While everyone’s retirement experience is unique, Dr. Riley Moynes’ insightful TEDx Surrey talk breaks down the journey into four distinct phases that many retirees face:

Vacation, Loss, Experimentation, and Reinvention.

Dr. Moynes offers a relatable, entertaining perspective on this transition, highlighting how retirees can navigate the challenges and rediscover purpose along the way.

Here’s a snapshot of the four phases:

Phase 1: The Vacation Phase
Initially, retirement feels like freedom. No alarms, no rigid routines—just the blissful opportunity to wake up when you want and enjoy “fun in the sun.”

This phase often lasts about a year as retirees savor the novelty of unstructured time. However, over time, boredom may creep in, signaling the need for something more fulfilling.

Phase 2: The Loss Phase
This stage is marked by a sense of loss—of routine, identity, purpose, and sometimes relationships.

For some, feelings of fear, anxiety, or even depression surface as they grapple with this major life shift.

It’s a natural and often difficult stage, but understanding that it’s part of the process can help retirees navigate it.

Phase 3: The Experimentation Phase
Here begins the quest for meaning. Retirees start exploring new activities, hobbies, and opportunities to contribute to their communities.

This phase involves plenty of trial and error as they test what resonates and discover what brings joy and purpose.

While disappointment and setbacks may occur, experimentation lays the groundwork for lasting fulfillment.

Phase 4: Reinvention and Rewiring
The final phase is where retirees find their groove. By identifying a personal mission and focusing on what feels meaningful—whether that’s volunteering, mentoring, joining clubs, or pursuing passions—they reinvent themselves.

Many rediscover purpose by helping others, reclaiming much of what was lost in Phase 2.

Dr. Moynes’ framework offers retirees and those preparing for retirement a helpful guide for navigating this transformative period. To dive deeper into these phases, watch his full TEDx talk on our YouTube channel’s playlist here >>.