Alex Pattakos, Ph.D., affectionately nicknamed "Dr. Meaning," is the founder of the Center for Meaning, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and author of the international best-selling book, Prisoners of Our Thoughts (currently on the national Top-10 BestSeller Listing for nonfiction books in Spain), which is based on the wisdom of (and was personally encouraged by) his mentor, the world-renowned psychiatrist, Dr. Viktor Frankl, author of the classic best-seller, Man's Search for Meaning. A former therapist and mental health administrator, political campaign organizer, and full-time university professor of public and business administration, Alex has worked closely with several Presidential administrations on public policy matters, and served as an adviser to the Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He was also one of the initial faculty evaluators for the Innovations in American Government Awards Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, and has been a faculty member at The Brookings Institution. He is a past president of Renaissance Business Associates, an international, nonprofit association of people committed to advancing sound business ethics and elevating the human spirit in the workplace.

Guest Blogger Alex Pattakos--

re-tire-ment :
withdrawal from one's position or occupation or from active working life

I remember a Canadian advertising campaign by a financial institution some years back that was called Freedom 55. It promised not only financial independence beginning at 55 years of age, but also the lure of freedom to do whatever you would want for the rest of your life. With the average life-span increasing for both men and women (according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average life expectancy in the USA currently hovers around 80 years, with women living on the average 5½ years longer than men ), I remember wondering what this kind of "freedom" would ultimately mean for such young retirees. What would they do with -- and for -- the rest of their lives in retirement?

It’s time to “retire” retirement and redefine the way that we look at life “expectancy” (the Presidential candidacy of Senator John McCain is helping to shed light on this very issue). Economic conditions notwithstanding, more and more people, especially those over the age of 50, are asking the existential question: “Is that all there is?” Indeed, when the first of America's 79 million baby boomers reach age 62 this year, it appears that they are going to change the meaning of the word “retirement.” Surveys by AARP have demonstrated that most older workers -- some 70%-- want to continue working in some way. Importantly, they also know what they want from work at this time in their lives. They put a very high value on meaningful work that keeps them actively engaged in life, that allows them to “reinvent” themselves, and that demonstrates that they haven’t “given up” on life:

• 86% say that staying in the workforce keeps them healthy and active.
• Nearly 60% feel that their jobs contribute to society or help people.
• Less than one-third say they look forward to full retirement.

"Boomers are going to redefine what we think of as aging. We'll reject the term 'aging' or 'elderly.' Many boomers want less responsibility; they've done the management thing. They're looking for more meaningful work, to hone their skills, to still contribute—but to have flexible work options....When you go beyond the financial aspects, you see the issues of wanting to feel connected to the workplace and that there's still a lot more to be offered in skill, knowledge, and expertise." 
-- Deborah Russell , AARP director, Workforce Issues

This is another validation that our search for meaning, which has become a “megatrend” of the 21^st Century, is not only about finding a higher purpose or a true calling. It's about finding meaning in every moment, every day. As I share in my book, Prisoners of Our Thoughts, it's our personal responsibility to discover that meaning, and it is clear that many “boomers” are now taking this on as a personal, life-affirming mission.

I find this shift in consciousness and new meaning of retirement to be an exciting prospect at this time of turmoil and uncertainty in the world! Why? Because in my own personal and professional experience, I've found that people who take the time to find meaning in their life and work are happier -- they're more joyful, more passionate, and more fulfilled than those who have either given up or never thought that meaning was or should be an integral part of their life. These people, both men and women, I’ve also observed, are more resilient to the stresses of everyday life. And, in effect, they become the "light " for others.

Regardless of your age, there is much to learn from this example of the ongoing search for meaning in our lives. So consider these questions: What are you doing now (or what do you intend to do) in your “retirement?” Will you discover meaning during your “retirement” that will help you be more joyful, more passionate, more fulfilled, and more resilient, so that you can be a light for others? Or will you simply withdraw?

© 2008 Alex Pattakos, Ph.D.

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