Learn to Flourish in Retirement
Issue 7 | January 2026
Flourishing – via P.E.R.M.A.H.
Reaching beyond where you are is really important. (Seligman)
Create a good, full life using the six pillars of wellbeing based on positive psychology. This article identifies what comprises a sense of flourishing. As you live a happy, interesting, connected, purposeful, and fulfilling retirement that you deliberately create, you will embrace and appreciate opportunities more fully. Rather than the medical model, problems that need diagnosis and treatment to remedy deficits — positive psychology focuses on strengths and virtues, fixing what is challenging, and nurturing what is best in ourselves.
P.E.R.M.A.H. focuses attention on what’s important to build resilience.
P - POSITIVE EMOTIONS (gratitude, pleasure, fun, joy, playfulness): To experience flourishing, be grateful and enjoy positive emotions in your life. Any positive emotion like peace, satisfaction, inspiration, hope, curiosity, and love falls into this category, and it’s important to be kind and enjoy being (not just doing) in the here and now.
E - ENGAGEMENT (losing yourself and being absorbed in hobbies, and the moment): When you are truly engaged in a task or project, you experience a state of flow. Time seems to stop, you lose your sense of self as you concentrate intensely on the present; you are in the zone! This feels right. The more you have flow, the more likely you are to build resilience and experience wellbeing.
R - RELATIONSHIPS (those who touch your mind, body, heart, spirit): We are social animals and good relationships are central to wellness. People who have several meaningful, positive relationships are much happier and healthier than those who don’t. Great relationships with at least a few people and groups are critical for a quality life.
M - MEANING (purpose, pursue an ambitious vision): Meaning comes from serving a cause bigger than yourself. Whether this is working on a personal goal, helping others, volunteering, contributing to a cause or community engagement, a personal mission is critical.
A - ACCOMPLISHMENT (learning and completing endeavors big and small, knowing and using your strengths): Many of us strive to better ourselves in some way, whether we're seeking to master a skill or achieve a goal. Growth and achievement are important factors in thriving.
H - HEALTH (sleep, nutrition, move, relax, nature, pets): Ensure nutrition is balanced and healthy, you are hydrated and consume only modest amounts of alcohol, move regularly (activities/exercise), get about 8 hours sleep, chill-out, and spend time in nature.
Article by Dr John Barletta
(Maleny Men’s Shed)
Health and Wellbeing Specialist
Queensland Men’s Shed Association
Johnb@qmsa.org.au
Published 2026
