practices like community policies focusing on mental-health support, life story reflection, and legacy planning can provide retirees with a sense of identity and purpose as they transition into this new phase of life.
