I recently had a client jokingly paint a very different picture of retirement pain than I had expected when he said that “no pain, no gain” was more applicable to bathroom breaks than his work-outs of prior years. While I couldn’t help but laugh, the truth is the pains of retirement often come as a result of change, making it important for client’s to not only be able to manage it, but also conform to it in order to stay connected and relevant.

We live in a constantly deteriorating world where relationships, thoughts and feelings, as well as mental and physical skills and capabilities, can stagnate.  Unfortunately, if retirement planning doesn’t include specific strategies for learning new things, sharpening or acquiring new skills, or managing life more effectively through technology, clients can lose touch, become bitter, and even resentful toward others and new norms.

Not every retiree needs to be on Facebook and Twitter, or know how to Skype on their smartphone. But the way people communicate and interact today … the way that people break work chains and remove relationship stains … is changing. I will assure you that clients/retirees who aren’t on Facebook get invited to fewer social events, and have a lot more catching up to do when they see family and friends. Lagging behind the communications curve can become a relationship burden both for younger busy people on the go, and those reluctant to learn the new technology who can end up feeling abandoned and isolated because they are reluctant to learn the new technologies. 

Fortunately, managing change, staying relevant, and sharpening skills isn’t just Internet or wireless based. For new or soon-to-be retirees, transferring their skills and knowledge to future generations by writing a book or teaching a class can be great ways to stay sharp and plugged in. Both can keep the mind buzzing while providing something with which to identify, as well as helped them feel good about their contribution. 

In my opinion, one of the best things advisors can do for clients (and themselves) is to lead the way by transferring their own skills and knowledge. Be a resource for clients by sending out a video link that teaches them how to set up a Facebook account or how to Skype with their grandchildren … Start going beyond the norm of what advisors typically help clients with, such as estate planning and long-term care insurance and help them build and protect their relationships and capabilities. 

Or take the leap yourself and write a book, or teach a class. It doesn’t have to be about financial planning; make it about a hobby or passion you plan to focus on in your own retirement. Either way, it will be a tool to inspire clients and help them transition to a successful retirement.

Addressing these issues with clients may not be every advisor’s cup of tea but, to me, it’s no different than someone who wants a 10 percent return with no risk. In those cases, what do we do? We take their hand and walk them through how investing works -- using simple ideas and analogies like risk and return go together just like up and down or right and left.  For advisors, adding some perspective or framework that prepares clients for retirement beyond dollars and cents is a new combination of skills that, more and more, are becoming requirements. 

The message is simple, though. If advisors want their clients to have a happy, healthy and connected retirement, they need to take the time to help them become more aware of the chains, stains and pains of retirement.  By helping them break free from work, clear up relationship blemishes, and alleviate the pain associated with a rapidly changing world, advisors will empower clients to make the most of retirement now instead of later. 

P.S.  Let me know if you found this article helpful by leaving a comment or e-mailing me. Also, don’t forget to register for the Naked Retirement Webinar next week, June 25 from 2-3pm EDT.

Follow Robert Laura on Twitter @robertlaura. He is the president of SYNEGOS Financial group, co-founder of RetirementProject.org, and author of Naked Retirement. He can be reached at [email protected].

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