The ability to enjoy our golden years is the same as the ability to be happy
People say things like, “When I retire, I am going to be happy,” or “When I don’t have to work anymore, I will be happy.” The truth is, if you don’t think you can be happy until you retire, you won’t be.
One of the most recognizable cartoon characters is Snoopy. So much so that I bet you knew someone from when you were young that had a bedroom that was filled with Snoopy. Snoopy dolls, Snoopy quotes and even Snoopy curtains. You might have even learned how to draw Snoopy on top of his doghouse and spent many hours in art class perfecting this skill – like I did.
Happiness is Snoopy
One of my favorite quotes were always the “happiness is” quotes relating to Snoopy and all the Peanuts characters: Happiness is a warm puppy. Happiness is cookies. Happiness is a sunny day.
What is happiness to you? Does it have to depend on what stage of life you are in and whether you are retired?
There are a number of studies about happiness in retirement. Many people who are getting ready to retire hope that this new phase of their lives results in happiness. In fact, a lot of retirement planning focuses on how to achieve happiness in the golden years.
But more often, if you are miserable now, you most likely will be miserable in retirement. Happiness does not just happen when you stop working.
Five Keys to Authentic Happiness
In studies conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that there isn’t one element in the pursuit of happiness but five. They work together to contribute to an overall sense of peace and contentment.
At any age, including retirement age, the five keys to what lead researcher Martin Seligman called authentic happiness are:
Positive emotion. They are, for example, hope, enthusiasm and warmth. A large part of positive psychology, a field of study that seeks to understand happiness, is about enhancing these emotions.
Engagement. People who engage in activities they enjoy are happier. Retirement does help you in this area since it frees up your time to do things you like.
Relationships. Families, friends and healthy social contact are essential for happiness. You should work on bettering your relationships before retirement begins, because leaving your job sometimes means leaving long-time friends at work.
Meaning. Retirement is the time to look at the meaning of life. As you approach retirement, determine what you can do to feel fulfilled. Do not wait until you retire to figure this out.
Achievement. Those with a positive self-image are happier. If your job doesn’t give you a sense of achievement, try getting involved in other activities that do. Volunteer work? Sports? Quilting? This is even more important in retirement.
The ability to enjoy our golden years is the same ability to be happy at all the stages of our life.
Megan Jones joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as marketing director. Megan and her husband live in Fredericksburg, VA with their German Short Haired Pointer, Gus. Megan is a graduate of Longwood University and holds a degree in communications. Megan is the oldest of Dave Lopez’s three children and not only enjoys working alongside her father, but also with her cousin, Chase, who joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Megan is also a fully licensed Life, Health, and Annuity agent. When not at work, Megan enjoys sitting on the back porch with family and friends enjoying food and music.
Amy Anderson joined the ILG Financial team in 2023 as the client relations coordinator. Her responsibilities include scheduling of appointments, annual check-up notifications, and annuity and required minimum distribution assistance. She is a graduate of Harding University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Amy and her husband have two children and she enjoys reading, crocheting, music and spending time with her family.
Terri Center joined the ILG Financial team in 2019 as client services manager. She handles client records, application processing, and gathering information to provide a professional and friendly experience with all of our clients. Terri is a graduate of Oakland University. She is married and has two children. She enjoys hiking, family time, and puzzle challenging video games. She also likes to share her creativity in her canvas paintings and sewing projects.
Jessica Carson joined the ILG Financial team in 2018 as an agent. Jessica and her husband have four children, two dogs, 3 barn cats, 5 chickens, and three parakeets. She indeed loves her children and pets! When not at work, Jessica enjoys playing the piano and cello as well as traveling and spending time outside with her family, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Chase Lopez joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Chase is a 2016 James Madison University graduate with a degree in management. Chase has been trained under the tutelage of Dave Lopez, who is not only the founder and managing member of ILG Financial, but also is Chase’s uncle and godfather. He also enjoys working alongside his cousin, Megan, who is Dave’s daughter.