Much has been written on the topic of finding happiness because it is so fundamental…and challenging for many retirees. One good place to start is with a little self-examination. One expert, Nancy K. Schlossberg, a professor emeritus at the University of Maryland and the author of Retire Smart, Retire Happy: Finding Your True Path in Life, writes "Retirement is very much like when you graduated from high school or college, a few people knew exactly what they wanted to do, but the majority have no idea." In her book Schlossberg divides baby boomers into six main types. Some people may fit into more than one category, and over time, people will likely shift from one type of boomer to another. Click here for an explanation of Professor Schlossberg's six types. Then ask yourself: what type am I now? And what type might I want to transition to?

A thread that runs through the thinking of Professor Schlossberg and others in the field is the need for meaning in our lives. Paradoxically, many of us find meaning in our lives when we mean something to others, when other people need us. We may enjoy spending time with family and friends, but the pleasure is short-lived. It's when a child or a parent or a friend relies on us that we feel valued. Similarly, at work co-workers and customers count on us for our labor and knowledge and so we feel we have value. This principle spreads over a wide spectrum of activities, including playtime as well as work. For example, you may love playing softball but what really makes it work is being part of a team and being welcomed by fellow team members when you show up. In other sections of the BBRN website we discuss deciding how to spend your time but as you develop a plan, keep in mind that the need to feel appreciated transcends many other factors.

In Search of Shared Values

Sex in Retirement

Six Types of Retirees