As many of our readers’ know I went to Michigan State University. While at MSU I joined the Tri Delta Sorority.  It was a defining moment in my development. I bonded with other women. We grew together. After graduation, I continued to be involved to help other Tri Delts and to network with those who had moved to NYC where I moved after graduation.  Tri Delta has been with me all along the way. Recently I was asked to be a guest on the Let’s Talk Tri Delta podcast about Don’t Retire, REWIRE! Insights on the future for people of all ages.  

There is a lesson here for all of us. Sometimes we must look all the way back in our lives to find something that will give us fulfillment at this new life stage.  What activities, organizations or institutions were you involved with during the first twenty five years of your life? What did you love doing that you stopped doing because you joined the workforce, started a family, whatever the reason?  Looking back at those interests, or just taking the time to remember those interests, could lead to fun and fulfillment in your future! Then once you align those newly defined or rediscovered interests with your Drivers (as detailed in the pages of Don’t Retire, REWIRE!) then you’re really onto something! We’ve discovered that many of us need to look back at the good things loved and lost, to go forward!

 

John, one of our readers recently told us, “I loved history. I graduated college, took a job, got married, took on a mortgage, and somehow the things I thought I’d pursue got replaced. Don’t get me wrong, my life was great but I never had time for other things. Life just got in the way. When I retired, I didn’t know what to do with myself.  I started to look back at the things I had enjoyed.  History came back on the screen.  Now I am getting a master’s degree in American history. I am thoroughly enjoying myself. One day I want to teach an adult education course.”  My wife has been supportive, and I think enjoys it because I’m not in her space, and she sees I’m happy.” John’s Drivers included continuous learning and making a difference.

 

Another reader said that his grandfather had ignited in him an interest in the Civil War.  Now he is returning to it, not only reading about it, but watching films and documentaries, and taking trips to the historic sites of that period.  He joined the Civil War Roundtable and is considering starting a Civil War book club in his retirement community. His Drivers included continuous learning, but to also be a leader of sorts.

 

It’s a wonderful feeling when you discover that an old interest is new, again.

 

 

 

 

Develop an Interest… NOW

The more we interview retirees the more we appreciate the importance of having an interest. The happiest and most fulfilled individuals we meet usually have an interest or a hobby that engages them. It makes them enthusiastic and genuinely happy about their lives. Some people have had the interest since childhood, others discovered it later in life after searching for something, and the lucky few just happened to fall upon it by accident after they retired.  It really doesn’t matter how they got there. The important thing is they found something they love doing.

Science fully supports what we have heard in our interviews: “Interest is a powerful psychological state. It makes us feel energetic and excited, fully engaged and focused. Our brains 'work better'. Research has shown that we pay more attention, we process information better and will remember it.”  That statement alone sums up why it’s so important to a happy retirement.

 

It is harder to find the time to find an interest when you are working. But it is a good time to start so that you are fully engaged when you retire.  Working from home during Covid freed up time for some to discover that all important interest. As one retiree said, “I had all this commuting time restored to me. I took that time and started thinking about some of the things I did as a kid. I read books and articles and did some exploring on the internet.  I discovered an interest that drew me in. It made time fly.  I know it will go with me when I retire. It’s exciting.”

 

Retirement can be more than managing money, spending time with grandchildren, exercising, or traveling or being part of the sandwich generation. Those are all important things.  A hobby on the other hand can unlock loads of interest and give you a buzz that gets you up in the morning looking forward to the day.  If you relocate, you can take your interest with you which helps you acclimate easier to a new environment. When new acquaintances ask what keeps you busy, you’ll have lots to talk about.  You won’t be bored, and you won’t be boring.