The Emperor's New Clothes

Retirement is a wonderful idea that we all aim for. We grow up thinking it’s when life finally becomes our own. 

But the reality is retirement takes away a lot of our important life roles. Our jobs and professions held a lot of our identity, friends, and meaning in our lives. It kept us focused on something. 

Each day at work was something to accomplish. We had a routine. We might have hated it, but believe it or not, the structure was good for us.

Without goals in life, no matter how small, we struggle to find a purpose. 

Without a purpose, life has little meaning. 

Without meaning, we can be left wondering what’s the point of living. I’ve seen too many men, “Waiting for the lord to take them,” as they do nothing day after day.

No wonder so many men have anxiety and depression in their last decades.

It’s ironic that as we dream about finally doing what we want in retirement, we actually don't so much at all. Retirement brings about a mental, emotional, and physical slow down as we slam on the brakes in our life.

We’re much less mentally stimulated as our previous responsibilities fade away. Our daily emotions flatten as the amount of our interactions shrink. Physically, we feel like our bodies are finishing up, and we can’t stop the decline.

Here’s a question to ponder....

Out of all the men in the aging population that have anxiety and depression, what percent of them are actively keeping a purpose in their lives, and trying to stay medically and physically healthy? 

My guess is not many.

What we know is that there are actions we can take to stave off, and even reverse anxiety and depression.

In the book, “Younger Next Year,” Chris Crowley and Dr. Henry S. Lodge say that besides physical exercise, the most important thing to do in retirement is to create new meaningful relationships. 

Get out of the house and make new friends. 

Medical research shows that meaningful relationships have a massive benefit to our physical and medical well being. So the more the better.

Finding a new, inspiring purpose to live for is one of the fastest ways to breathe new life into your 2nd 50 years.

There’s also tons of research that physical exercise is just as effective, OR BETTER than medication for anxiety and depression. Increasing our physical abilities in our 2nd 50 gives us a huge piece of control back, and dramatically increases our life freedom.

If you think you have anxiety and/or depression, see your doctor. If they give you medication, take it. But then change your life in a way that gives you new purpose, meaning, and physical control. 

Then work on not needing the medication anymore.

Strong bodies and lots of friends are the new look at 2nd50strong.

And by all means, wear the clothes you like.

Grow or Die,

Ken Kowalsky