Analyzing Those Famous Last Words: Let’s Be Sure to Stay in Touch

I was in a reflective mood and felt compelled to look at my 1979 high school yearbook. There was no need for weed; this was such a blast to my past and a groovy trip all on it's own.

I opened the book to the back page, where I saw a group photo of my graduating class and all the autographs and signatures I collected from friends and teachers—such kind words from most of them.For a moment, I remember the thrill of asking that cute guy I had a crush on to sign my book, and he did. He wrote, "It's too bad that high school is already over, but most of all, I'll miss saying hello to you every morning to start a cheery day. P.S. Don't forget me!"

As I perused the pages of my yearbook and genuinely wished I could remember half of the people who signed it, I experienced something similar when I looked at all the congratulatory retirement cards I received on my last day of work at the end of 2019. Sufficient time has passed that I can now re-read those cards without the intensely charged emotions I felt on that last day. Most cards expressed the same upbeat sentiment of enjoying much-earned freedom and wishing me great adventures as I begin my new journey. I especially loved one reference to "relishing a peaceful and delicious breakfast or staying up late to watch movies like a teenage rebel."

Better than any gift were these sincere words of encouragement from many colleagues.

And what both my high school yearbook messages and these retirement cards all had in common, aside from the sweet accolades, were the hopes that we would keep in touch and savour the thrill of this significant life transition.

After I retired, it was most challenging to get used to not having my closest coworker greet me in the morning with her reassuring smile and sturdy shoulders, which I leaned on for over 25 years. The trust, friendship, and camaraderie we shared in the workplace are rare today.

One of the longest-running studies of adult development and human happiness by Harvard researchers discovered that the number one thing that keeps us happy, healthier, and living longer is having positive relationships. Maintaining and cultivating connections with former classmates and coworkers, or even reacquainting with old friends, requires ongoing effort, communication, and commitment. A plethora of evidence shows that staying socially connected can positively impact your mental health and overall well-being.

In a 2022 article in the Globe and Mail, "Why friendships are even more important in retirement," leading psychologist and friendship expert Dr. Marisa Franco commented, "Seniors are more selective about what friendships they invest in, not wanting to waste time on less meaningful connections. However, that doesn't mean making new friends or keeping up with existing ones gets easier as you age. It may even be more difficult, especially for those who may have relied on the workplace to sustain their relationships."

I am slowly acclimating to this new retirement routine and incredibly grateful for the lifelong connections I have made through my work that continue to flourish, albeit with grit and some bony elbow grease. I am also so thankful for new friendships that are slowly taking flight and old friendships that remain grounded in maturity, compassion and wisdom.

We can't ask for more than what someone put in my yearbook, and it applies so well in retirement—she simply wrote, "Good luck in your future, and just be happy. And let’s be sure to stay in touch"!