Retirement Readiness Program
As people increasingly live into their 80s and 90s, the aging population presents both opportunities and challenges. These additional years, if not managed effectively, can lead to a diminished quality of life. Today’s retirees are generally healthier and more active, with the prospect of even longer lifespans ahead. This creates a new phase of life and opens up numerous opportunities. Retirement can be a period of joy or struggle, depending on one’s attitude and level of preparation. Starting preparations early is key; the more one prepares, the smoother the transition into retirement will be.
Over our two-decade career as social gerontologists, we’ve had the privilege of assisting numerous retirees and their families in reimagining their lives. A significant portion of these individuals are ill-prepared for the changes ahead and often express surprise and confusion, stating, “I didn’t know” or “Nobody told me.” Based on our extensive experience, we’ve concluded that more retirements falter due to non-financial reasons than financial ones. Lack of knowledge and unpreparedness emerge as the primary causes of these challenges.
We aim to dispel misconceptions surrounding the final phase of life and emphasise that retirement marks not an end, but a fresh start— an opportunity for personal growth, creativity, and self-discovery. Through our “retirement readiness program,” we assist participants in navigating the myriad challenges and joys of retirement. This session is designed to offer retiring employees practical tips for a smoother and more fulfilling transition into retirement.
Our session deviates from the typical PowerPoint presentation that inundates you with clichés like “don’t smoke,” “don’t drink,” “drink water,” “eat vegetables,” “walk for an hour,” “drink Horlicks,” leaving you yawning within minutes. Instead, we delve into real-time challenges individuals may encounter during this transition, offering participants tangible stories and data. By steering clear of hearsay and intuition, our approach provides valuable insights and concrete examples. These personal narratives serve as inspiring role models, guiding individuals toward their desired paths.
