Source: ‘I’m 79 and have no intention of retiring – I want to feel useful’ For many widows, heading back to work can unlock fresh purpose and a zest for life. The Telegraph.
Case Study 1: Yvonne Kirchgaesser – Finding Purpose Through Work and Community Engagement
Background: Yvonne Kirchgaesser, a soon-to-be 80-year-old resident of the North Essex countryside, has lived a life filled with adventure, hard work, and community involvement. Born in 1944, Yvonne is part of the “Silent Generation” but has never led a quiet life. An accomplished linguist fluent in several languages, Yvonne spent much of her career providing translation services for international organizations, including the British Overseas Trade Board and the US Department of Commerce and Agriculture.
Challenge: In 2019, Yvonne faced one of the most challenging periods of her life when her husband passed away after a long illness. The loss left her grappling with grief and searching for a way to find structure and meaning in her life without her lifelong partner. Living alone at 79, Yvonne feared isolation and the emotional toll it could take on her well-being.
Solution: Yvonne turned to work as a means of coping with her grief and rediscovering her sense of purpose. Every Monday and Tuesday, she tends to the gardens at the Lamarsh Lion, a community-owned pub. Her work includes tasks like deadheading geraniums, watering plants, and maintaining the pub’s outdoor spaces. Yvonne’s role at the pub provides her with not just a routine but a connection to the local community, allowing her to feel valued and useful.
Outcome: Yvonne’s continued work has been transformative, helping her manage her grief and giving her life a renewed sense of purpose. Her contributions to the pub’s upkeep have not only kept the venue appealing to customers but have also reinforced her place within the community. The physical activity involved in gardening keeps her body active, while the social interactions with pub patrons and staff nourish her emotional well-being. Yvonne’s story exemplifies the ICE (I’ll Continue Earning) philosophy, as she continues to engage in meaningful work well into her later years, enhancing her vitality assets and prolonging her healthy life expectancy.
Key Takeaways:
- For Yvonne, work is more than a financial necessity; it is a vital part of her identity and a source of emotional resilience.
- By continuing to work, Yvonne maintains her mental, physical, and emotional health, which in turn supports her overall well-being and quality of life.
- Her story highlights the importance of community engagement and purposeful work in promoting longevity and happiness in older age.
Case Study 2: Bente Smith-Rewse – Building a Legacy and Finding Strength in Work
Background: Bente Smith-Rewse, a dynamic 71-year-old, has spent decades building a successful business with her late husband, Christopher. In 1999, after years of supporting her husband’s career, Bente decided it was her turn to pursue her own ambitions. She founded an orthotics-based business, which eventually became Enertor, a leading supplier of shock-absorbing insoles used by elite athletes and military personnel, including the Royal Marines and SAS.
Challenge: In May 2022, Bente faced the devastating loss of her husband, who passed away after a brief illness. The grief was compounded by her deep connection to the business they had built together, making it difficult to separate her personal loss from her professional life. Despite the emotional toll, Bente felt a strong desire to continue working and to honor the legacy they had created.
Solution: Instead of retreating from her work, Bente leaned into it even more, finding solace, friendship, and a renewed sense of purpose within her company. She views her team of 16 employees as a family and derives immense satisfaction from leading the business. Bente’s openness about her grief has fostered a culture of support and trust within the company, helping both her and her employees navigate their own challenges.
Outcome: Bente’s decision to continue working has not only provided her with emotional strength and stability but has also strengthened her relationships with her immediate family, who are involved in the business. Regular interactions with her daughter and son-in-law, who work for Enertor, have deepened their familial bonds, blending professional and personal life in a way that brings them closer together.
Bente embodies the ICE philosophy, as her ongoing work sustains her sense of purpose and connection, contributing to her overall well-being. She has no plans to retire, as she finds joy and fulfillment in her daily work, which has become a vital part of her identity.
Key Takeaways:
- Bente’s story illustrates how continuing to work can provide emotional support and a sense of purpose, particularly after the loss of a loved one.
- Her experience shows that work can be a source of connection and community, helping individuals maintain strong social ties and mental health as they age.
- By remaining active in her business, Bente is not only preserving her financial stability but also enhancing her vitality assets, ensuring that her work continues to be a source of joy and fulfillment.
These case studies demonstrate how older individuals can find purpose, community, and well-being through continued work, aligning with the ICE philosophy and the broader concept of vitality assets in promoting a fulfilling, long life.
Academy of Life Planning 