Making the Most of Retirement
Older adults face many transitions as the years go by, not the least of which is going from working in a job or career to retirement, a change that opens a new phase of life and which, nonetheless, can be a significant and challenging time for seniors.
Retirement eliminates work stresses but also brings other impacts on social life, lifestyle, income and more.
What are the psychological phases of retirement? How does someone best navigate the transition? Here is some information and tips for living your best life in retirement.
The Phases Leading Up to And Of Retirement
- Pre-retirement
Looking forward to retirement may create a mix of feelings, including both excitement and anxiety. One of the best ways to ensure a smooth transition during any significant life change, whether it’s one that promotes excitement or prompts worries, is to prepare for it. The magazine Psychology Today recommends making a plan for how you will spend the initial days and weeks of your retirement while also realizing that any plan you create is malleable and can be changed if you discover it isn’t working for you. A plan should also address concerns about leaving your career and feelings about losing a structure that puts form to your days and financial state.
- The Honeymoon Phase
After so many years of working, this phase of the retirement journey may be marked by feelings of euphoria and relief. You’re reveling in newfound freedoms and having more time for leisure activities. Experts recommend focusing on setting up a routine and reaching out for emotional support if needed.
- Disenchantment
There may come a time when you feel restless and disappointed with your retirement experience. If you think retirement isn’t what you expected or it is leaving you feeling bored or lethargic, it may be time to make some changes. It’s also important to share your feelings with friends, family or a counselor.
- Re-Orientating
How your retirement looks is unique to you and no one else. To shake things up, consider setting small goals that you’d like to achieve. Think about some personal milestones, whether that’s losing ten pounds, growing a garden or learning how to cook. Put more emphasis on starting or nurturing friendships, whether that means arranging a weekly lunch with a longtime friend or joining a club or community that shares one of your interests.
Volunteering for a cause you care about or learning something new can give you a sense of purpose and meaning. A data review in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that if someone volunteered at least 100 hours a year, they experienced reduced risk of physical functioning limitations and increased optimism.
- Stability
Once those challenging times have been addressed, you may find you are in a phase of contentment and acceptance. You’ve established a routine that brings fulfillment and happiness to your life; you’ve made new friends or strengthened old relationships that provide the support and social bonds you need.
Many of the residents at Hayes Barton Place have retired; others have not. The key is that one needn’t retire in order to have purposeful, engaging days living here, because of all the social opportunities, programs, activities, opportunities for socialization, and more. It’s your choice, which is a great position to be in!