Finding Joy and Purpose After Retiring

Seventy-five years ago, Guy Lombardo and his band made the first recording of “Enjoy Yourself (It’s Later Than You Think).” Other artists have recorded the song, but the most upbeat version was recorded by Louis Prima in 1950. The song resonates with its reminder to enjoy daily life since health and lifespan are unpredictable.

Retirement can bring joy, relaxation, and satisfaction. It also brings challenges to those who miss the daily contacts, rituals, and structure of their law practice. Over time, most retired lawyers adjust to their newly found freedoms and friends. Following is a checklist of strategies for finding joy and purpose in retirement. Following the checklist are resources to help implement the strategies. 

Checklist

• Activity – Pursue activities like gardening, mentoring, sports, teaching, and traveling.
• Attitude – Maintain a cheerful outlook and do things that make you happy.
• Brain - Stimulate your mind by doing puzzles, playing cards, reading books, and taking classes.
• Exploration – Explore life by attending performances, pursuing hobbies, and taking trips.
• Gratitude – Reflect on blessings with a gratitude journal and by giving thanks to others.
• Health – Eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water, and reduce alcohol consumption.
• Help – Seek inspiration from a life coach, friend, muse, or relative.
• Physical – Get physical several times each week by taking fitness classes, running, or walking.
• Purpose – Find purpose by adopting a dog, reading books, and talking to others.
• Social – Stay social by dining with friends, joining clubs, and visiting family.
• Volunteer – Help family, friends, and neighbors; volunteer services to bar and civic organizations.

Conclusion

Retirement provides an opportunity for reconnection, relaxation, and retrospection. Use the strategies and resources in this article to find joy and purpose in retirement. Get inspired by listening to Prima on YouTube and watching AARP’s retirement videos. Enjoy yourself – it’s later than you think!

Articles

• Dave Hughes, Reasons You’ll Love Being Retired, US News, Jul.12, 2017.
• Bruce Horovitz, Secrets of a Happy Retirement, AARP Bulletin, Dec. 9, 2021.
• Jacob Schroeder, How to Have a Happy Retirement, Kiplinger’s, May 17, 2024.
• Jacob Wolinsky, Embracing a Purposeful Second Act, Kiplinger’s, Aug, 25, 2023.
• Staff, Finding Meaning After Retirement, Key, Aug 12, 2022.

Books

• AARP, Living Your Best Life After 50, Wiley, Mar. 12, 2024.
• Nora Berman and Chelsy Casto, 50 Lessons for Happy Lawyers, Berroco, May 20, 2022.
• Fritz Gilbert, Keys to a Successful Retirement, Callisto, May 5, 2020.
• Sally Hurme, Get the Most Out of Retirement, ABA Publishing, Dec. 1, 2016.
• Stella Rheingold, Fun Things to do in Retirement, CreateSpace, Jun. 29, 2015.

Videos

• Enjoy Yourself (Mercury Records, Jan 1959).
• How to Be Happier at Any Age (AARP, Sep. 19, 2020).
• Strengthening Social Connections for a Happier Life (AARP, Jun 5, 2024).