Do you know someone close to retiring? Retirement is an exciting milestone that gives people freedom from certain responsibilities after a long career. However, many people have mixed feelings about retirement as well. Why is that?
Well, a lot of retirees feel overwhelmed with their newfound freedom. After working a 9-5 for decades of their lives – what else is there to do? These emotions are natural. And you can help by offering words of encouragement so they can continue to live a fulfilling life.
What are words of encouragement?
Words of encouragement are meant to support someone in their actions. They are typically positive phrases that inspire someone to do great things. It creates feelings of determination and builds confidence to continue on new adventures. Words of encouragement have the power to help someone face their fears and avoid regrets.
Why are words of encouragement so important to someone facing or entering retirement?
Retirement is a goal that many wish to accomplish as we grow older. After working hard at a career for decades, it's only fair to relax and reflect on our remaining years. We have the freedom to do whatever we want. Conversely, others find retirement daunting. Some people see retirement as an end to their lives. Such as the saying goes, ‘early retirement, early grave.'
This is far from the truth. The National Library of Medicine proved that retirement does not have any ties to mortality. Meaning, people who retire can still live exciting and healthy lives. However, it's overwhelming to start a new chapter at a later age. What are they supposed to do every day? How do you find meaning in life without a career?
And then there's the worry of finances. Many stress about their finances during retirement. They fear that money may run out as they grow older. On top of everything, retirees often feel like others don't understand what they are going through. There are plenty of reasons to worry about retirement. So the questions must be asked: Is retirement all that great? – YES!
That is why words of encouragement are so important for people to hear during retirement. Of course, there are things to worry about, but retirees should consider themselves blessed to be so lucky to live with less responsibility and return the focus on themselves.
They can do absolutely anything they wish, and they must be reminded of all the possibilities. So, here is a list of words of encouragement for retirement to help boost a retiree's confidence to continue to live their lives to the fullest.
Seize the Day
Sometimes it can be challenging to convince a retiree that there's still plenty to do. Just because their career has ended does not mean their lives must end. These words of encouragement explain the importance of seizing the day, whether checking off the bucket list or making everyday count with fun activities.
Some people base their personalities on their careers. Spending our lives attached to a job sometimes determines who we are. Retirement is scary because we must redefine a new person. People who retire are stepping into a whole new world at a late age. Make sure you show compassion during these times and offer words of advice to encourage them to get out there and seize the day.
1. Its Saturday every day – all you have to do is choose how to spend it.
2. You now have the freedom to explore the world.
3. Age is not what defines us. It's an experience.
4. The next and best chapter of your life has officially begun.
5. It's time to fulfill your wants and desires.
6. The day begins when you are ready.
7. Don't let the sound of a clock prevent you from experiencing something new.
8. Today is the day you find something important to do.
9. However you spend the day – be sure it's worth it.
10. Retirement can be scary, but it's also a time to rediscover who you are.
11. It's never too late to discover something you love.
12. People don't realize how courageous retirement can be.
13. The person you were before is not gone because you are still growing.
14. Be kind to yourself and enjoy the world around you.
15. It may be difficult at first, but you'll soon find your footing.
16. You never really know how strong you are until you are backed into a corner.
17. Focus on what brings you happiness, and never stop doing it.
18. Change is a natural part of life.
19. You must believe in yourself so you can continue to encourage yourself.
20. You are exactly where you are supposed to be.
21. Surround yourself with those who love and care about you.
22. Don't let others tell you how to feel.
23. You're making a significant change and deserve some time to think about the next step.
24. The hard work is not over because you must now work on your happiness.
25. We should all be lucky that we can change whenever we choose.
26. Remember what you are good at and continue to make a change.
27. Reminisce about the past and smile for the future.
28. Let go of all the unknowns and be thankful for what you have.
How to Spend the Days
The biggest problem with retirement is that people don't know what to do with their time. Nothing appears exciting anymore because there's nothing to work towards. They must realign their lives without responsibilities. Offer them various ways to spend the day. You can provide them mindfulness activities for seniors to help them enjoy their days.
Sometimes retirees are in denial about what can be done during the day. Some think they are stuck in their homes with nothing to do and nowhere to go. You must encourage them that the world is their oyster. There are plenty of activities, social events, places to visit, and things to do. If they are having trouble finding ways to fill their days, they may benefit from reading 5 Steps to Discover Your Life Purpose. Otherwise, consider telling them these words of encouragement.
29. Dreams can be sought out at any age.
30. You've come so far and can continue to go even further.
31. New is not just meant for the young.
32. What's next on the bucket list?
33. Never give up hope to find your happiness.
34. Now is time to think about everything you have always wanted to do.
Now is time to think about everything you have always wanted to do.”
35. Writing about your experiences can help you relieve them.
36. There are plenty of things to do at your age.
37. Pick a random spot on the map and just go.
38. A routine walk helps with meditation and mindfulness.
39. Now it's time to catch up on family and spend time with the grandkids.
40. There's more than enough time to finish everything you started.
41. Pick up a new hobby every week and try to master them all.
42. Not every day will be good. Just don't let it be bad.
43. Find out what others enjoy during their retirements and see if you can join them.
44. Helping others is a great way to spend the day.
45. There's nothing wrong with doing nothing one day and exploring the world the next.
46. Now, your favorite activity can be done every day.
47. Everyone deserves a space to just relax without any guilt.
48. There's no reason to say no today.
49. Start doing things without caring what others think.
50. Don't be afraid of failure. Be afraid of not trying.
51. Search for meaning as you live each day.
Wish Them Well
Retirement is a time to celebrate because retirees have accomplished a lot in their careers. Remember that laughter is powerful and can have positive lasting effects on people. Try out these phrases to put a smile on a retiree's face. They are about to set foot on a challenging yet rewarding journey. Let them know how much they deserve this time because of their hard work.
Explain how great they were at their job and now they can enjoy life. It doesn't have to be too serious – just tell them how much they are appreciated. Throw in a few jokes, but its okay to let someone know how much they will be missed. It will help them live a comfortable retirement life knowing they had a successful career.
52. Want to switch careers? I just started out, and maybe I can take your retirement.
53. No boss, no pressure, and no company meetings. How will you survive?
54. You deserve to live carefree. I hope you enjoy your retirement.
55. It will be difficult without you here, but we wish you the best!
56. There's going to be an open position when you leave. Do you want to take it?
57. I guess your new office is the living room, right?
58. You deserve a chance to spend each day however you want.
59. Make sure you don't spend your entire life's savings! Wait, that's what retirement is for!
Make sure you don't spend your entire life's savings! Wait, that's what retirement is for!”
60. I hope the rest of your life is spent doing what you love.
61. Be sure to remember all the good times you spent here.
62. I guess you can stop living to work and just work on living.
63. Retirement is the only time you want to brag about your old age.
64. I hope you enjoy all of your freedom. You've deserved it for working so hard.
65. Don't party every night – try to stretch it out for as long as possible.
66. I hear the weekends never end and time isn't real. Sounds amazing.
67. I guess your breaks consist of napping anywhere you wish.
68. Retirees are the only ones happy to wake up on Mondays.
69. You never have to answer a work call or sit in a boring meeting ever again.
70. You've been a wonderful mentor and deserve all the best.
71. Don't forget about us because we won't forget about you.
72. You've left an impression here, so you deserve time for yourself.
73. Since you're retiring, I can blame everything on you – boss won't be able to do anything about it!
74. Amazing how you can end a story and start all over again.
75. Now you can just relax and remember all of your success.
Final Thought on Words of Encouragement for Retirement
Starting over at an older age can feel scary and overwhelming for some, which is why words of encouragement are so important. It’s a new chapter and your words can help them write their story.
Encourage retirees to continue to live their best lives because their lives are not over… they are just beginning. Remind them that they now have years of experience and wisdom to guide them along a new path.
Even if you are nowhere near retirement, don’t let yourself or the people you care about run away from happiness due to a fear of change. It is something we all deal with at some point in our lives. Change is not always bad. For added inspiration, read our article on 5 Excuses You're Using to Sabotage Your Happiness.
And if you want more positive words of encouragement, be sure to check out these blog posts:
- 87 Words of Encouragement to Inspire Women
- 101 Words of Encouragement for Men to Help When They’re Struggling
- 65 Words of Encouragement to Your Husband to Lift Him Up
