Mike Reid, Founder and Chairman of Goldster
As Cameron Diaz turns 50 this August, the retired Hollywood star is set to make a comeback in the new Netflix comedy, ‘Back in Action’, alongside co-star Jamie Foxx. Diaz has been out of the spotlight for eight years, so why did she come out of retirement and jump back into acting?
For us non-A list celebrities, retirement is typically seen as a midday game of golf, cream tea, and long days in the garden. But what if the idea of ‘taking it easy’ isn’t for you? You’re certainly not alone, and it might be time to consider instead going into ‘unretirement’. Mike Reid, Founder and Chairman of Goldster, a digital platform created to inspire over 50s to lead a more active and fulfilling life, shares five reasons why many retirees are rejecting the idea of sitting back, and instead returning to work or exploring new interests:
- Itchy Feet
Currently, the UK age for retirement is 66, while life expectancy is 79 for men and 83 for women. This means the average British female spends 17 years in retirement – that’s over 6,200 days – which is a long time considering it’s not unusual to start feeling a bit twitchy during a two-week holiday at the beach!
Instead of spending some of the greatest years of your life twiddling your thumbs while the years slip by, why not get yourself back out there to keep your mind, body and soul occupied – all the while making extra friends, picking up additional skills and earning some extra cash along the way. - Healthy mind
The Goldster team has discovered that maintaining a strong cognitive state can support healthy ageing, and that ‘going to work’ can be hugely beneficial. It’s a myth that giving up and retiring at 66 is the best move for everyone. In fact, experts often advise doing the opposite and embracing new roles and experiences at this age. Even if you don’t want to return to the office, taking classes, developing new hobbies and interests, and challenging yourself every day can make you feel good, especially when the brain gets to enjoy a rigorous workout.
You can strengthen your mind with something as simple as picking out a new book, or really stretch your limits by taking up art, creative writing or even learning a new language. Whatever you decide to pursue, make sure it’s something you enjoy and not something you’ll start to see as a chore. Really not connecting with those French lessons? There’s no shame in saying “au revoir” and trying something else out instead. - Emotional Wellbeing
We believe there are multiple reasons why an increasing number of people are deciding to clock back on and clock-off from ‘taking it easy.’ Socialising, interacting and carrying out tasks all help boost self-confidence. In the UK, 1.4 million people over the age of 65 are often lonely, according to Age UK. Did you know that loneliness is now widely recognised as a major problem? Going back to work can help with loneliness and avoiding long-term depression.
Working also helps maintain a routine. It’s a well-known fact that we’re creatures of habit and routines deliver a structure, promoting health and wellness. Stress management, good health, and better sleep are all benefitted by a routine: taking a job or classes with regular schedules, or even creating your own activity calendar and trying your best to stick to it, can be hugely beneficial. - Physical Benefits
Unretiring helps you explore interests that you might feel had already passed you by, and perhaps you’d even like to try something more physical than what you’re used to. There are many jobs and activities that get you up and about, and even something so simple as spending more time on your feet instead of sitting down can be greatly beneficial to your health.
While you’re in this physical mood, you could even pick out a new sport or hobby too. Maybe you’ve always wanted to give yoga a try, or you used to dance the night away but haven’t done so for a while. Your 50s are the time for you to do what you love. Of course, it doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous: something low-impact like thai chi or a gentle stroll might be more your thing. - Income boost
According to Government statistics, one-third of all workers in the UK are over the age of 50, and a large study undertaken in 2017 found that a quarter of retirees changed their minds and headed back to work, usually within five years of having clocked-off.
Income was found to a be major motivation – 50% who chose to unretire were still paying off their mortgages. With all the benefits to your mental and physical health that getting back to work brings, earning some extra money is also a huge and welcome advantage. Why stay at home when you could be earning a few bob and saving enough to take that extra special holiday you’ve been thinking about or buying something nice for your loved ones?
