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Guest Essay

By Denyce Graves

Ms. Graves, a mezzo-soprano, is an opera singer.

After more than 40 years of singing in opera houses around the world, I have decided to retire from the stage. My last performance will be as Maria in “Porgy and Bess” at the Metropolitan Opera on Jan. 24.

Millions of Americans retire every year, and in many ways I’m just like them. Retirement has long been framed as a binary: You work, and then you don’t. You give your life to a profession, and then overnight you are expected to surrender your identity, your rhythm and your sense of purpose. It’s time for Medicare, senior discounts, playing with the grandkids (I........

© The New York Times