Stages of Retirement

During my teaching career, I had the privilege of teaching an undergraduate course called Theories of Teaching and Learning. One topic I covered was Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development. Erikson theorized that each person went through these stages of development and each stage came with a crisis that had to be managed for the person to develop in a healthy way.

Some have suggested that retirement has its own phases or stages. One particular theory of retirement phases got my attention. In 1961, Michael Stein wrote a book called The Prosperous Retirement. Stein discussed what he called the three phases of retirement which he called: Go-Go Years, Slow-Go Years, and No-Go Years. Here are my descriptions and thoughts about each of these phases of retirement.

Go-Go Years

These are the initial years of retirement. The retiree has lots of energy, is as healthy as he or she will be, and has a bucket list that needs to be completed. These years often involve travel, hobbies, and new experiences. These are the years of making memories, finding new interests, and exploring the freedom of no more work. Retirees tend to spend more money in this phase of retirement because of the added costs of travel and other activities. This first phase lasts from 60-75. Of course, that also depends on energy level, health, and finances of the retiree.

We are definitely in the Go-Go Years of our retirement. We are traveling primarily to national parks but also to visit family and to see specific places. We are trying lots of new things like kayaking, playing pickleball, golfing, and learning to dance. How long will this phase last for us? It is hard to say. The answer depends largely on how healthy we stay and how much energy we have. Traveling involves air flights, rental cars, motel rooms, and eating different things. All those things can take a toll on an aging body. I think we will likely extend the Go-Go Years until our late 70s, but so much depends on staying healthy.

Slow-Go Years

This is the phase where there is a gradual slowing down of activities and pace. The retiree has less energy, and health may begin to be an issue. There may still be hobbies, but they tend to be fewer active types of hobbies. Travel is less or it is a slower pace. The retiree tends to stick closer to home. Most retirees see decreasing expenses during this phase. For most retirees, this phase starts in the mid-70s to early 80s.

As we look ahead to this phase, I forsee a decrease in the amount of exercise we do and perhaps the type of exercise as well. Less emphasis on strength training and more emphasis on balance. Instead of walking 5 or 6 miles a day perhaps it is 2 or 3 miles a day. The type of travel we do will also change. Currently, we are trying to visit every national park. That involves driving our van or rental van a lot of miles over a one or two week time period and lots of stays in different motels. In the future we will more likely fly or drive to one location and stay there for one or two weeks. This last year we have tried staying in a condo in Myrtle Beach for a month at a time. We find that gives us the opportunity to relax and explore the area much more. It is likely that during this second phase we will do more of that type of travel. We anticipate this phase starting in our late 70s to our early 80s.

No-Go Years

This last phase is usually accompanied by more significant health challenges and needing help with daily life. Many retirees end up in assisted living arrangements or are home-bound. While still needing mental and physical challenges, these are more limited. Travel is much less frequent, and retirees often are dependent on others visiting them. Expenses continue to decrease except for the category of health care. This phase may last from early 80s until death.

We are living vicariously through this phase with our mothers. It is difficult to watch the mental, physical, and social decline of a loved one. But it will happen to all of us if we live long enough. Preparation involves starting hobbies like reading, doing puzzles, and communicating with friends and family through technology. Other preparations include plans for in-home assistance or possible assisted living arrangements. One of the things we discovered with our own mothers is that they keep putting off making these arrangements. It would certainly be better to at least research the options so that you would know what is available ahead of time. Finally, it is important to make sure your will is updated and that you have updated health power of attorney and a general power of attorney.

Erikson’s Last Stage of Development

Erikson’s last stage of development is Old Age. In his theory he says each of us will face a crisis in this stage. We will look back on our lives and see either integrity or despair. So perhaps the best preparation for the last phase of retirement is to live your life with integrity. As Christians we take great comfort in knowing that our God cares for us. “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4, New International Version)