Retirement Isn’t Just About Money—Here’s What No One Tells You
You’ve planned for retirement financially, but are you ready psychologically? Have you prepared for the emotional and mental phases of retirement you’ll experience?
Every day, 10,000 North Americans retire, and many are surprised to discover that life after work can be far more emotionally complex than they expected. Dr. Riley Moynes, in his powerful TEDx talk, outlines four distinct phases that retirees often pass through. Understanding the four phases of retirement can help you navigate the emotional shifts and make the most of your next chapter.
Phase 1: The Vacation Phase 🏖️
This is what most people picture when they think of retirement: freedom, sleeping in, no alarms, and doing whatever they want. For the first year or so, it’s paradise.
But then… it gets old.
You may start to feel bored or adrift. Without structure, life can lose its spark. That’s when you know you’re entering the next phase.
Phase 2: The Loss Phase 💔
This is the hardest part—and no one warns you about it. Many retirees are surprised by how the phases of retirement affect their sense of identity.
Dr. Moynes describes five significant losses retirees experience:
- Routine
- Identity
- Relationships
- Purpose
- Power
These losses often hit all at once. It’s jarring. It can lead to depression, divorce, and physical or mental decline—what Moynes calls the “3 Ds.” Many people in this stage feel like they’ve been “hit by a bus.”
But there is a way forward. By preparing for all phases of retirement, you can avoid falling into depression or boredom.
Phase 3: Trial and Error 🧪
Eventually, you’ll say: “I don’t want to feel like this anymore.”
This phase is about experimenting, trying new activities, and seeking purpose. You may volunteer, take classes, start a hobby, or fail at all of the above.
The key is to keep going.
This is where you rediscover what brings you joy and what makes life meaningful again. It’s a turning point.
Phase 4: Reinvention and Purpose 💡
This is the sweet spot.
In Phase 4, retirees find their rhythm. Often, this means giving back—mentoring, teaching, volunteering, or building community. Moynes shares stories of retirees teaching bridge, tutoring kids, and even launching 90+ learning programs for other seniors.
And here’s the best part: the losses from Phase 2? They’re restored in this stage.
✅ Routine
✅ Identity
✅ Relationships
✅ Purpose
✅ Power
This is where you squeeze all the juice out of retirement.
Final Thoughts on the Phases of Retirement
No matter where you are in your retirement journey, you are not alone. The road may be bumpy, but Phase 4 is real—and it’s worth aiming for.
So enjoy the sunshine of Phase 1 ☀️, prepare for the storm of Phase 2 ⛈️, stay curious in Phase 3 🔍, and embrace the joy and purpose of Phase 4 🌟.
- Audible Audiobook
- Riley Moynes (Author) - Riley E. Moynes (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
