Dr. Sabrina Anderson
Retirement or continue to work? The other day, a man bragged to me that he is still working at 70 years old. He was so proud of himself and explained the alternative would be sitting around drinking Budweiser.
How is it that this has become something to boast about? I inquired whether he had hobbies and was promptly informed he was too busy working.
So, which is it? Does one continue working as a productive way to spend the golden years, or is a new chapter created?
Did you dream of travelling during retirement or just a couple of special trips? Once those are successfully embarked upon, what will you do when you get home?
The Bible does not explicitly define modern retirement, instead it emphasizes continued purpose, work as God’s design and stewarding resources for service.
I like to share about my brother who began a new chapter at 60 years old. He learned to make violins by hand. Always the master carpenter, this transition was seamless.
Now he also makes fiddles, cellos, basses, and is beginning an Irish floor harp. He conducts an annual essay contest to freely bless someone with one of his instruments.
This past 2025, the North Carolina State Fair crowned him Craftsman of the Year and additionally awarded him the Blue Ribbon across the board. He is 70 years old this year.
Examples of great retirement options are displayed with persons who continue to work in their lifelong field but at a part-time level and as a service to others.
My Momma has been a nurse for decades and continues to see patients. Almost all her patients are younger than her 87 years.
We know about the Blue Zone residents that live full, healthy lives like this into their late nineties and one hundreds. They live long lives filled with purpose and giving of themselves.
A retirement life of service can take many forms. Can you cook or bake? Can you clean or tidy? Can you still drive? Did you have a career in finance or accounting? Any career can be created into a retirement chapter of service by using your skills to bless others.
Recently I flew to Colorado Springs. In the jetway onto the plane, were three older couples. They were outbragging each other on their recent travels.
This is not impressive, I assure you. Giving is better than receiving (Acts 20:35), by hard work do we help the weak.
A few local businesses needing help include the Harry Chapin Food Bank, Gulf Coast Humane Society, churches, and very likely your widow(er) neighbor.
Instead of stating “let me know if you need anything” one should just show up with their tools/equipment/baked treats. No one wants to ask you for help.
Health issues affect many and limit what one can do. Can you send words of encouragement to others? By edifying others, we reduce the consuming thoughts of our own troubles.
Your last years should truly be the exclamation point on your life. “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride” Ecclesiastes 7:8. No matter the life you have lived, endured or survived, your ending can be the best part.
When it comes to love, let us assume many have not received what they had hoped for. Therefore, giving love will undoubtedly bless lives around you.
Forms of love include, acts of service - mowing, cleaning, fixing; and words of kindness – gentle replies, slowness to anger. Acts of service are very different from requiring payment for a task completed. They are not the same.
Recall the story I shared at the beginning here. Service jobs are simply that, employment. Acts of service are about giving.
Trips are nothing to brag about, simply travelling. But when you can seek and find someone to give your time, talent and energy towards, not only will you bless another, but your cup will be filled as well.
Years before I earned a doctorate, I had a second job working in commercial cleaning. This is something I am exceptional at and would serve others in this capacity.
I am a blue-ribbon baker from a State Fair and could see myself blessing others with homemade treats.
Personally, I am a long way from the new government retirement age of 67, but when I consider that chapter, it certainly includes writing. Perhaps I will complete some biographies of other retirees. Certainly, I will invest my every day into service of some heft.
Television and continual newsfeeds depress one’s mental faculties. It is by moving, action, service, and living with intention that we embrace each day. It is by sharing our gifts and talents that we live our fullest lives. Let me know how you are (or will be) spending your retirement.
Dr. Sabrina Anderson lives on
Pine Island in Southwest Florida.
DrSabrinaAnderson@outlook. com
