For many, work supplied purpose without you having to look for it: goals to meet, people counting on you, room to grow. Retirement takes that away all at once. Purpose after retirement is usually built rather than found, and it comes from three sources: contribution, mastery, and connection. Here’s what each one looks like, why purpose matters after 50, and how to choose your first commitment this month.

CenterWell's multi-year study of 6,600+ older adults found that 46% lack a sense of fulfillment, with the dip tending to cluster around ages 65 to 67. Most aren't struggling financially. So what's actually driving it?