Purpose and Power in Retirement
Details and Description
Description
Eighty million baby boomers are heading toward retirement. Some are retiring now, either out of choice or because they have been laid off. Others will work for a few more years until their retirement plans kick in, until they feel they can retire, or until they're forced to retire. Whatever their age at retirement, they will have better health and live longer than their parents. And each of them will face these questions:
- Do I want a reason to get up in the morning and be excited about the day ahead?
- Do I still want to make a difference in the world?
They need a vision—a goal that takes into account their experience, wisdom, strengths, and limitations, and gives purpose to their lives.
Dr. Harold G. Koenig, with expertise in the fields of geriatrics, mental health, and religion, explains that the notion of retirement was in fact a marketing tool developed in the post–World War II period. Continuing today, society's image of retirement is based largely on myths, such as: things will get better when you retire—you'll be able to do everything you wanted to but couldn't when you worked. In fact, these beliefs can be harmful, leading to emotional issues, identity crises, and problems with physical health.
Citing current scientific and medical research, Koenig illustrates how having a purpose motivates and energizes people in their retirement years. He presents a step-by-step guide to identifying a goal toward which they can strive. And he shows how striving for that goal in itself brings meaning, satisfaction, and a sense of reward to retirement years.
"Finding purpose is more urgent than ever during the retirement years, when the search for purpose becomes one of the deepest of human longings," says Koenig. His Purpose and Power in Retirement is an invaluable resource for everyone heading toward retirement, and for anyone seeking meaning in life.
Table of Contents
Foreword by Sir John Templeton / ix
Introduction / 3
Chapter 1 The History of Retirement / 11
Chapter 2 Myths of Retirement / 26
Chapter 3 Retirement Can Be Deadly / 41
Chapter 4 The Alternative / 54
Chapter 5 Volunteer / 71
Chapter 6 Cultivate Generosity / 96
Chapter 7 Develop Spiritually / 115
Chapter 8 Reduce Stress / 131
Chapter 9 Live Healthy / 151
Chapter 10 Steps to Purpose and Power in Retirement / 165
Conclusion / 172
Notes / 177
Index / 197
Endorsements and Reviews
Reviews
Vancouver Sun, The
In his book Purpose and Power in Retirement, Koenig debunks the myths that retired people normally disengage from society and find happiness in pursuing leisure and pleasure. It just doesn’t work that way, Koenig says, citing a wealth of studies into the relationship between aging, health, ethical outlook and spirituality.
Mid-West Book Review, The—Oregon, WI
An excellent and very highly recommended instructional and reference guide to reaping the most out of our retirement years, Purpose and Power in Retirement should be a part of every community library Retirement Preparation and Personal Growth collection.
Globe-News
This is a practical and inspiring guide to creating a retirement that can include physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Christian Marketplace
Purpose and Power in Retirement examines the situation in the US and explodes the myths about retirement and, based on a comprehensive distillation of contemporary international research, offers constructive advice for planning a fulfilling retirement that can be universally applied.
Senior Voice of Florida
Purpose and Power in Retirement by Harold G. Koenig, M.D., is subtitled New Opportunities for Meaning and Significance.
That’s a powerful set of words and a lot of intention to pack into a single paperback book of 204 pages, but Koenig has accomplished just what he said he would in the opening paragraphs of his book.
Tribune—Scottsdale AZ
Scientific research shows that people who are more involved in religious and spiritual practices experience greater well-being, less depression, and generally fuller and happier lives. Dr. Koenig has suggestions for developing spirituality if it isn't already part of your life. He also encourages us to cultivate generosity (you can be generous with more than money); gives tips for reducing stress; and urges people to exercise, eat well and pay attention to their weight. He summarizes his guidelines with “10 Steps to a Purpose-Filled Retirement.”
Publishers Weekly
In this thoughtful self-help manual, Duke University associate medicine professor Koenig explores life after retirement as an opportunity for growth. He presents a stimulating overview of the social trends—e.g., the shift from older Americans working far past the age of 65 (in the 1800s) to older Americans with increased economic independence (in the 1900s)—that led to the common view of retirement years as leisure time. Koenig debunks the myths that surround this life period and argues that embarking on a life of relaxation is actually counter-productive to one’s health. A life of self-indulgence may lead to “lower levels of well-being” brought on by weight gain and marital problems, he says. Koenig contends that a successful retirement results not from a high income, but rather from identifying a higher purpose in life that will lead to emotional fulfillment. Although everyone must design their own retirement goals, Koenig suggests choosing activities that benefit others and that are based on talents or abilities a retiree possesses and will enjoy utilizing. He recommends seeking out volunteer opportunities, and also stresses deepening one’s personal spirituality in retirement. Those who share the author’s strong religious orientation will benefit the most from his advice. A committed Christian, he nevertheless believes that all religions can offer the means to spiritual development and offers here resources for people of many faiths, as well as for those who are uncertain of their spiritual direction. Altogether, it makes for an introspective look at a lengthening period in the lives of older Americans.
Library Journal
Both Autry and Koenig explore the spiritual and development aspects of retirement from a Christian perspective, noting that people underestimate how difficult it is to switch from the working world to "the land of no boss." A solid plan for retirement, they agree, will provide happiness and a seamless transition from one’s career. Far from being the end of one’s life, retirement should instead be seen cheerfully as that "one-third of life that no longer has the restrictions of the first two-thirds." Autry, a former Fortune-500 executive, champions the notion that living healthily, volunteering, and growing spiritually in retirement "can become a liberating path toward a life of opportunity and personal and spiritual growth." An over-arching focus on connecting with the people who love and need you, with nature, and with your inner self permeates this book. Koenig (psychiatry and medicine, Duke University Medical Center) will appeal more to eggheads. Well-researched and packed with statistics and studies (and 286 endnotes!), his book observes that "baby boomers will be the healthiest, most physically active, best-educated group of retirees in history." In an academic tone, he encourages retirees to "make a meaningful difference for at least one other person" in the world. Yes, retirees have earned the right to relax, but while "recreation and a little self-indulgence are definitely part of the picture…they are not at the center of the picture." Offering more heart and authoritative how-to advice, Autry’s book is recommended for public libraries. Koenig writes more as a social scientist than a guru, and thus his book is more suitable for academic libraries. For the cut-and-dried crowd, try Lynn O’Shaughnessy’s The Retirement Bible.
Translations
Korean