Ever wondered how top professionals navigate the emotional and psychological complexities of retirement? In this article, insights from a CEO and a licensed psychologist reveal their most impactful resources. The first expert emphasizes the lessons from The Psychology of Money, while the last expert shares the importance of The Emotional Life of Your Brain. Discover these and five other invaluable perspectives in our exploration of retirement’s emotional landscape.
- The Psychology of Money
- The New Retirementality
- The Third Chapter of Life
- Transcending Retirement
- The Emotional Life of Your Brain
The Psychology of Money
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel is a short, but good, read. The first chapters of the book talk about retirement-as-a-default as a relatively new phenomenon. With that perspective, it’s okay that we don’t have all the answers or know exactly how to manage our money. But it also provides a great starting point for learning and developing this knowledge base.
Michael Alexis
CEO, Island Residency Solutions
The New Retirementality
One book that really opened my eyes to the emotional and psychological journey of retirement is The New Retirementality by Mitch Anthony. Anthony goes beyond the financial side of things, diving deep into what he calls “return on life.” He focuses on finding purpose and meaning, which are often overlooked in traditional retirement planning.
One of the biggest insights I took away is that retirement isn’t about simply stopping work—it’s about creating a new chapter filled with purpose and fulfillment. Anthony challenges the outdated view that retirement is a destination, encouraging readers to think of it more as a series of transitions. This shift in mindset is crucial because it brings attention to the importance of aligning finances with goals that actually excite and engage people long-term, not just “cover the basics.”
Another important lesson is the concept of “psychological income.” This is the idea that the true value of retirement comes from experiences, relationships, and passions—not just a financial nest egg. Reading this, I was reminded of how important it is to help clients find ways to make their money work in ways that enhance their quality of life, especially as their priorities change over time.
sebastien antoine
Marketing & Operations, The Policy Shop
The Third Chapter of Life
One book I recommend is The Third Chapter of Life: Passion, Risk, and Adventure in the 25 Years After 50. It dives into the transitions we face moving from full-time work to retirement—psychological, social, physical, and spiritual. The market tells us retirement is all about financial planning and consumption, but those who only focus on that can feel left out.
This phase requires us to ask deeper questions: Who am I without work? How do I stay connected, stay physically active, and find meaning? It’s not just about cruises and golf; it’s about finding a new identity and purpose.
Zita Chriszto
Licensed Psychologist, Dubai Psychology
Transcending Retirement
As the Director-General of Best Diplomats Organization, one resource that profoundly impacted my understanding of retirement’s emotional and psychological aspects is the book Transcending Retirement: The New Roadmap for the Next Chapter of Life by David L. C. Jones. This book provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of transitioning into retirement.
One key takeaway was the importance of purpose. Jones emphasizes that many retirees struggle with losing identity and meaning after leaving their careers. He encourages readers to explore new passions and find ways to stay engaged in their communities.
This insight has helped me think about how to support colleagues approaching retirement, encouraging them to plan financially and emotionally.
Another significant insight was the importance of maintaining social connections. The book highlights that relationships can significantly impact one’s mental health during retirement. This resonated with me, as I realized that fostering community and support among colleagues is vital.
Overall, Transcending Retirement opened my eyes to the deeper psychological aspects of retirement, reinforcing the need for holistic planning for this life transition.
Fawad langah
Director General, Best Diplomats
The Emotional Life of Your Brain
Reading The Emotional Life of Your Brain by Richard Davidson provided deep insights into the psychological journey of retirement. The book explores how emotions shape our thinking and adaptability, which is critical during major life changes like retirement. I learned how important it is to cultivate resilience and positivity when transitioning from a structured work-life to personal pursuits. Understanding my emotional patterns has helped me manage stress and embrace new hobbies. This book highlights that emotional agility is as essential as financial planning in navigating retirement smoothly.
George Silagadze
Co-Founder & CEO, Photo2painting
