How Retirement Has Changed

The concept of retirement has been around for centuries, but it has changed drastically over the last few decades. In the past, retirement was seen as a time of rest and relaxation after a lifetime of hard work, but today it is viewed as a stage of life with many new opportunities. As more people live longer and healthier lives, they are able to stay active and productive in their later years. Retirement no longer means sitting around in a rocking chair, but instead is a time to explore the world, travel, and engage in activities that bring joy.

In the past, retirement age was typically between 65 and 70 years old. As life expectancy has increased, many people are now choosing to retire later in life. According to a survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, the average age for retirement is now 66 for men and 64 for women. This is up from 62 for men and 61 for women in 2003. People are also working longer, with the median retirement age rising from 57 in 2000 to 63 in 2018.

The traditional idea of retirement is also being replaced by a new concept known as “working retirement.” Working retirement is when people are able to stay in the workforce, either part-time or full-time, after the traditional retirement age. We call this a "Work-Optional Lifestyle", working because you want to, not because you have to. This can be done either to supplement income or to remain active and engaged in the workforce. The trend of working retirement is on the rise, with more than 25 million Americans over the age of 65 still working.

The changing concept of retirement has also led to an increase in financial planning. In the past, many retirees would rely on their pensions and Social Security to cover their expenses in retirement. Now, the majority of Americans are responsible for their own retirement savings. This means they need to be proactive with their finances and create a retirement plan that will ensure they have enough money to cover their expenses in retirement.

Retirement has also become more of a lifestyle choice. People are choosing to downsize their homes and move to areas with lower costs of living, such as smaller towns or even other countries. They are also choosing to travel more and explore new places and cultures. This is a far cry from the traditional idea of retirement of sitting at home and doing nothing.

Additionally, the changing concept of retirement has also led to an increase in volunteerism and philanthropy. As people live longer and have more financial security, they are choosing to use their time and resources to give back to their communities. This can include volunteering with local charities, mentoring young people, or even starting their own businesses.

Overall, retirement has changed drastically over the last few decades. People are retiring later, creating their own retirement plans, and staying active and engaged in their later years. This is a far cry from the traditional idea of retirement, but it is an exciting time for those who are ready to explore all that retirement has to offer.