Experts Offer Advice for Building a Happy Retirement

Retirement is no longer a one-time choice, but a chance to find new paths and purpose.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 11:39am

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Retirement expert Nancy Schlossberg, EdD, says that even financially secure retirees can struggle to find fulfillment if they don't seek out new activities, relationships, and a sense of purpose. Schlossberg outlines three key steps for a happy retirement: knowing you have a future to figure out, choosing a path where you feel you matter, and nurturing your psychological portfolio by addressing your identity, purpose, and relationships.

Why it matters

As Americans are living longer, the traditional notion of retirement as a one-time exit from the workforce is evolving. Experts say retirees need to proactively plan not just their finances, but also their sense of identity, purpose, and social connections in order to thrive in this new phase of life.

The details

Schlossberg, an expert on adult transitions, says retirees should expect a period of exploration to find their next path, whether that's starting a new career, volunteering, or pursuing a long-held passion. She recommends getting connected to industries or organizations that excite you, and considering working with a life coach to help identify and take steps towards new goals. Schlossberg also emphasizes the importance of nurturing your "psychological portfolio" - addressing changes to your sense of identity, purpose, and relationships in retirement.

  • Schlossberg has been running a weekly "Aging Rebels" group at her local Senior Friendship Center for 10 years since retiring.

The players

Nancy Schlossberg

An expert on adult transitions and retirement, and the author of "Revitalizing Retirement".

Senior Friendship Center

A community organization in Sarasota, Florida where Schlossberg runs a weekly group called "Aging Rebels".

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What they’re saying

“It's no longer 'you work, then you retire from that work'. Instead, you want to find another path. In fact, you might even have two or three more paths during your life now that we are living longer.”

— Nancy Schlossberg, Retirement Expert

“The underlying issue for many people who are unhappy in retirement is they no longer feel relevant. The 'mattering' component is critical. It's really important that, as you find your new path, you feel that you're noticed, appreciated and depended upon.”

— Nancy Schlossberg, Retirement Expert

What’s next

Schlossberg recommends that retirees explore new opportunities, be open to the unexpected, and consider working with a life coach to help identify and take steps towards new goals in retirement.

The takeaway

As Americans live longer, retirement is evolving from a one-time exit from the workforce to a chance to explore new paths and find renewed purpose. Experts say retirees need to proactively plan not just their finances, but also their sense of identity, relationships, and activities to thrive in this new phase of life.