Program 2 - Life after Work: Men Thriving in Retirement

A 45-minute presentation targeted to community, civic or service groups

Possible venues for the presentation:

• Pre-retirement discussions in a hospital education program or corporate retirement planning seminar
• Employment assistance plan
• Retirement groups (AARP, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, meeting of retired IBM employees)
• A shortened version of this presentation would be appropriate for civic groups - such as Rotary clubs, which host a 20-minute presentation

Presenter Introduction

Why This Topic?

For many men, work has played a central role in their identity and sense of self-worth. Consequently, at retirement men may feel vulnerable and confused, and may experience a sense of loss and possibly grief. Retirement can lead to undesirable social isolation and depression, which many men tend to express through anger and irritability.¹¹

Successful and satisfying retirement requires men to consciously make choices for remaining socially connected and actively engaged in enjoyable, meaningful activity. Social networks are essential for maintaining good mental health. Many men do not have the experience of creating such networks, but can learn to do so in workshops like this.

Planning for "social retirement" requires the same vigor as planning financial retirement.

How Do You Set the Stage for the Talk?

In setting up your room for a talk, take into consideration that some men feel more comfortable sitting side-by-side, like at a sporting event or an arts performance, not in a circle facing each other. "Theater-style," with or without tables, sets the atmosphere of the room. Men do like interaction. Many find reacting to facts and figures and concrete problem-solving more appealing than talking about feelings. Therefore, the following talk lends itself to a lecture format with audience reaction. The format allows the participants to take away concrete information and tips.

Selecting either a male or a male-and-female team as speakers best suits this topic and audience.

Goals and Objectives

The goal of this session is for men who are approaching retirement, or have recently retired, to be able to:

1. List three factors that influence satisfaction in retirement.
2. Identify at least one enjoyable activity that provides social contact and a sense of accomplishment/purpose (either new or current), and plan to pursue it.
3. Replicate the process of networking as a way to expand social contacts and potential job (paid or volunteer) opportunities.

Session Outline

1. Introduction: Facts and Figures about Retirement
    
2. Work to Live or Live to Work
    
3. Factors for Successful Retirement
    
4. What is Successful Aging? Purposeful or Masterpiece Living?
    
5. Networking: Making Your Connections Work for You
   • Social Communication Skills
   • Where to Develop Networks
    
6. Closing: This Is Just the Beginning

¹¹ Diamond, J. (2002) The Whole Man Program. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, p. 205.