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Retirement is Nonsense – Why You Should Keep Working Beyond 65

Updated: Aug 17


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Retirement is a concept that has been deeply ingrained in our culture for decades. The idea is simple: work hard for 40 or 50 years, then hang up your hat and enjoy a life of leisure and travel. But is that really how it works? Is that the best way to live the last 25 to 35 years of our lives? For many of us, the notion of completely retiring is not just outdated, it is downright senseless. At 65 I retired from the industry I had been in for 25 years, partly because of some health issues. But I soon became bored and started my own consulting business out of my home. All; it took was a desk, a computer, and a phone. Three years ago, I started blogging, where I could set my own hours and didn't have to work quite as hard. I am also having fun and at the same time helping other people. In my case, economic reasons also factored into it. There was no way I could live on Social Security.

Many of us are not ready to be put out to pasture just because we hit a certain age. We seniors have decades of wisdom, experience, and energy left to share. Yet, society continues to insist that we step aside, sit back, and fade away. But why? Who says we have to?

Why the Concept of Retirement Is Outdated

Retirement as we know it was born in the industrial age when physical labor wore workers down by age 65. Back then, the average life expectancy was much shorter, and work was far more physically demanding. Retirement was seen as a necessary respite for those who were physically exhausted.

But times have changed. People are living longer and healthier lives. Thanks to advances in medicine, better nutrition, and a greater focus on wellness, 65 is no longer the end of the road. It can be a new beginning, a launchpad for the next chapter of our lives.

But the outdated mindset that 65 marks the end of our productive years persists. We are supposed to step aside, collect Social Security, and quietly fade into the background. But why? Many of us have spent decades building skills, expertise, and networks. Why walk away from that when we can still use it to our advantage? Why let those years of experience go to waste?


The Emotional Impact of Retirement

For many of us, work is not just about a paycheck. It is about purpose, identity, and connection. Think about it. How many of us have met our closest friends at work? How many of us feel a sense of pride when we finish a project, land a new client, or help a colleague solve a problem?

Retirement can rob us of those everyday victories. The sense of accomplishment we get from a job well done is suddenly gone. And so are the daily interactions that keep us connected to the outside world.

Loneliness and depression are real risks for retirees. When we stop working, we lose those daily touchpoints, the routine of getting up and going somewhere, the simple pleasure of chatting with a coworker over coffee. It is easy to feel adrift, to lose our sense of purpose.

There is also the question of identity. For decades, our work has defined us. We are lawyers, teachers, managers, nurses. Then, suddenly, we are just retirees. The title is gone, and so is the sense of self that came with it. This loss of identity can be devastating.

Social Benefits of Continuing to Work

One of the biggest problems with traditional retirement is the isolation it can create. Work provides more than just a paycheck. It gives us a reason to get up in the morning. It keeps our minds sharp and our social lives active.

When we stop working, we risk losing those daily interactions that keep us engaged with the world. Even part-time work can provide that vital connection. Volunteering, mentoring, or consulting are excellent ways to stay socially active while still contributing valuable skills.

There is also a psychological component. Many of us derive our sense of identity from what we do. If we have spent decades working in a particular field, stepping away from that can be a shock to the system. Continuing to work, even in a reduced capacity, can provide a smoother transition into later life.

And there is another dimension. How often do we hear seniors say, “I feel invisible, or I feel left out”? Staying in the workforce, even in a reduced capacity, can help us maintain visibility, relevance, and respect. We are not just “retirees” or “old folks," we are still contributors, still valuable, still needed.

Imagine how it feels to walk into a room and have people look right through you. It happens too often to seniors, but staying active in the workforce keeps us seen, heard, and valued.

The Mental Health Connection

And let us not forget the mental stimulation. Studies have shown that continuing to work, especially in jobs that require complex thinking and social interaction, can help prevent cognitive decline. Our brains thrive on problem-solving, learning, and interacting with others.

Imagine a senior who has spent 30 years as a teacher, suddenly retiring with no plan for how to fill those hours. What happens? The days stretch out, long and empty. The mind, once buzzing with activity, starts to idle. Before long, that sharp mind may begin to dull.

But what if that same teacher decided to tutor kids in their neighborhood or mentor young teachers? Suddenly, the days are filled with purpose, conversation, and challenge. The mind stays active and engaged.

Economic Benefits of Working After 65

Many of us do not have the retirement nest egg we thought we would have. Life is expensive, and savings can dwindle faster than we expect. Working beyond 65 can provide a critical financial cushion.

Whether it is a part-time job, freelance work, or starting a small business, continuing to earn income can stave off the need to dip into savings or Social Security. It can also help us combat rising costs. Inflation does not care that we have retired. Medical bills do not stop coming just because we have left the workforce.

Moreover, the longer we work, the less we have to rely solely on savings. This can be particularly important for those dealing with unexpected medical expenses, home repairs, or supporting family members. For those who decide to unretire, the income can be a financial lifesaver.

The New Concept: Unretiring and Redefining Work After 65

Unretiring is more common than ever. Whether it is by choice or necessity, more seniors are jumping back into the workforce.

Part-time work, consulting, and freelance opportunities are abundant, especially in fields like writing, coaching, and customer service. With remote work more accessible than ever, the traditional 9-to-5 office grind is no longer necessary. You can work from home, set your own hours, and choose projects that interest you.

The Senior Entrepreneur: Starting a Business in Later Life

If you have ever dreamed of starting your own business, now could be the perfect time. Seniors make some of the best entrepreneurs.

Whether it is a consulting firm, a craft shop, or a blog, starting a small business can be incredibly rewarding. It does not have to be a major venture; it just has to be something you love and are good at.

Take Mary, a 70-year-old who turned her love of knitting into a successful Etsy shop. Or Joe, who started a handyman service specializing in senior-friendly home modifications. Both found a way to stay busy, earn income, and make a difference.

Overcoming Barriers and Naysayers

Ageism is real, and some people will question your abilities. But we are not done yet, far from it.

The key is to stay relevant by upskilling. Take a course in digital marketing. Learn how to use social media effectively. Develop basic tech skills to keep up with the modern workplace. Not only does this increase your employability, but it also boosts your confidence.

And when it comes to self-promotion, do not be shy. Highlight your experience, wisdom, and reliability, traits younger workers cannot always offer.

Redefining Retirement:

So, is retirement nonsense? Maybe not for everyone. But for those of us who still have the energy, passion, and drive to keep working, the answer is a resounding yes.

We do not have to sit back and fade into the background just because we hit a certain age. We can keep working, keep creating, and keep making a difference. Whether it is through a part-time job, a small business, or a volunteer role, we can redefine what it means to retire.

Let us keep showing up, sharing our knowledge, and proving that age is just a number, not a deadline. The world needs us. Our communities need us. Our families need us. And perhaps most importantly, we need to keep moving, keep growing, and keep finding new ways to contribute.


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