I always find the way individuals design and construct what’s often called a “Second Act” at middle or retirement age interesting. Do they abandon what they were before – shunning one career and identity and heading off in a new direction? Or do they use part of their past to create a new present?
In Peter Newland’s case, he’s found a way to keep his music going – still singing with FAT and launching two new bands since returning to Springfield a few years back. But he’s also found a way to make the career that’s defined him for so long now count for something more than just a gig and an audience.
As you’ll read in this month’s feature, he’s taken his talent to the next level by lending it to causes he finds important, and working to launch his own music-based nonprofit to raise funds to support programs he believes in. He’s not yet retired, but it seems Newland has found purpose if and when he does shift gears to that life phase.
Finding purpose is becoming increasingly important as lifespans lengthen and “retirement” morphs into more than just days spent playing golf or bridge.
The Oct. 3 issue of Time magazine (page 26 The View: Retirement) defines a kind of “crisis” behind realizations that “retirement” requires more planning than not outliving your money.
“No matter what you did in your working life, an extended period of time post-career redefines you,” writes Dan Kadlec. The new retirement struggle, Kadlec observes, is filling in the emotional piece by finding purpose for what can be another
20 years or so.
Don’t count on that “bucket list” to fill that need. According to Cyndi Hutchins, director of Financial Gerontology at Merrill Lynch, most finish everything on it in about three years. Then what?
Programs such as the Living Fully at 55+ courses at Holyoke Community College – this fall offering “Over 55… Now What?” – aim to help people navigate this next phase. (For info call 413-552-2123). AARP’s “Life Reimagined” program, online at https://lifereimagined.aarp.org/, is another great resource for figuring out where you want to use your time and talents next.
And it’s never too late. I just read about a woman who got her college degree at 93.
I think the article was in Time magazine…
