Retirement Can Be A New Chapter In Your Life

Here are some interesting facts about seniors. The Wall Street Journal has reported that more Americans are turning 65 in 2024 than any time in history. The 2020 U.S. Census revealed that one out of six people are 65 or over. That is 55.8 million Americans or 16.8 percent of the population. By 2030 it is projected that all baby boomers will be at least 65. Pew Research stated that the number of Americans aged 100 and over will quadruple over the next 30 years. Even with all of this, the United States ranks 34th in the world in the number of elderly people. For sure, the world has a very aging population. If you fall into this category this article is for you.

There are two questions to ask about retirement years. What will all these elderly people do with all their time over the years, and in some cases, decades ahead of them? And since when should one retire at a particular age just because the government or society says they should? Rather, it can be the time to write a new chapter for one’s life. The real question should be, how can all the years ahead be put to the best use in building God’s Kingdom? There is still much work to be done. This is the time to outlive your life by becoming involved in something bigger than yourself that only God can do, and that will have a positive spiritual impact in the lives of people who will still be here after you are gone. As a Christian senior who has maybe retired from a job or vocation you don’t really retire from life itself until God’s purpose for you is over.

Another factor to consider is that regardless of how up in years you are, how is your mind? Are you staying mentally sharp? How is your inner being? II Corinthians 4:16 says, “Do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”  In my book, Seniors, Are You Retiring or Recharging? I write, “If you are physically limited, by surroundings, old age afflictions or illness, do what you can to keep your mind sharp. You don’t have to allow your physical limitations to limit your dreams or mental capacities” (Clark, Trafford Publishing, 2016, pg. 36). If you are 60 and live to be 90, that is plenty of time to set new goals and dream new dreams. You want to be able to say that you finished strong, if not in your body, then in your mind and spirit!

“Do some life assessment. People do assessment on their homes and property to determine their value. Do the same for your senior years. Put your past to good use. How valuable is your life to those who will follow you? How can what you have been through be of benefit to others? The answer to these questions could determine your next chapter” (Clark, pg.32).

As a Christian senior you have a lot of time to be engaged in the Lord’s work. Psalm 71:18 says, “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me until I have proclaimed your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.”