1.) Status: Who Am I Without My Title?  Our careers often provide a clear sense of identity. Whether you're a teacher, engineer, manager, or executive, your job title carries a level of societal recognition and personal pride. When that title disappears, many retirees struggle with the question, "Who am I now?" Status is deeply tied to self-esteem. Replacing it doesn't mean trying to replicate your career identity but rather finding new roles or communities where your experti

Most people don’t realize that I am hearing impaired. My condition stems from a rare congenital birth defect called Microtia Atresia , which affects individuals born with missing or underdeveloped ears ( Microtia ) and absent or underdeveloped ear canals ( Atresia ), resulting in hearing loss. In my case, my right ear has no opening, no ear canal, no eardrum. The bones are misshapen and fused together, and my facial nerve runs in an unusual place. When I was born, the doctor

I like to say that I “went pandemic blonde.” When I couldn’t get my hair colored during the lockdown, I simply let the gray grow out. According to research from Katie Goes Platinum , many women over the age of 60 have made a similar decision for a variety of reasons. About 24% said they no longer wanted to expose themselves to harsh chemicals. Another 20% wanted to avoid the expense of maintaining color. And a larger group, about 59% shared that they wanted to embrace their a

One of my favorite questions to ask clients — especially those transitioning into retirement — is this: “What is your happiest time of...