The Study Of JOY

In 1938 scientists began a study to track the health of its participants over a long period of time to try to figure out what makes people healthy and happy. The study continues to this day, of course adding new participants (including the offspring of the OGs!). So what does this Harvard Study of Adult Development have to say thus far – and what does this have to do with retirement?

There are SO many facets of this study and we’ll be digging into them in the coming months, but the overall essence is the key to health and happiness lies in your relationships.

In one sense, this may not surprise many of us having pandemic lock downs not that far in the rear-view mirror. We all remember those months that passed and while for some they felt a sense of contentment, many others were tormented by loneliness. Some enjoyed the time at home with their loved ones, others ended up with marital issues, some enjoyed working from home in the beginning, others missed the office comradery over time. What started to become clear was that LONLINESS is quite a powerful force.

Being alone does not necessarily equate to loneliness – and likewise, being amongst people does not necessarily rid feelings of loneliness. Feeling lonely is an emotional state. They key – as we get older and eventually retire – is to find our place in our new normal.

Retirement can be tricky – we work our whole lives toward a goal and then when it arrives it may not be all we thought it would be. Consider this – from the time we are quite young we have a routine and structure. As tiny toddlers we already have a schedule – when we eat, when we nap, when we go to pre-school, and so on. This of course continues into young adulthood and while there are exceptions, many of us will go to high school, maybe college, maybe graduate school, maybe have a corporate job or a few jobs…whatever our path we are entering a period of decades spent in a routine.

And then you reach that big goal, you are RETIRED…now what?

For some it brings pure joy, not missing their routine at all. For others, they may miss what they once thought were the confines of a schedule – but often what they miss most is the people. Stay tuned for next week as we continue exploring this in more detail…