Retirement planning: What about spiritual capital?



Shaman (Photo by Tomas Castelazo)

In a Vanguard article titled Social Security’s future and your retirement, Dr. Olivia Mitchell of the Wharton School was interviewed.  After a rather dreary review of Social Security’s pitfalls, this final question was asked of her:  What can retirees do for themselves?

Her answer was surprisingly upbeat.  Rather than define retirement in terms of money capital (as so many do), she instead focused upon assets that even paycheck-to-paycheck folks can bank on.  She spoke of “health capital” – which could mean starting a better-late-than-never fitness plan.  She spoke of “intellectual capital” – which could mean keeping up with the latest developments in technology.  She also spoke of “social capital” – which could mean

having a close network of friends and family.  Her parting advice:  ... people should take a broad look at the resources they carry with them into retirement.  Financial capital is only one part of the picture.

It’s certainly heartening to consider health capital, intellectual capital, and social capital as important pieces of the retirement puzzle.  However, “spiritual capital” might just be the most important piece (and peace) of all.

Traditionally, the later stages of life were set aside to contemplate the BIG questions and role-model their

answers (think Crones, Shamans, Elders, Ancestors).  That doesn’t necessarily mean withdrawing from all

else.  What it does mean, however, is becoming acutely aware that there is either a “nothing more” or a “what’s next” scenario rapidly approaching.  If it’s a “nothing more,” then how can these final precious moments that do exist be fully experienced?  If it’s a “what’s next,” then how can one best prepare for that eventuality?

When it comes to money, we’ve all heard (but perhaps not internalized) that “You can’t take it with you.”

Although worldly health, intelligence and social bonds seem more lasting – the sad (or perhaps liberating) truth is that they too shall pass (at least from their present forms).  It therefore behooves us to seriously consider that which shall more likely pay everlasting dividends.

Resources

https://retirementplans.vanguard.com/VGApp/pe/pubnews/MitchellonSocialSecurity.jsf?SelectedSegment=BuildingWealth

http://www.elderthink.com/spirituality/spirituality-among-elderly.php

http://www.lutheranworld.org/What_We_Do/DTS/Programs/Spiritualism-Africa_EN.pdf

http://www.ewebtribe.com/NACulture/elders.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamanism

http://www.yoni.com/crone.shtml

Copyright August 18, 2011 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved