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Retirement can offer an opportunity to step away from the “tyranny of the should.”

As we rebuild our futures, acknowledging our vulnerabilities can help us find our new place in the world.

Sharing our stories can help us connect with others and make sense of where we are and where we want to go.

My sister is turning 66. As she begins to contemplate retirement, she is thinking about her hopes and dreams for this next stage of her life. We recently had an extensive conversation about her anticipated income and her plans for retirement. Like many of her contemporaries, she hopes to travel, spend time with family and friends, work on a few creative projects, increase her physical activity, and slow down the pace of her days. As we discussed her circumstances, it became evident that her hopes for this next stage of life are overshadowed by concerns about her finances. After considerable discussion and thought, she has decided that, mainly for financial reasons, she will have to postpone retirement. My sister’s situation is not unusual. For many older adults, particularly women, the decision to retire is shaped by economic circumstances. The well-known image of retirement as a time of freedom, travel, leisure, and self-discovery can erode in the face of uncertain health and financial insecurity.

Navigating the Challenges of Retirement

I have also recently retired from full-time work. I am grateful that the nature of my profession allows me to continue to work on a part-time basis. At the same time, I recognize that some of the work I enjoy and find satisfying may not be sustainable for a prolonged period. The fear that I will become irrelevant, that my expertise will be perceived as dated, and that invitations for work will dry up has made the work I am able to do more precious; it has also made me feel vulnerable and anxious. For 30 years, I have studied, researched, taught, written, and spoken about well-being........

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