Karen

Is Retirement the Wrong Word for What’s Next?

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Is Retirement the Wrong Word for What’s Next?

For a growing number of us, the word retirement just doesn’t sit right.

It feels off. Outdated. Maybe even a little insulting, embarrassing… or simply irrelevant.

So it’s no surprise that more and more people are quietly letting go of the “R word” altogether – because it just doesn’t fit. Not with who they are now, and definitely not with the life they want next.

And I get it. Not just because I’ve heard it in countless conversations with clients and friends, but because I’ve felt it too.

There’s a growing sense that we need a new vocabulary for this time of life. Something that reflects who we are now, and where we’re heading.

This shift is really about rethinking retirement –moving beyond outdated assumptions and finding language that feels more open, more relevant, and more true.

It’s not that we haven’t tried. I’ve seen (and used) all kinds of alternatives – The Third Act, Your Next Chapter, Post-Career Life, Reinvention, Unretirement, Portfolio Retirement.

Some may land better than others. But do any truly resonate with you?

The Four Quarters of Life

For me, the language we use needs to be neutral and non-judgemental, yet broad enough to capture the richness and variety of this life stage.

And that’s a tall order!

But recently, I came across an idea that resonated with me.

In this article, the author Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, frames life as four phases or Four Quarters, with ‘retirement’ reimagined as Quarter Three.

Here’s the gist:

  • Q1 GROWING: is our childhood and youth.

  • Q2 ACHIEVING: is the first half of adulthood – building careers, raising families, juggling different roles etc.

  • Q3 BECOMING: an entirely new phase representing an extended season of active, purposeful adulthood.

  • Q4 HARVESTING: is older age, starting later and lasting longer than it used to.

Why It Works

It’s a simple but powerful framework – a new kind of life roadmap – where each quarter has its own rhythm, its own unique blend of challenges, opportunities, and purpose.

Saying someone is in Q2 or Q3 is simple, neutral, and gently acknowledges life’s natural evolution without being judgmental or prescriptive. (It also carries a familiar ring for anyone who’s ever worked in a business or financial setting, where “quarters” are a common frame of reference, making it a surprisingly effective metaphor for the different seasons of life.)

What I love most is its neutrality. Labels like “Quarter Three” come without the baggage that so often accompanies ‘retirement’. No assumptions, no stereotypes. Just a clear, flexible framework for thinking about life as it continues to unfold.

There’s no set script. Just an open invitation to explore what this stage of life could really be about.

Because when you understand the arc of each quarter, you start to see and understand your own journey more clearly – where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you’re headed next.

And that’s what makes this model so compelling: each quarter is a fresh chapter, full of potential and possibility… a natural moment to pause, reflect on what’s mattered most so far, and consciously shape what comes next.

Welcome to Q3 - the Start of a Dynamic New Chapter

Most people assume that our increasing longevity means tacking on extra years at the end of life – more time in Q4. But because we’re healthier, more energetic, and more engaged in our 60s and 70s than any generation before us, ‘Quarter Three’ has expanded to accommodate this development.

Which makes perfect sense.

Because maybe you’re not planning to slow down.
You’re not planning to fade away.
And you’re definitely not done!

You’re just… ready for a more intentional chapter – one that’s shaped by you, not by society’s expectations.

For me, Quarter Three feels full of possibility – far more expansive than the word retirement ever did. Because in the end, this isn’t just about changing the vocabulary – ultimately, it’s about something deeper:

  • How do you want to spend your time?
  • What do you want more of in your life?
  • What are you ready to release?
  • What feels like it’s just getting started? And what’s run its course?

For some, this time is about starting afresh, launching something new, diving into a cause, exploring the world, or making a bold change. For others, it’s a chance to slow down, reset priorities, and create more room for what brings joy.

There is no one-size-fits-all path – just an open invitation to live these extra years in a way that feels deeply true to you.

If 'Retirement' Doesn’t Fit, That’s a Clue

After circling this question for far too long, here’s where I am right now:

If “retirement” doesn’t sit right, that’s not a problem – it’s a prompt.

It’s signal to pause, reflect, and ask: What do I really want this next chapter to look like?

  • It’s your invitation to rewrite the rules.
  • To define this stage on your own terms.
  • To create a life filled with purpose, joy, and meaning.

Seen through this lens, Quarter Three is where intention meets opportunity and where this chapter really comes to life.

Ready to rethink what this next phase could look like — on your terms?
You might enjoy my Retirement Springboard. It’s a simple, thoughtful way to press pause and reflect on what you really want next. You’ll answer a few powerful questions, from which I’ll create a personal visual snapshot – a valuable starting point for our 90-minute coaching session together.

No jargon. No “shoulds.” Just clarity, choice, and a fresh perspective. Find out more here.

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How old do you FEEL?

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How old do you FEEL?

We’ve all heard the saying, “You’re as old as you feel” but it turns out there’s more truth to it than you might think.

Imagine for a moment that you had no birth certificate, no official record of your age – just the way you FEEL. 

How old would you say you are?

Most of us have a number in mind that doesn’t match our chronological age. Maybe you feel ten years younger. Or maybe life has been a bit of a challenge, and you feel older than the candles on your last birthday cake. Either way, that ‘felt age’ – or what scientists call subjective age – matters more than you might think.

The power of our subjective age

Researchers have been studying this for decades, and the results are pretty compelling. People who feel younger than their actual age tend to be healthier, happier and even live longer. On the flip side, feeling older than you are can increase the risk of depression, illness, and even early death. 

One particular study* found that most people feel about eight years younger than their actual age. But the striking discovery was that those who felt older had an 18-25% higher risk of dying sooner than those who felt younger—a staggering statistic. 

* Yannick Stephan at the University of Montpellier

What shapes how old we feel?

So, what makes someone feel younger or older than their years? Turns out, a few key factors play a big role:

  • Personality – People who feel younger tend to be lifelong learners and naturally curious. It’s no surprise that people who stay mentally and socially engaged often feel younger than their years.
  • Activity Level – Movement matters. Whether it’s learning a new skill, travelling, or just getting outside for a walk, staying active helps reinforce a youthful mindset.
  • Mindset & Self-Perception – If you see ageing as a slow decline, guess what? You’ll probably feel older. But if you view it as a new chapter full of possibility, you’re more likely to stay vibrant and engaged.

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How this affects your retirement

If you feel younger than your age, you’re more likely to embrace new opportunities, stay connected, and have a stronger sense of purpose. But if you feel older, you might assume the best years are behind you—and that can lead to a more passive, disengaged retirement.

The way you think about ageing shapes whether retirement feels like a time of growth and excitement or just the slow passing of time. 

The good news? You have more control over this than you might realise.

 

How to feel younger (No fountain of youth required!)

You don’t need anti-aging creams or a time machine to feel younger – try these science-backed ways instead:
1. Stay Curious – Try new things, challenge yourself, keep learning.
2. Move Your Body – Even small changes, like walking more or stretching, make a difference.
3. Ditch the ‘I’m too old for that’ mindset – The more you reject those stereotypes, the younger you’ll feel.
4. Surround Yourself with Positive Energy – Spend time with people who inspire you and make you laugh.
5. Focus on What’s Ahead – Look forward to things. Having goals and plans helps keep you engaged and excited about life.

So… how old do YOU feel?

If your answer is younger than your real age, great! Keep doing what you’re doing. If it’s older, take a moment to think about why. Is it anxiety or overwhelm? Social isolation? Lack of purpose? A limiting belief about ageing? Now ask yourself – what small, intentional shifts could help you feel more vibrant and engaged?

You can’t change the date on your birth certificate, but you CAN change how you experience ageing. Because as the research shows, you really are as old as you feel.

 

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Bringing Some New Year Energy into Your Next Chapter

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Bringing Some New Year Energy into Your Next Chapter

I’m not big on the whole ‘New Year, New You’ thing’ but I do love the reflective, optimistic vibe that accompanies the start of a brand new year.

I relish the opportunity to hit the pause button and create some space to envision the adventures that lie ahead… taking stock of where I’ve been before stepping into what’s next.

Well, it occurred to me while doing my ‘personal inventory’ that the experience of moving into a new year has many parallels with the move into retirement and here are just a few I’d like to share with you.

  • Transitions:
    Both New Year and retirement are transitions that invite introspection, renewal, and a fresh perspective on what lies ahead – a chance to envision a different future.
  • Reflection:
    Preparing for retirement is kind of like those quiet moments at the end of each year when you sit back and generally mull things over… to look at how far you’ve come, count your blessings, celebrate the good stuff, and think about where you go from here. 
  • Fresh Starts:
    The New Year is all about optimism, renewal, and new beginnings. Similarly, retirement marks the start of an exciting new chapter—a chance to shake things up and make bold, dynamic life choices. It’s the perfect time to let go of what no longer serves you, whether that’s outdated routines or other people’s expectations. Retirement, like the New Year, is about honouring the journey that’s brought you here while looking ahead with excitement for what’s to come.
  • A Catalyst for Change:
    A New Year often inspires resolutions for self-improvement and well-being. Similarly, retirement offers us the same opportunity but on a bigger scale! It’s a chance to reinvent yourself and pursue passions you’ve had to put on hold. It’s where you get to make intentional new choices that allow you to step into this new chapter with clarity, confidence, and enthusiasm.
  • Setting Clear Intentions:

    We’ve all made New Year’s resolutions along the lines of “I’m going to get fitter/ healthier / learn a new skill.” They sound plausible enough, but it’s the people who say “I’m going to walk in the park every Monday and Wednesday” who are more likely to actually do it!  The same goes for retirement. It’s easy to dream big with phrases like “I want to be happier” or “I want to feel better,” but without getting specific, these wishes tend to float away like balloons in the wind. What does “happier” actually look like for you? Maybe it’s spending Tuesday mornings teaching art at the local community center, or finally applying for that Open University course. The magic happens when you swap those fuzzy dreams for crystal-clear pictures of what you want your retirement to look like. 

  • It’s an Emotional time:
    Both New Year and retirement can trigger a complex mix of bitter-sweet emotions… anticipation and excitement coupled with nostalgia for what’s gone and apprehension about moving into the uncharted waters of the future. Acknowledging these contrasting feelings is key to unlocking the transformative potential of what lies ahead.

A New Year serves as an annual reminder that transitions bring chances for personal growth and renewal. 

Few transitions exemplify this as profoundly as retirement – a vibrant new chapter brimming with possibilities and opportunities for self-discovery, exploration, and reinvention.

So here’s to fresh starts, whether it’s the start of a new year… or the start of retirement!

May they both be opportunities to thrive.

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