Most people approach retirement with a gloomy face. They approach retirement as if it is a surrender to the hands of fate and the debilitation of the body. So, it is very important to help the retiree understand that retirement is something to be welcomed as it is an inevitable development in life. But how can you do that? Its not so difficult: just poke fun at retirement. Retirement jokes, like the ones made in speeches are popular. However, speeches tend make people emotional to the point where everyone in the room is in a state of gloomy inevitability and sympathy. But one can raise the level of the atmosphere with retirement jokes (without insulting the retiree, of course).
Examples: Further 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, granddad”. This may also help lighten the mood. But dont go over the top, of course.
Another gag that might help is a wig in an unusual color like pink or purple. A follow up item to that joke might be that he may need a wig in the near future. If he declines it, say: Okay, then wear a paper bag instead when you go bald. Always be prepared 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 understanding 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 bookstore can help a great deal.
There are joke books that cover a vast range of topics, only one of which is retirement. A little search on this or that will help inspire the reader if he/she isnt a natural comedian. These can also be good retirement gifts as well, helping the retiree have a good laugh on one of those boring Monday afternoons. There are also a lot of websites on the net that provide a lot of jokes and free retirement e-books. The e-books that are available range from the 150 Best Things Said about Retirement to Retirement Wisdoms You Wont Get from your Trust Managerr.
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 nice gesture and gives the sense that you know what the future retiree is facing.
Again, keep the retiree (future or not) at ease as much as you can. Make him/her think about 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 doing some gags like the ones mentioned above. Not only will the retiree feel less wary about retirement, he/she will focus more on the people who made him happy on that bitter-sweet day, especially the person that presented him with that strange pink wig.
If you or anyone you know is approaching Retirement, just go along to our web site at Retirement Also published at Brighten Things Up With Retirement Jokes.