Most people approach retirement with a gloomy face. They approach retirement as if it is giving into the hands of fate and the debilitation of the body. So, it is important to help the retiree understand that retirement is something to be welcomed since it is an inevitable stage in ones life. But how can you do that? Its simple: poke fun at retirement. Retirement jokes, made in speeches, are very popular. However, speeches tend to become emotional to the point that everyone in the room is in a state of gloom and sympathy. But one can raise the bar with retirement jokes (without insulting the retiree, of course).
Examples: In addition to speaking about the great moments the speaker has shared with the retiree, he/she can add something that will lighten up the atmosphere. One could give a headstone slab, which has the inscription In Advance on it. If you’re a friend, you may also make a joke by calling the retiree granddad or grandfather whenever the retiree speaks to you, as in “OK, grandfather”. This may also help lighten the mood. But dont go over the top, of course.
Another gag that could help is a wig in an unusual color like pink, green or purple. A follow up gag to that joke might be that he might require a headpiece in the very near future. If he declines it, say: Okay, then wear a paper bag instead when you do go bald. Always be prepared for when a joke falls flat. So keep those backup jokes ready! Believe it or not, some agencies write and sell personalized retirement speeches with witty jokes built in after knowing the personality and interests of the retiree. These companies usually add jokes about the retirees profession. If one cannot find enough retirement jokes, a visit to a bookshop could help a great deal.
There are joke books that cover a wide range of topics, one of which is retirement. A little scan here and there will help inspire the reader if he/she isnt a natural comedian. These may also be good retirement gifts as well, helping the retiree have a good laugh on one of those boring Tuesday afternoons. There are also a lot of websites available on the net that provide a lot of jokes and free retirement e-books. The e-books that are available range from the 200 Best Things Said about Retirement to Retirement Wisdom You Wont Get from your Financial Advisor.
Conclusion: One has a lot of leeway when one tells jokes at a retirement party. If you know someone who is approaching retirement, you can first send an email or two which has retirement quotations like retirement is when everyday is Saturday and retirement: goodbye tension, hello pension!. It is a good gesture and gives the sense that you understand what the future retiree is going through.
Again, keep the retiree (future or not) relaxed as much as possible. Make him/her contemplate retirement with a smile and not with a sigh as much as you can. And when the retirement party does come, keep the same light-hearted approach, inserting jokes here and there and possibly some gags like the ones said above. Not only will the retiree be less wary about retirement, he/she will focus more on the people who kept him happy on that bitter-sweet day, especially the one who gave him that weird pink wig.
If you are thinking aboutretirement or are already retired, please visit our website for tons of free Retirement Advice