Will I Be Happy When I Retire?

     Whether we are happy now or whether we will be happy when we retire, can we predict the outcome? One study reported by Dr. George Valiant and his colleagues in the April 2006 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry looked into this. He was able to gather data over a lifetime of 700 men born around 1929. This study was able to provide insight into whether it can be predicted whether a person will be happy or not happy at retirement age.

    To me this study seems especially valid because some of the men partipcating were from the inner-city neighborhood as well as privileged Harvard graduates. That is a good balance. It was noted that those with the most prestigious jobs retired later than those without. I found that to be very interesting. I would think if you already had money, you would stop working earlier and not the other way around. 

    The study found that the men that were already most satisfied with life while working were more satisfied with life when they retire. Enjoying social lives, family and hobbies, while working, meant they would continue to enjoy these things when they retire. The men that did not enjoy life when retiring were men that were less engaged with the world.

    This tells me I will be happy when I retire. I am happy now, engaged with the world, have hobbies, and enjoy a social life. It only makes sense that if you aren't happy now, you aren't going to suddenly be happy when you have less to do. It is my belief that retirement will make an already happy person even more happy.

    The findings of this study make me realize that our satisfaction depends on finding things to do that give our life meaning. Retirement isn't going to change that. We can find satisfying things to do alongside work. A bonus would be that we even enjoy the work. I'm looking forward to retirement being an even more happy time than I am already experiencing. 

Miller, M. C. (2006). Questions & answers. What are the signs that person will be happy in retirement? The

     Harvard Mental Health Letter, 23(1), 8.

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