(W)holy, (W)holy, (W)holy: Health, Healing and Wholeness Article for February 2010
“The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘This applies to the Levites: from twenty-five years old and upward they shall begin to do duty in the service of the tent of meeting; and from the age of fifty years, they shall retire from the duty of the service and serve no more. They may assist their brothers in the tent of meeting in carrying out their duties’.” (Numbers 8:23-26a, NRSV)
One might assume that in the case of the Levites, forced retirement was meant to foster younger leadership; young men could begin to serve while still under the guidance of the temple elders. Or perhaps, it was due to the physical requirements of hauling the tabernacle and its furnishings through the wilderness. Regardless, God seemed to know that a healthy retirement requires some sort of advanced planning.
How well one adjusts to this new phase of life depends on a number of factors. Dr. George Valliant, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, likens it to being in 4th grade, as “cooperative play, helping others, having friends, and learning are all important. The problem is that by this age, we’ve forgotten how to play!” There may be much more than a grain of truth to his statement, because it appears that those who strongly identify with their occupation often have some difficulty adjusting to life without a time clock.
Taking time to cultivate a network of friends outside of work relationships can be immensely helpful in getting through the initial retirement adjustment phase. If you are one of those who used his/her job as an escape from family issues, this time may be particularly stressful. Spend time with your spouse, but don’t overwhelm them by expecting him/her to meet all your social needs because this is an adjustment for your spouse as well. You can meet friends for coffee, join a Bible study, organize a regular round of golf, and allow yourself to have fun! Is there an activity that you’ve always wanted to try, but never had the time? Engage the creative side of your brain – it can lead to re-discovery of who you are! Have you always had a desire to play the piano, or learn to paint? Do it now!
During retirement, physical activity is more important than ever. Consider participating in a formal fitness program such as golfing, dancing, swimming, or walking 20-30 minutes at least 3-5 times-a-week. Any and all of these will go a long way toward establishing or maintaining healthy behaviors. Strength training exercises [weights or resistance] several times a week have been recognized for their value in decreasing stress, improving balance, and increasing endurance and flexibility. Good dietary habits including limiting fats, sugar, and salt in conjunction with drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day and getting regular sleep all contribute to living a full and productive life.
Plan your time and set some personal goals. What do you want to accomplish on a typical day? It is human nature to waste time when you have lots of it! Get more involved in your community: volunteer at your local hospital, the local chapter of the Red Cross, or Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Help establish or maintain a community garden, spend time weekly at a soup kitchen, or deliver Meals-on-Wheels. Do you have a special gift or talent? Use it to teach others! Do you enjoy working with numbers/business? Help your fellow retirees with tax preparation or offer to serve as treasurer of a club or organization to which you belong. Help raise funds for a favorite charity or community group. Find out what it is that you enjoy doing, and do it!
Get to know yourself spiritually. Consider attending a guided retreat. Engage the services of a spiritual director. Study scripture. Sign up for seminary courses either locally or on-line. Explore a variety of prayer forms. Learn more about God as you simultaneously learn more about yourself.
Psychologist Abraham Maslow theorized that we progress through different phases of development as we age. For the healthy adult in later stages of life, one’s goal becomes reaching our full potential as an individual or self-actualization. This involves letting go of old routines to make way for the next phase of life. It involves continual learning. Retirement is a great adventure – time to take a fresh look – to reassess in body, mind and spirit. In the words of Robert Fulghum, “Live a balanced life. Learn some and think some and draw some and paint and sing and dance and play and work everyday. And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.” (Source: All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten) Blessings to you as you pursue this wonderful, new phase of life!
Debbie Best, Program Coordinator
Diakon Family Life Services, Training & Consultation
