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Challenging the Retirement Model

Challenging the Retirement Model

In modern American society, the prevailing model for living a complete life is that we work hard for roughly 40 years and then transition to a leisure-filled retirement. But what if that model was meant to serve a reality vastly different from the one we find ourselves in today?

What if lasting fulfillment and happiness in today's reality lies in consistently seeking out discomfort and challenge, rather than easing into the convenience of retirement?

Understanding the Conventional Wisdom

The model of retirement, as we know it today, has its origins in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily in industrialized Western nations. During this period, significant social and economic changes occurred, including the growth of urban centers and the shift from agrarian to industrial economies. As a result, a new life stage emerged - retirement - as a response to the changing nature of work. Pioneering figures like Otto von Bismarck in Germany and Franklin D. Roosevelt in the United States played pivotal roles in the development of retirement systems. Bismarck introduced the world's first state-sponsored retirement program in the 1880s, and Roosevelt's New Deal policies in the 1930s led to the establishment of Social Security in the U.S., which laid the foundation for the retirement model that has prevailed for much of the 20th and 21st centuries. This model encouraged individuals to work diligently during their productive years with the promise of a secure and comfortable retirement in their later years, setting the stage for the retirement-focused paradigm in American society.

But would such development have occurred in the absence of lifespan increases? It seems to me that supply (lifespan) preceded demand (leisure). And I posit that supply is again informing demand, but in this 2.0 version it's not lifespan and leisure, instead it's healthspan and something entirely new (or a return to old?).

With the increase in healthspan, is it possible our bodies and minds are yearning for the growth mindset, challenge, and even discomfort found in our "productive years"?

Let's look at some examples of this 2.0 model, and see what we see.

Lessons from Blue Zones

Blue Zones - regions around the world where people live notably longer and report higher levels of well-being - provide compelling insights into what truly fuels a fulfilling life. These zones, spanning from Okinawa, Japan to Sardinia, Italy, follow a radically different approach to life, one grounded in continuous activity, learning, and connection. Some things Blue Zones have in common...

Seek Out Discomfort

Blue Zone inhabitants aren’t lounging around. They're constantly active, whether it's through daily physical labor, long walks, or consistent social interactions. They understand that discomfort, in moderation, is a stimulant to the body and mind.

Always Be Learning

Lifelong learning isn’t just a buzzword in Blue Zones. Whether it’s mastering a new recipe, learning a song, or picking up a new craft, the thirst for knowledge doesn't wane with age. Example: I recently watched a 75 year old man wade into the ocean for his first scuba dive. Imagine the thoughts and emotions running through him. Imagine the challenge. Imagine the resultant growth.

Limit Conveniences

While technology and modern conveniences have their benefits, they can also make us sedentary and detached. Blue Zone communities often rely on manual tools and processes, ensuring they remain physically and mentally active. Example: a buddy of mine replaced his ride-on mower with a push mower. He loved the physical work, learning how to maintain the blades, and as it turns out the push mower did a better job.

Simplify Needs

In a world consumed by materialism, these communities are a testament to the joys of simplicity. Instead of constantly striving for more, they find contentment in what they have. Example: one of my favorite authors reads paper books almost exclusively. No batteries included.

Keep Friends Close

Social bonds are paramount. Regular interactions, communal activities, and close-knit families are the backbone of their existence. Example: one of the happiest people I know lists friends and community at nearly the top of his life values. Ask any who know him and all report that he is their "bro".

Redefining the Journey

Shifting from the conventional model doesn’t mean quitting your job or shunning all modern conveniences. It's about recalibrating our approach to life. Instead of working tirelessly for a distant future reward, we can...

Integrate Challenges

Set regular personal and professional challenges. This can be anything from learning a new language, taking up a physical activity, or even setting monthly reading goals.

Limit Passive Entertainment

While binging the latest series can be fun, it’s also essential to engage in active hobbies that stimulate the mind and body.

Prioritize Relationships

Cultivate and maintain strong relationships. Organize regular meetups, engage in community service, or simply invest time in deep, meaningful conversations.

Simplify Living

Consider downsizing or adopting a minimalist approach to reduce clutter and the constant desire for more.

Conclusion

Embracing discomfort and continually challenging ourselves goes against the grain of modern-day narratives of success. But as the Blue Zones show us, it's a path that leads to genuine fulfillment, vibrant health, and a life rich in experiences and connections. As we navigate our own life’s journey, let's consider which model serves us best in the long run.

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