Life Transitions & Tough Chapters
Some parts of retirement are deeply tender.
The act of retirement itself is a touchy, difficult topic for many. Loss, death, divorce, health changes, and unexpected life shifts can reshape retirement in ways no one planned for. Let's share experiences with honesty, compassion, and respect.
These articles don’t rush healing or offer easy answers. They acknowledge that some transitions take time, and that understanding, shared experience, and gentle guidance can make difficult seasons feel less isolating.
Retirement Transition
Why do some retirees struggle with retirement while others thrive?
Some, like my husband, retire and never look back. Others, like me, aren't sure what to do when they retire... who am I and what will I do for the rest of my life?
Psst! Be sure to read the retiree stories at the bottom of pages... reading their experiences and thoughts might bring new perspectives to your life!
Death, a tough chapter in life with major transitions
Death... while I've not yet lost my spouse, I did lose my mom in 2024. Once again, just like after I retired, I was LOST. This death wasn't my husband of many years, it was mom (though, to be honest, I was a companion/caregiver for her last 15 years, from her mid-80s to age 97 at death.
Death of a spouse is mind-boggling as you'd imagine. Hopefully you have your assets organized as your grieving mind can't do much more!
Divorce, why oh why?
Silver Divorces... what the heck? I really don't understand this one. Isn't there something there worth saving after years of marriage?
Marriage
Now that we've included death and divorce, we need to add marriage.
You may remarry after divorce or death, or you might marry for the first time! Retirement is simply another phase of life -- so what should you consider before marriage is another big life transition?
Disability holds its own transitions
Then Disability enters life, just as you are strolling through your employment and BAM!
Disability resources here.
Senior Voices - Experience retirement living through the voices of our readers!
