By Cathy Severson

Recessions provide an opportunity to reevaluate what’s important. This recession is no different. Despite the financial strain many people are feeling, there is still hope for the future, especially for retirement. In a recent Harris poll, 60% of Americans described retirement as an “opportunity for a new, exciting chapter in life.” People still see new possibilities for retirement.

While people are still hopeful about retirement, the definition has changed significantly from the past. When asked about balancing work, leisure and money in retirement, 70% of respondents reported they wanted to include work in their retirement. When it comes to working, retirees have different expectations than younger employees. Retirees are wan flexible schedules, the opportunity to continue learning and the desire to mentor younger employees.

For many, the new retirement is an opportunity to remain productive through learning, as well as contributing. Retirement is less likely to be seen as a time to withdrawal.

There is also an attitude shift in how others see aging and seniors. As many as 75% of Americans say there is a need for retirees to contribute their time, skills and experience to the community.

Contributing to the community is also changing. Traditionally, senior volunteers carried out simple, mundane tasks. The new retirement want to volunteer in ways that will “make use of their full range of work and life skills, and experience.” Many organizations are reviewing their policies to take advantage of this new philanthropic attitude.

The recession has created an opportunity for people to look at retirement with new possibilities. For most, retirement is no longer a time of withdrawal, but a time to reengage in new and fascinating ways.