Three steps to creating empowered cultures by G. Richard Ambrosius, MA

The act of “retiring” can profoundly threaten a person’s sense of significance and may even influence future direction and life satisfaction. When an older adult loses a position and the recognition that accompanies it, there may no longer be opportunities for that person to experience personal significance and satisfaction. For many, physical concerns regarding appearance, peak performance and memory also begin to color their attitudes toward themselves and their personal value. Some individuals simply accept the stereotypes and perceptions of aging as a time of decline, and begin a downhill slide. Their beliefs about aging and retirement all too often become self-fulfilling prophecies.