I have an uncle who lives in Vero Beach, Florida, who retired a couple of years ago. He has always been a man with an overabundance of energy and managed to raise 5 kids during a time when being in business for yourself was far less common than it is today. Now that he's retired, he spends his days playing golf, landscaping his yard, taking his grandchildren to amusement parks and traveling across country with my aunt. Yet, he's still anxious about not working.



Recently, during several different phone conversations, he asked this rhetorical question: "just how much golf can a person play?" I realized after hearing this for the 4th time that it was more than just his being easily bored. He is questioning his purpose. He feels as if he has outlived his usefulness and it's driving him crazy.

I've been thinking about this a whole lot lately. Not merely because he's my favorite uncle, but also because there are lots and lots of people in the same boat: what to do now that retirement has arrived.

It is my firm belief that the so-called "senior citizens" of this country are underestimated in their ability to offer valuable experience to the still-working population. The youth of today do not seem to appreciate what their grandparents and others of their generation have to offer. And, in my humble opinion, it's a dang shame!

Take a moment to consider all the many things that these folks could do to fulfill their sense of purpose. What they did during their working lives is not necessarily the only experience they have to offer. They've LIVED for all that time and the culmination of those years of living can be an incredibly useful resource to the rest of us. They are living encyclopedias!

Among the many ways these citizens can contribute are volunteering in the community. The United Way, Boys and Girls Clubs, local shelters, the Humane Society, even their local elementary, middle and high schools. There are countless organizations that could use and appreciate their help.

And then there's the internet. There are thousands of web-based businesses available that not only provide a stellar income, but also a means to utilize the skills they've developed over the years. In fact, more and more retired folks are finding meaning and value in such enterprises, giving them a reason to get up in the morning and rewarding them for their experience.

So, if you are among the many retired (or soon-to-be) folks who're questioning life after work, OR if you know someone in this circumstance, why not offer suggestions. They're trying to tell us something when they grumble. Are you listening?