LNN Spotlight focuses on major issues important to local Hispanic/Latino and underrepresented communities — stay updated on the monthly series by following us on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, and Radio Public.
On this episode of LNN Spotlight, Writer/Editor Belén Dumont speaks with AARP New Hampshire State Director Christina FitzPatrick on preparing for retirement and other life transitions later in life.
There are a wide variety of factors that influence a person’s longevity as well as the quality of our lives as we age. FitzPatrick spoke on the Longevity Preparedness Index (LPI) that was created by the MIT Healthcare Lab in partnership with John Hancock, which includes eight key domains: care, community, daily activities, finance, health, home, life transitions, and social connection.
“They have a great framework,” said FitzPatrick. “They’ve identified eight domains of what you need to be thinking about as you think about transitioning to retirement, and this third chapter of life.”
On the transition to retirement, which can typically evoke mixed emotions and thoughts, FitzPatrick explained that “it’s important to recognize what a large chunk of our lives are spent in the workplace.”
“For people who are working full-time, they are looking to head to retirement, and if you go from working every day to not going into the office, that’s a huge transition.”
FitzPatrick pointed out how much socializing most of us experience at work—we form connections, casual and meaningful, with others at work. It’s important to our health to rediscover that sense of community in retirement. Learning how to use newfound free time and establishing a routine also takes time to build.
“AARP has a lot of volunteers, and there’s one of them—he had a full career, and now in retirement, he works a few shifts a week at market basket…as a bagger because he just likes being around people,” shared FitzPatrick.
Learn more by listening to the full conversation and checking out AARP’s retirement resources at www.aarp.org/tools/money/retirement/
Publisher’s Note: AARP New Hampshire and New Hampshire Latino News are partners in providing greater visibility and voice to local Hispanic-Latino communities.