I'm officially retired - confirmed by Social Security and AARP newsletters. I belong to the demographic category of "seniors," and I qualify for all sorts of discounts I never knew about.
I must admit that I've been thinking a lot about the meaning of retirement lately. It's not what it used to be - at least not where I come from. As so many of my contemporaries, I'm in great shape, both physically and mentally (as far as I can tell). Frankly, I can't accept the idea that the last chapter in my biography has been written already. I'm still curious about my future. Come to think of it, "retirement" is quite the opposite of what I like to envision for myself.
The word "retired," according to the dictionary, is defined as synonymous to "withdrawn" and "living apart from the world," even "living in seclusion." The ancient Romans, who invented many words still in use today, called retired people to be those who were removed (remotus) from society, who were reduced (reductus) in their ability to participate in public life and who spent their remaining years in solitude (solitaris), even in the shadows (vita umbratilis). I guess that's why old age is sometimes called "the twilight years."
None of this sounds inviting to me. I wonder if it wouldn't be better to go out with a bang, instead of a miserable little whimper. I know for sure that I'm not alone with my objection. Contrary to the commonly held notions of old age, baby boomers are retiring in better health and with more zest for life than any of their predecessors in history. Trust me, this generation knows a thing or two about going out in style.
Now the question is: What can I actually do with my life as a retired-but-not-nearly-dead person? Don't get me wrong! I'm not inclined to live in denial about the facts of aging. I don't pretend to be a spring chicken, because I'm not. I can't ignore that I lost a great deal of my physical agility over the years. Yes, I have these occasional aches and pains. They are part of who I am now, and I accept them as such. But I don't let my limitations run my life.
On the contrary. I keep my eyes wide open for new opportunities awaiting me. That's why I consider retirement as a time for second chances. As Bob Dylan wrote: "I still have a dream that has not yet been repossessed." In my case, there are many dreams still alive in me, and I'm deeply grateful for every one of them.
We all have the power to continue on our personal path as long as we choose to do so - no matter what we encounter or where it leads us. Whether we travel physically across land and sea or embark on a new journey on the inside, there is always more uncharted territory to discover.
So, my fellow-travelers, here is my advice: Wherever you are in life, whether you are retired, contemplating retirement or still have a long way to go, I recommend that you take your chances while you can, and don't wait for another day.
Timi Gustafson R.D. is a dietitian and author of "The Healthy Diner - How to Eat Right and Still Have Fun." Her book is available at amazon.com and on her blog at www.timigustafson.com
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