The benefits of a purpose-driven life don’t dissipate when you retire. Rather, without the imposed daily and weekly structures of the working world, it may be even more important to find purpose during this distinct stage of life.

With today’s longer retirements, modern retirees have the time and health to pursue ambitious new goals, redefining who they are in the world. Many report that rather than seeing retirement as an extended R&R, they’re busier they could have imagined. They’re still setting an alarm clock, but they’re making the schedule.

But health and happiness are not a given. Purpose and progress can help you get there and sustain it.

The elements of living well

If there is a secret to living well in retirement, it might be found in three parts: health, avocation and community. A fit mind and body keep you capable, a diversion that demands mastery keeps you improving, and people in your life help you stay connected to the world.

Health

As we get older, we take fewer things for granted, except maybe our own habits. Decades of the nine-to-five don’t lend themselves to healthy diets or disciplined exercise routines. In retirement, you have the opportunity to start fresh and create new habits, recognizing that it’s never too late to mind your physical wellness.

Cognitive health requires as much minding. Solving puzzles, trying new things and taking on hobbies that require problem solving can help you stay sharp.

Avocation

People speak of the importance of hobbies in retirement, but maybe a better word is avocation, something that requires discipline and problem solving. Examples include art, artisanship, volunteering, teaching and civic leadership.

So-called “encore careers” are common avocations, allowing retirees to use their experiences to, say, staff a nonprofit, become an entrepreneur or serve as an educator.

The purpose of an avocation in your retirement wellness plan is to create the cycle of challenge and reward that is critical for maintaining your sense of place in the world.  

Community

When we get older, we have to be deliberate about getting into the world and meeting people. Houses of worship, community centers, libraries, community festivals, coffee shops, trivia nights, book clubs – the world is filled with opportunities to go out and enjoy the presence of others.

It’s also a good idea to try to seek out people who are different than you in some way. Volunteering can connect you with young people. So can auditing classes at the local college, in which many make no-cost, no-grade seats available for lifelong learners. City government is another good avenue, as a member of an advisory board or department volunteer.

Finding your perfect blend

Your perfect, purposeful mix of health, avocation and community will be unique to you. You might not discover it immediately, but if you give yourself the chance to try and fail and try again, you’ll be able to find your own path.