Retirement represents many things to many different people. For some, it is an exciting and exhilarating time when they can leave work and their career behind. But others may find it bittersweet or even depressing, as they identify their sense of worth with “what they do for a living.” For everyone, there are conflicting emotions – and even some identifiable stages of getting accustomed to retirement. In this article, we will take a look at the various reactions to retirement and discuss how you can help yourself (or a loved one) embrace and enjoy this time of life.
Most people spend years focusing on the financial aspects of retirement. However, many seniors never really consider retirement’s mental, physical and emotional impacts. There are five common “stages” of the retirement experience:
- Planning before retirement
- The “honeymoon” phase
- Reality check (often a “crash”)
- Reorientation
- Routine and enjoyment
The Planning Stage: Most people have worked with financial advisors, accountants, and lawyers for years to be adequately prepared for life after a paycheck. These folks typically have a budget in mind, understand their expenses, and are prepared for life beyond work. If their professional advisors are competent, money is built into the plan for unexpected situations.
The Freedom / Honeymoon Stage: The first few months of retirement can be incredible. After years of waking to an alarm clock or working towards the weekend, the senior now has complete freedom to spend every day as they wish. It almost seems too good to be true, like a vacation that does not end. Recent retirees often do everything they dreamed of – reconnecting with friends and family, taking their dream trip, or just relaxing at the beach. During this time – which can easily last for several years – some seniors may completely fall out of routine, including good habits and smart fiscal decision-making.
The Reality Check Stage: At some point, the newness and excitement gradually wear off. This might be caused by a financial reality check or simply by a sense of being aimless and without purpose. Some seniors begin to feel lost, and many begin to experience anxiety and depression. A happy retirement may quickly become disappointing and frustrating without developing a routine and finding purpose.
The Reorientation Stage: At this point, seniors should honestly evaluate their emotions and desires – what would make them happy and give them a sense of purpose? Perhaps volunteering at a local museum or nature center would give them a sense of worth, or maybe helping to watch their grandchildren while mom and Dad go to work would do the trick. Those who genuinely miss working could try mentoring, freelancing, or taking on part-time work. They could join clubs or teams that meet regularly and surround themselves with a group of like-minded peers. The possibilities are endless.
The Enjoyment Stage: Once a routine is established, and a senior has found what gives them joy – it is time to truly enjoy retirement on their own terms.
Assisted Living and Retirement
An assisted living community gives seniors many opportunities to engage and enjoy their retirement. Most facilities provide health and wellness programs, fitness centers, educational opportunities, clubs and groups, and excursions. If you are a recently retired senior looking for a chance to engage and interact with like-minded senior citizens, an adult living residence might be the right choice for you.
A Banyan Residence is a professional assisted living and memory care center located in The Villages.
