Gradual transition, reduced working hours, late-career stage, social engagement, extended family living, entrepreneurship and unretirement. Retirement today is many things, and our conception of life as a pensioner needs rethinking. This is the opinion of Aske Juul Lassen, who is an associate professor in ethnology and research ageing at the University of Copenhagen. For the past 10 years he has been researching in retirement and transitions.  

The common perception is still that pensioners have retired from life, are weak and headed for the old peoples' home or the grave. My research does, however, show that it is the other way around. Many pensioners think of their retirement as a new chapter in life. Although retirement often involves phasing out the obligations of the work life, it is also an opportunity to take up new and old interests and cultivate new and old relationships. Today retirement is more about reinventing life, says Aske Juul Lassen. 

Retirement is not a single point in time

Through a number of interviews with pensioners about their experiences with retirement, Aske Juul Lassen has identified how diverse and varied retirement is today. There are many different ways to address retirement. 

”Retirement is not a single point in time, but characterised by gradual transitions. Many people stop working when they reach the retirement age. But those who continue often realise that working feels more free when they can impact how much and how long they want to work, and this way they rediscover the joy of working", says Aske Juul Lassen.

”I have among others talked with a retired engineer who decided on retirement, because work took up too much time. Subsequently, he created a new connection with the labour market, i.a. by obtaining a bus driver's license which illustrates the point that retirement and work life no longer necessarily is one or the other. 

Free choice or free fall

As retirement has become a more free stage of life, it may also be more challenging. Some people even experience that retirement is a fine line between free choice and free fall. 

"The void that arises for many people on retirement may resemble weightlessness. On the one hand, it may be fantastic as you are soaring, but on the other hand, it may be intolerable as you have no direction. In this situation it is important to consider what things that are important for you when retiring and use those things as a starting point for adjusting to retirement", says Aske Juul Lassen.

Be prepared and remember to relax

Studies seem to suggest preparation as critical for the quality of retirement. Even though most people enter retirement somewhat sideways it is important to match expectations - both one's own and those of the immediate family. 

"When we talk about preparation, it applies to both the financial aspect, but also what you want to engage in, how much time the grandchildren should take up and where and how you should live. It is not necessary to plan in details, but it is a good thing to be consciouos of the choices you take", says Aske Juul Lassen and continues:

"That said, it is also very important to remember to relax. In Denmark we have a protestant work ethic where busyness may be connected with status, and consequently it may be difficult to find peace and enjoy freedom. But a little bit of preparation on the way makes retirement a life stage with unexpected possibilities.