Their time is generally filled. Unless they have suffered some acute loss, they are involved with other people and with activities that they found worth doing before retirement. Some who were uncertain about retirement express general satisfaction. The exceptions are usually those unable to be active and involved and some of those who retired involuntarily, forced out when they believed themselves still to be productive and valuable. Yet, there is something more.
Work provides a routine as well as an identity.
Still, something may be missing that lifts the quality of retirement life above the ordinary. In a study at the University of Waterloo in Canada, those with the highest later-life satisfaction were those engaged regularly in challenging activity. They continued to invest themselves in activity that employed their skills and make demands on their talents. Such persons are found in every community. They may focus on activities such as the arts that require concentration and skill.