Some call it a soul calling; others define it as finding meaning. How do you live and define a purposeful life? I pondered on this for some time when I retired. I knew I didn’t want to live the last one-third of my life as I had lived the first two-thirds. Like many people before retirement, my purpose in life was career and motherhood. I still find purpose as a mom, but now I am also a grandmother. Who was I if I no longer had children to raise and employees to manage? It took some time to answer that question and design a worthwhile life. But I have found my niche and discovered my purpose.
Embracing change as we age is part of positive, holistic aging practices. Viewing the endless possibilities of aging can open up opportunities for making a difference in others’ lives, learning new things, seeing new places, and setting new goals. It is a chance to redefine our priorities based on criteria, unlike the first two-thirds of our lives.
We now have the time to pursue a hobby, a passion, or learn a new skill. We can contribute our time and energy to making a difference. As we age, finding a balance of motivation, fulfillment, and meaning can create a purposeful life.
Choosing to pursue a hobby or passion, like taking classes or joining a group, are activities that provide social interaction. As we age, these social connections are important for our overall wellness. Learning new skills or subjects positively affects our cognitive ability and mental well-being.
Finding meaning while making a difference can be very rewarding. The need for volunteers spreads an unimaginable spectrum. You can find opportunities in local communities at churches, organizations, and public entities. If you like to travel, there are national and international needs from both the public sector and international organizations. The beauty of a volunteer is the ability to pick the venue and level of involvement. Designing a commitment to volunteering is personal and rewarding. The simple act of giving to others has health benefits as well. It reduces stress and anxiety, boosts self-image and esteem, increases happiness, and can provide purpose.
I have made volunteering my focus. I have given my time to local charities, National Forests, and National Parks. I have traveled twice overseas, both 6-month commitments. The experiences offered travel and seeing new places. I’ve met people from all over the world, many of whom are now friends. I contributed and made a difference. It has been rewarding and full of joy.
We age better with a purpose. It helps us live a longer life. It helps with cognitive decline, chronic diseases, and disabilities. Living a life with focus, meaning, and intent as we age contributes to a healthy, holistic aging practice. Take the time to reflect and consider how you would like to live the last one-third of your life. Try to find a balance that includes a purpose. Retirement can be a new beginning, a chance to start checking off items on that bucket list. Just make sure that the list has items that consistently include meaning to yourself and others. The health benefits are immense. Living a purposeful life doesn’t end with retirement, it can be the beginning! Now is the time to discover the endless possibilities of aging.