FAQs

Learn about how process of creating the project.

What is the inspiration for this project?

I was thinking about how career-centered life seems to be built around. From a young age, we’re asked the question “what do you want to be when you grow up.” We go to K-12 school to get into college to kickstart our careers. Inspired by my family's retirement journeys, I've seen varied paths. My great-grandpa worked until his eighties, embracing hobbies. My aunt celebrated retirement with a countdown and party. My grandparents traveled worldwide and settled in a retirement community. Another aunt and uncle built a farm, with no previous farming experience. Now, they take care of over 20 cows and over 50 chickens. These examples show diverse approaches to retirement.

How did you find interview subjects?

My interview subjects were found through research and word-of-mouth. For example, I looked into places such as lifelong learning centers where older people can continue their education. Additionally, the biggest thing I did to find a variety of voices was simply talk to everyone I came across about my project. Then, those people helped connect me to these inspiring retirees.

What are your key takeaways after working on this project?

Why did you present these stories in a video format?

I thought it was important to physically show what these retirees did in retirement. We often have a built-up image in our heads of what retired people do and look like, so I wanted to combat any preconceived images we had of retirement. In the long run, it is also a special thing to have a video of older members of our community to look back on in the years to come.

As someone who thinks a lot about what my future looks like, this project showed me that life isn't over when you retire. These retirees are booked and busy and are still contributing to society, despite what stereotypical media may show. It also taught me that if there is anything I am slightly interested in, I should go ahead and try it. One main theme amongst all of the retirees is the spontaneity to try something new, and that is something I look forward to implementing into my personal life.