Retirement: The Best Years of Your Life? | James Cobb | TEDxUoChester

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Published 2020-04-02

It’s no secret that we are ageing as a population. People are living longer but are they living better? Around the world, many over 65’s are starting to embrace retirement through new experiences, adventure and most importantly community, as they surround themselves by people that not only alleviate or even eliminate loneliness but also reinvigorate their lives. In a country where ageing and retirement is seen as a negative, is it possible that through a positive mental attitude, wellbeing and community, retirement could and should be some of the best years of your life? It’s no secret that we are ageing as a population. People are living longer but are they living better? Around the world, many over 65’s are starting to embrace retirement through new experiences, adventure and most importantly community as they surround themselves by people that not only alleviate or even eliminate loneliness but also reinvigorate their lives. In a country where ageing and retirement is seen as a negative, is it possible that through a positive mental attitude, wellbeing and community, retirement could and should be some of the best years of your life? This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

All Comments (21)

@macmerc1556 1 year ago

Retired at 58, financially secure but have struggled every day for the last 4 years trying to find purpose. My advice would be, have a well thought out plan, dont go from 110% to 0% the day after. I found it a real shock.
@RetrieverTrainingAlone 1 year ago

As a youngster in college, money was a constraint, then during my working years time was a constraint, in old age fitness will be a constraint. I retired at age 62. The next ten years will be the best decade of my life up here in Alaska as we have money, time, and fitness to enjoy backpacking, biking, canoeing, cross country skiing, gardening, etc.
@howellwong11 6 months ago

For me, retirement meant being free from working stress. Perhaps this is why I'm living to a ripe old age. I'm 91 years old and comfortably retired for over 23 years.
@quartytypo 1 year ago

Best part of retirement is when you get sick and don't have to go back to work to keep your job.
@Legnerps 2 years ago

Naps are the highlight of my day !!
@sauropod5393 2 years ago

I've been asked countless times "What do you do now that you're retired?" My answer: I was fortunate to have earned a chemistry degree in my younger years and now in my retirement, I put my chemistry to good use and I now enjoy turning beer, wine, Scotch, and margaritas into urine.
@curtrice6060 1 year ago

I am 79 , and am as happy as a clam at high tide. I went to college, saved money, so I could retire. It worked for me. Snow bird. Stopped driving , take the train.
@ianwall9152 2 months ago

Great video. I agree with everything. I am in my fifties and best is yet to come
@sidinhasol 1 year ago

Retirement at some point in life is needed<too.
@ricovalentino1759 5 months ago

So we all have 24 hours in a day, On average 8 hours sleep 8 hours work 8 hours free time Plan a good routine/schedule to fill out the times of removing the 8 hours of work and there it is easy, An idea to think about doing, Go down to part time work before you fully retire so you can ease into retirement. Then only you will know when you are fully ready, Remember only you create your own world. God bless to you all.
@etiennelouw9244 1 year ago

I planned my retirement or as I say "too tired to work". My house was paid off, I bought a new motorcycle (Honda NC750XD) that is very economical, great for touring. Have a ton of projects.
@techguy3507 2 years ago

I’m 64. I loved this.
@virtualtreadmillwalknature1488 2 years ago

Thanks for sharing this!!
@osho9999 1 year ago

I retired about 3 years ago at the age of 58 which was our retirement age As a look back at the last 3 years, I think they have been my best years, as if i am reborn, or living a new Life Still miles to go before I sleep Let's see how much I can do for the orphans, old people, under
@andreawannop8670 1 year ago

I like his talk. Certainly puts a new perspective on aging
@missadda8890 1 year ago

I will work in some capacity until I die surrounded by my friends and family for as long as possible ,here in the US living in a retirement community is expensive so people move out of state to Florida,South Carolina etc and create a new life with new friends,I dont have this bug in me I'll cast my lot with the friends and family I already have but different strokes for different folks good luck to everyone on your life path.
@maaidakausar9802 1 year ago

Brilliant
@ddd777a5 2 years ago

I enjoyed this very much, especially at my age now.
@vijivijayaraghavan 1 year ago

Retirement is definitely a new freedom and you have done ✅ your best for the family . In Hinduism you are in the last phase of your life which is basically that you have to free yourself from entanglements and lead a happy with life less dependence on others .
@amskills5931 1 year ago

I didn't hear much during this talk that the average person doesn't already know. I agree that the best years of our lives are ahead. It would be helpful to have some real examples delivered with energy and enthusiasm. As for living out your years in a "village" that's just one choice among many. The path forward can have many options.