Aging Matters: Life Portfolio | Research

Running head: AGING MATTERS: LIFE PORTFOLIO
Aging Matters: Life Portfolio
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1AGING MATTERS: LIFE PORTFOLIO
“Retirement can be challenging, depending on myriad factors. The transition itself, in
addition to the context in which it occurs – such as whether retirement is planned or
unplanned - may lead some older adults to renegotiate their identities” (Newton, 2018, pp.
756). As the author here suggests, studies have found that retirement might be toll taking for
financial and psychological reason for many. As Canada is facing aging of a large group of
population, the baby boomer generations, research is focusing more on their financial security
and wellbeing. Research also show that planning retirement beforehand, not only the
financial aspects but also the activities and engagements, commitments and challenges might
lead to a more fulfilling’s experience after retirement (Boisclair, Lusardi & Michaud, 2017,
pp. 279). This life portfolio analyses the activities that would like to pursue after I retire, the
factors that are likely to influence them and the strategies that I would take from now on to
ensure that I am able to follow the plans laid out in my portfolio.
Goal: My goal is to prepare a well thought out portfolio to ensure that I have both work and
leisure, financial security and family engagement and overall a more fulfilling retired life.
The first focus after my retirement would be to ensure that I provide greater family
commitment. We live in a highly competitive world and in that competition, family often
suffers and is overlooked. Even after sharing the same space people grow apart and
sometimes do not spend time with one another for months (Amorim & França, 2019, pp.
167). After I retire, I want to ensure that I provide my commitment to my family. I would
take more household responsibility and take care of the day to day necessities. I would also
ensure that I spend enough time with all the people and visit relatives and friends once a
month. Spending time with friends, family and spouses help enriching people’s lives and
reduces stress among people that they feel after retirement.

2AGING MATTERS: LIFE PORTFOLIO
The second aspect that I want to concentrate after my retirement is spiritual
development. Many times, people put up the opinion that after retirement they feel bored or
psychologically distressed due to lack of engagement, I believe that developing the
spirituality of self is one of the most fulfilling task one can do. Spiritual development, as
research shows are one of the most successful factor for a healthy and satisfying retired life
(Yogo, 2016, pp. 30). Spiritual development reduces stress and the anxiety one is bound to
feel after they are out of their professional sector.
The third aspect that I would like to concentrate on after retirement is spending some
leisure time, preferably with my spouse and children. During working life, people work hard
and they seldom have time for their own self. Many times, work and familial duties lead us to
sacrifice our holidays or short reprieve from everyday life (Liechty, Genoe & Marston, 2017,
pp. 25). After retirement, it is the best time to do some travelling, spend time in solitude and
enjoy nature. While many fret over the aspect of not doing anything, I do not believe that
leisure is that. Leisure is an essential part of human wellbeing and will help me find my inner
happiness.
Having financial security and a well thought out pension plan is necessary. The
Canadian government provides pension to their people. Moreover, there are numerous private
organizations that provide pension plans and investment opportunities that makes life after
retirement secure (Bédard & Michaud, 2018, pp 4). Finance is bound have influence on
achieving my goals after retirement as if I do not have enough money, I would not be able to
enjoy family time or leisure. Neither would I be able to afford the travel plans that I have.
Financial support will ensure that I am able to enjoy the free time that I have without
constantly worrying about money or going back to work forcefully.