It’s the rudest word in my dictionary, “retire”. And “old” is another one. I don’t allow that in my house. And being called “vintage”. I don’t want any of these old words. I like “enthusiastic”.
Dame Judi Dench
What do women love about retirement? When the above quote from Dame Judi Dench appeared on Facebook recently, hundreds of women worldwide (and a few men) responded.
The vast majority agreed with her about ageist language, (and the need to be enthusiastic), but a remarkable number also came to the defence of retirement.
So what did they like about retirement? Here are just a small selection of the comments posted.
“I LOVE the word retired – gave me more time to do what I wanted, when I wanted! And yes, I AM old so there are limits to some things – not an issue IMO. I am totally enthusiastic about life and all I’m doing as a retired older person.”
Deb
“I love telling people I’m retired. The result of years of hard work, saving and sacrifice. Retired doesn’t mean sitting around rotting. We travel every month, hike, explore and watch the grandkids. We are passionate and enthusiastic about things, just not work.”
Mary
“Retire. I wasn’t tired in the first place. Now there are not enough hours in my day!”
Wendy
“Love retirement, can do anything I want now. Don’t mind being called old, it’s a gift, a lot of people never got there… Relax and enjoy.”
Faith
“I am old in age spots, a senior in doing stairs and soon to be elderly in aches and pains. Do I care? No. I don’t care what you call it. I have accepted where I am in the aging process. You don’t have to dance around words with me.”
Nola
“My knees may sound like Rice Krispies (aka snap, crackle, and pop) when I stand up, but my spirit happily lives between the ages of 17 and 27. It’s been quite a ride full of awe and wonder and I am so very, very grateful!”
Catherine
“I’m incredibly happy to be both retired and elderly. Glad not having to work doing something I didn’t enjoy and happy to be elderly because quite a few hard-working people I know never reached pension age.”
Leslie
“I’m quite happy to be an old retired guy. We all have our preferences.”
Andy
“I have a group of friends and we are reclaiming the term ‘Crone’ with pride. We are wise women with a lot of useful life experience and have much to offer younger people. We are not old fashioned; some talents and skills never get old.”
Patricia
“I think I am going to love the word “retire” in a few years because it reminds me of good old days of the wonderful time spent with my grandma. “Retire” means “quality time” for the loved ones. Including myself. It also means “passionate”, “enthusiastic” and “free”.
Dorota
“Hate the word “retire” too— because it implies retiring from life. If you are sick it’s one thing but it should be something like a change in direction.”
Susana
“I’m an old fart and I can’t wait to retire. We are all different. One man’s happy story is another man’s dread.”
Stu
“I love being retired and I am thrilled to be my age! I would hate to be a young woman nowadays.”
Mary S
“You can’t label yourself old and feel enthusiastic unless your description of old is that you’re loving life!”
Sandi
“When people ask me if I’m ‘re-tired’ I say no, I’m ‘re-energised’! It’s wonderful to have freedom to choose how to use time when (you are) no longer constricted by working hours.”
Loo
And finally…
“I’m 88. My daughter thinks she should be taking care of me. My granddaughters think I’m a game old gal, and my great grandson thinks I’m his best playmate. What more could I wish for???”
Kay
The word ‘Retirement’ may not be going anywhere, but the meaning and what you make of it certainly is up for change. This just highlights the fact that you can define exactly how you want to live your life beyond the 9 to 5.
Time to embrace it!
Need some help being enthusiastic about retirement?
Come and talk to me. I offer individual 1 to 1 retirement coaching to help you make the most of the next 30+ years in a rich, fulfilling and purposeful retirement.
You can find more brilliant comments at the “2 Ronnies” Facebook page:
