5. The Loss of Familiar Roles Can Be Emotionally Difficult
Retirement and other life transitions can affect how people see themselves.
For decades, someone’s identity may have been connected to their career, raising children, caring for a household, or being responsible for others.
When those responsibilities change, a person may wonder:
“What is my purpose now?”
That question can be surprisingly powerful.
The answer doesn’t have to involve returning to work.
Purpose can come from mentoring younger people, helping family members, volunteering, learning something new, creating art, gardening, traveling, exercising, or simply becoming deeply involved in activities that bring satisfaction.
