Retirement: It Always Ends in Death, So Let's Talk About It!নমুনা

6. Live Ready – Dying Well

Most people don’t want to talk about it. They treat death like something far off, uncertain, or too uncomfortable to discuss. Even in retirement – when the subject becomes more relevant – many of us still avoid it. But death is not a surprise waiting to ambush us. It is an expected and natural part of life. And for Christians, it is not the end, but the beginning of eternity in the presence of Jesus.

Because of that truth, we are not meant to fear death or delay thinking about it. We are meant to prepare for it, just as Jesus said:

“You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” – Luke 12:40 NIV

These words apply equally to His return and to the moment our own life ends. Whether death comes slowly, suddenly, or somewhere in between, the one thing we all share is that we do not know when it will come. That’s why readiness isn’t a last-minute task. It’s a way of life. We need to number our days, just as the Bible teaches:

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12 NIV

My wife and I talk about death often. In recent years, it has become part of our normal conversations. Sometimes in jest, at other times in all seriousness – but in whatever form it may take, we generally do speak about it several times a week. We talk about what might happen, what we hope for, who we might partner with or befriend in our later years, and how we might want to be cared for in different situations. It doesn’t feel morbid. It feels honest. It gives us peace.

Our willingness to speak openly about death is shaped in part by the experience of losing her mother at a young age. That loss taught us not to wait. We’ve already seen how unpredictable life can be – and how painful it is when families are caught off guard.

Not long ago, we saw that contrast in our neighborhood. A friend of ours had to rush her husband to the hospital. She was shocked by the seriousness of his condition. It was the first time she truly realized that he might be fragile, or that death might be closer than she thought. They had never talked about it. No plans. No clarity. No peace. She was undone.

It doesn’t need to be that way for you.

As you move through retirement, it is wise and loving to have these conversations early. You should talk with your spouse about what you would want, how you would like to die if God allows, and what kind of medical interventions you do or don’t hope for. And at the right time, you should include your children as well.

Preparation is not about controlling death. It is about removing fear and confusion. Preparation is a gift you can give to those you love. And it is a way to live out your trust in God – not just in how you live, but in how you die.

The earlier you have these conversations, the more freedom you will feel. Death loses its power when you see it clearly and name it out loud. For the Christian, it is not something to dread. It is something to prepare for with quiet confidence, knowing that the One who leads you through life will also lead you through death. That’s what it means to die well – to live ready, every day, until the end.

May your final years be marked by peace, courage, and the joyful readiness to meet your Savior face to face.

Take Time to Reflect

1. How often do you talk about death with your spouse or loved ones? What’s stopping you from doing it more?
2. Are there specific wishes you have for how you would want to die? Have you shared them with anyone?
3. What first step could you take this week to begin preparing for death with clarity and peace?

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This is Part 8 of 8 - we hope you enjoyed them all! Next, watch for our book "Retirement Truths - what the Bible says" - due to be published in November 2025.

Or, if you’re wondering what’s next and how God will lead you, then click here for a list of resources to help with that. For more readings on a wide range of other topics, search "Roland Heersink" in the YouVersion app or visit our website . Blessings to you!