Today’s retirees are proving that purpose has no expiry date. Retirement is no longer about hanging up one’s boots and stepping back. Instead, retirees are seeking ways to remain active, contribute to society, and redefine their identities. Take the example of Brian Gibson, a retired teacher from Ottawa, or Marian Hanna, a former geophysicist from Calgary, who have both found new meaning and growth in their post-retirement life.
Rediscovering Purpose in Retirement: Brian Gibson’s Story
Brian Gibson, who retired from teaching in 2004 after spending over three decades in Ottawa classrooms, found his new calling in volunteering. He says he missed his students and the camaraderie at his workplace. “Once you retire, your colleagues are no longer there,” he says. Brian, who has always had an affinity for visual arts, now supports education programming at the Ottawa Art Gallery. He has also been volunteering at Maplelawn Garden, a walled heritage garden, for over 16 years, where he helps take care of flower beds and maintain tools.
“I always enjoy talking to them and showing them different things. It’s a great social contact,” says Gibson about the residents from the nearby retirement home, elementary students and artists who visit the garden. He believes that the challenge for many retirees, including himself, is to continue to make an impact and find new meaning in their lives.
The Psychological Impact of Retirement
A 2025 Manulife survey found that 44% of retirees stopped working sooner than planned, and with Canadians living longer, the psychological impact of retirement intensifies. “Some people love their work, and [it’s] a huge part of their identity,” says Dr. David Conn, a Toronto-based geriatric psychiatrist and co-chair of the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health.
Redefining Identity: The Story of Marian Hanna
Marian Hanna, a retired geophysicist from Calgary, faced the challenge of separating her identity from her job upon retirement. “It’s not who I am, but I am a scientist,” she says. She found solace and purpose in volunteering at the Calgary Public Library, supporting the Math Quest program for children aged 6 to 12. However, like many others, she wondered if she was making a difference.
Her doubts were put to rest when a young boy from South Korea, who participated in Math Quest, left her a thank-you letter before returning home. The letter, addressed to “the grey-haired lady”, affirmed her belief that she was making a difference. She believes that the sense of belonging she experiences while volunteering is a great reward. “You sometimes think you’re giving more than you’re getting – but you’re getting more than you’re giving when you volunteer,” she says.
Continuation in Retirement: James Olwell’s Story
For some, like James Olwell, retirement is a continuation of what they’ve been doing all along, just with more time. Olwell, who spent around 25 years working as a community organizer in Montreal, is now involved in organizing poetry workshops and serving on the board of Women Aware, a Montreal organization that supports those facing intimate partner violence. He describes the transition from full-time work as “freedom – you have a lot of things you want to do.”
Retirement: A Time for Endless Possibilities
Ambitions never have to end with retirement. Like Gibson, Hanna participates in community gardening and is considering going back to university to study agriculture or creative writing. She also formed a book club with women she met through the Calgary Public Library Foundation’s annual gala. She says volunteering at the library has been fulfilling in every way. “It’s good for my heart, it’s good for my brain, and it gives me a sense of community,” she concludes.
