The Third Age can be a deeply fulfilling life stage. With many life goals completed, families launched and work responsibilities receding, it is finally time for you! If you are living in your Third Age or making plans for it, you’ll find the discussion that follows to be helpful. Pay particular attention to our Pie of Life graphic below and the questions posed for each facet. Also, be sure go to Resources for a variety of relevant books and websites and check out Find a Life Planning Consultant to visit our directory.

Did you know that…?:

• 100 years ago average life expectancy was 47 years. Today at age 50, on average, we have half our adult lives left to live in reasonably good health.
• We call this bonus time of extended middle age and active adulthood the Third Age (a term from Europe that we adopt pending consensus on an alternative).
• Retirement as we have known it, is becoming outmoded. For many reasons, most (80%) Boomers desire and expect to work for pay well into traditional retirement age. They also expect to contribute/volunteer their time and energy to address economic, social and political needs at home and abroad. (Lou Harris polls)
• The size of this over-50 population will double in the next 35 years, as 77 million Baby Boomers enter the Third Age. Moreover, they intend to continue to rewrite social and cultural rules.
• According to psychologists who study adult development, the Third Age brings exciting developmental changes and a greater understanding of human nature, of life, of what really matters – in other words, WISDOM.. It is characterized as well by:
  • an increase in individuality and authenticity, a freedom to be who you are.
  • an increase in creativity and in spirituality, a search for purpose.
  • an increase in civic engagement -- in giving back, in helping society, in mentoring others.
  • a new imperative to conserve and pass on their values, wisdom, and stories.

Do you find yourself…?:

• Wanting to deny your age?
• Thinking about “retiring,” but not sure what that means for you?
• Having a hard time imagining life beyond your career or family business?
• Concerned about what this next life-stage will bring?
• Desiring to craft a more fulfilling and meaningful life?
• Wanting a different life balance, but not knowing how to attain it?
• Considering how to leave something significant to the next generation?
• Finding no models to help you navigate the transition to the Third Age?

If you have answered “Yes” to any of these questions, you may be ready to start planning for the next chapter of your life.

Why plan for your Third Age?:

• This is potentially the time of your life where you have more choice, perspective and wisdom to make a meaningful impact on your world.
• With a clear vision and plans for your Third Age, you can project your financial requirements for the life you plan to create.
• Life’s inevitable transitions are easier when you have anticipated them and planned for what you want in your life.
• Visions, goals and plans provide you with structure and motivation in your daily life.
• As you pursue your dreams and goals with openness to serendipity, unexpected opportunities appear that enrich your life in ways you might not have imagined.

How a Life Planning Consultant can help you plan for your Third Age:

A Life Planning Consultant will help you identify your values, passions, gifts and dreams – who you are and what you want to do and be in the world during this bonus life stage. With this knowledge, your Life Planning Consultant can guide you to develop visions, goals and plans for your future. Your consultant will ensure that you address all parts of your life in your planning and consider the balance you would like in the different parts of your life. A life planning consultant also provides support and resources for making this life transition.

Life Balance/Pie of Life

This graphic is interactive! The “pie of life” represents the different areas where you can devote time and energy in your Third Age. Click on each segment to find questions that will help you to reflect of each of these parts of your life.

Consider your level of satisfaction with each area—both time spent and quality. Notice how satisfied you are with your life balance and which areas need the most attention. You may want to focus on the areas where you are least satisfied or on areas that you anticipate will require significant changes in the next few years.