Challenge versus Lethargy

Catatonia is a state of mind (unlike Catalonia which is a state of Spain) characterised by rigidity, unresponsiveness and general purposelessness, that was studied by Dr Oliver Sacks (who wrote the magnificently titled book “The man who mistook his wife for a hat”. What is the connection to retirement?

Think of your life in your 40s as a sometimes struggle: money, family, children, work. A sometimes struggle with difficult decisions to make, and difficult problems to deal with: for example teenage children.

Now in your 60s the struggle has receded, but what is left is the choice between challenge and lethargy.

You can choose to drift into lethargy in your retired years. There is nothing wrong with that. However, why not challenge yourself with new activities such as learning woodwork, or a new language, or meeting new people, or helping less fortunate people.

Now your challenge is not a struggle. Failure drops from your lexicon, you can decide your own pace of activity, and it should be an altogether happy experience, but at the same time a chance to use all the skills you deployed in your years of struggle. Why not?

Retirement: You won’t know what it is like until you get there.