Finding purpose and meaning in retirement: more than just leaving work

Retirement is often imagined as the ultimate destination in one’s life. Many of us think of it as a well-earned reward after decades of hard work, but when the initial excitement of sleeping in and ticking off bucket-list travels begins to fade, many retirees find themselves asking: “Now what?” Let’s face it; retirement is not just about stepping away from work - it’s the closing of a familiar chapter, and for many, the subtle loss of a role that once gave life structure and purpose. Yet, it can also be viewed as a time to rediscover yourself, your passions, and the values that matter most.

The purpose gap

For many of us, work has been more than just receiving a monthly salary - it’s been an identity, a daily rhythm, and a connection to community. When that chapter ends, it can leave a purpose gap – a psychological space where meaning used to reside. Research in psychology shows that when people lose roles tied to identity (like “teacher,” “manager,” or “nurse”), they often experience what’s called an identity transition. Without the external validation or clear markers of success that work provides, feelings of restlessness, loneliness, or even mild depression can arise. But this isn’t a sign of failure – it’s a normal, human part of change. In fact, this phase offers a powerful opportunity to realign life with your deeper sense of self – beyond job titles or productivity. With reflection and support, it can become the most liberating and fulfilling season of your life. Redefining identity: Who am I without my work? One of the most profound shifts in retirement is reimagining identity. For decades, our sense of self has often been introduced by what we do: “I’m a teacher,” “I’m an engineer,” “I’m a nurse.” When that title falls away, many people feel an identity void. But psychological research shows that a healthy sense of identity is built on multiple roles, not just one. You might become a learner, mentor, traveler, grandparent, artist, or advocate. The more roles we integrate, the more resilient and fulfilled we feel. Every chapter of life starts with curiosity. This is a good time to ask yourself:

• Who am I becoming?
• What parts of me have I neglected that I’d like to explore?
• How can I express my values in new ways?
• Who is coming with me on this new path?

In these questions lie the compass points of your journey, shaping the path ahead and revealing the adventure waiting to unfold.

The psychology of transition: adjusting to change

Retirement is more than a career change – it’s a life transition, and like any major change, it takes time to adjust. Psychologists often describe these moments using William Bridges’ Transition Model, which explains that every life shift has three phases: ending, neutral zone, and new beginning.

• Ending involves letting go of old roles, routines, and identities. This can feel disorienting or even emotional – it’s the natural process of saying goodbye to who we were.
• The neutral zone is that in-between space where things feel uncertain, but it’s also where creativity and renewal begin.
• Finally, the new beginning is where we step into a new purpose and identity with confidence.

Understanding that adjustment is a process – not a single event – can help retirees give themselves permission to feel, reflect, and gradually redefine what fulfilment means for them.

The science of wellbeing in retirement

Research into what makes life truly fulfilling points to five key ingredients for wellbeing, known as the PERMA model, developed by Dr. Martin Seligman. These elements become especially meaningful in retirement, when daily routines and sources of purpose begin to shift:

When retirees intentionally cultivate these five elements, they tend to report higher life satisfaction, better mental health, and even longer lifespans.

Reclaiming meaning to your life

Finding purpose in retirement starts with asking, “What gives my life meaning now?” Having a sense of meaning in life comes down to three things: purpose, significance, and coherence. Purpose gives us something to aim for, significance reminds us that our lives matter, and coherence helps us see how all the pieces of our story fit together. When these align, life feels more grounded, fulfilling, and peaceful.

Here are a few ways to ignite this sense of purpose and meaning:

1. Consider doing volunteer work

Retirement doesn’t mean your skills and experience are no longer valuable. Many retirees find joy and fulfillment by volunteering for causes they care about, whether it’s reading to children, helping in a community garden, participating in community clean-up projects, or supporting local NGOs/NPOs. Purpose thrives when we contribute to something larger than ourselves.

2. Mentor the next generation

You’ve spent years learning, leading, and navigating life’s ups and downs. Why not share that wisdom? Mentorship offers a powerful way to stay connected, influence others, and continue your legacy in a meaningful way. You can contact any of your local NGOs or NPOs, such as bursaries or scholarship programs. Giving guidance also strengthens your own sense of competence and social connectedness.

3. Join a club or group

Whether it’s hiking, photography, birdwatching, book discussions, or yoga, joining a club creates a sense of belonging. Social connections are one of the strongest predictors of wellbeing in later life. They help maintain emotional resilience, reduce the risk of cognitive decline, and provide the daily sense of “I matter here.”

4. Consider a passion project

Have you ever wanted to write a book, learn to paint, or start a business? Retirement is your chance to do just that, without the constraints of a 9-to-5 job.

5. Stay curious and keep learning

Lifelong learning keeps the mind sharp and the spirit alive. Whether it’s joining a course, attending lectures, or exploring a new hobby, continuous learning strengthens cognitive health and creates new neural pathways. Curiosity, in many ways, is a form of emotional youthfulness.

Self-reflection prompts

Take a few moments to reflect on:

• What makes me feel most alive right now?
• How do I want to be remembered in this next chapter?
• What do I want my days to look and feel like?

Reflection helps bridge the psychological shift from “retirement as ending” to “retirement as becoming.”

See this as your new chapter awaiting you

Retirement is not the end of your story but rather the beginning of a new one. It’s a chance to shape life on your own terms, reconnect with your values, and fill your days with what truly matters. Think of this phase as a process of re-authoring your life; crafting a new identity that integrates who you’ve been with who you are becoming. Purpose isn’t something we lose; it’s something that evolves. So, start small. Reflect on what energises you, explore new activities, and most importantly, stay connected.

Your purpose doesn’t retire when you do; it simply takes on a new form.