Maybe It’s Time to Retire the Word “Retire”

Why language matters when it comes to ageing, work and relevance

Once upon a time, “retirement” was a goal — a finish line crossed and applauded, complete with a gold watch, a farewell cake and an awkward speech about “well-deserved rest.”

But these days, the R-word feels less like a reward and more like a punishment — followed by a gentle shove offstage. To “retire” literally means to withdraw or give up on life. From relevance. From usefulness. Not exactly a word that sparks joy or a lust for new opportunities.

The R-Word Problem

Label someone “retired” and suddenly they’re treated like a museum exhibit. People assume you have endless time (“You’re free Tuesday, right?”), faded skills (“Oh, that’s so interesting you used to do that!”), and no real goals beyond golf and grandchildren.

It’s linguistic gaslighting — a subtle way of rewriting someone’s social identity, convincing them they’ve stepped out of the productive world even when they’re still deeply contributing to it.

And they are contributing. Older Australians volunteer, care for grandchildren, support family businesses, and often provide the emotional scaffolding that keeps entire households standing (Australian Institute of Family Studies, ABS). They’re not “retired” — they’ve simply reinvested their energy into fruitful, satisfying endeavours.

Words That Fit the Times

We need better language. Something that matches the reality that people in their 60s, 70s and 80s are still learning, creating and shaping society.

Maybe revitalising. That says, “I’m still blooming — just in a different flower bed.”

Or reorienting — a word that acknowledges a shift, not a shutdown. Seeing the world through a new lens.

Because that’s what this stage of life often is: a pivot. A time to reimagine what work, purpose and contribution look like — not to disappear. Not to become invisible while waiting for the end.

The Power of Semantics

Words shape worlds. When we tell someone they’ve “retired,” we imply they’ve stepped off the map. When we talk instead about revitalisation, reinvention or reorientation, we draw a new map altogether — one that includes movement, vitality and meaning.

After all, we don’t call single women “spinsters” anymore. We don’t say “housewives.” We updated those labels when they stopped reflecting reality. It’s time to do the same with “retirement.”

Let’s Retire “Retirement”

So next time someone asks, “When are you retiring?” maybe try:

“Oh, I’m not retiring — I’m reorienting, reimagining and reenergising my life.”

It might sound cheeky, but it’s truer than the old story.

Changing the language won’t change the welfare system or make older people a better fit for the job market overnight. It won’t stop recruiters from ghosting grey hair or end inheritance impatience at the family dinner table.

But it can start shifting attitudes — and those small semantic shifts can be surprisingly powerful.

Let’s stop talking about withdrawal or stepping back from life and start talking about revitalisation.

Because no one who’s still learning, creating and contributing should ever be described as having retired from life.