Story – Dad took pride in being a finance man since the age of 19, a label important to his identity. Despite his typical 14-hour workdays, he dreaded his approaching retirement. I remember him warily eyeing a group of retirees enjoying coffee together in the back booth of a breakfast place. He said, “I don’t want to be like them.” Even though he was financially prepared, dad’s negative attitude toward aging and the lack of a social network were barriers to his wellbeing. Few hobbies or interests had been developed other than betting the horses. His type-A personality paired with too much time and little to do was a bad combination. For the 25 years spent in retirement, he did not know what to do with himself and was quite unhappy.

Retirement is a significant life event. It is as big as graduations, weddings, purchasing a home, moving or dealing with a major health issue. Nursing a strong attachment to the workforce carries with it many psychological and emotional implications. This complex journey provides some unexpected individual experiences. One’s unique personality, values and interests come into play, as well as the reasons why a person is leaving work. Some eagerly anticipate the transition while others leave the workforce for personal reasons. One’s attitude toward the change in status can greatly influence the final disposition. Proactive and optimistic personalities fare better during this time of transition. At first, most retirees experience relief, excitement and joy that accompanies the exhilaration of long-awaited freedom. One positive outcome of retirement is a reduction in work-related stress and improved wellness that comes with time to rest and engage socially. This shift provides a new opportunity to pursue hobbies, travel, spend time with family and engage in creative pursuits.

However, the retirement experience can also be a real test comprised of sadness, grief, loneliness, and disorientation. Loss of identity can be a challenge, especially if career was a significant part of the Self. Many tie their dignity and worth to occupation. Losing that role can lead to emptiness and a lack of purpose. Letting go of this concept of yourself as a working person, who is now a senior citizen with its implied negative connotation, can feel like a demotion in status. Some experience depression due to social isolation, as the workplace that once offered exposure to an ‘office family’ is gone.

Living on a fixed income in a rising cost economy can also significantly impact mental health. Worries about financial stability, health or how to spend one’s remaining time can cause tension. The hard work of planning a new life can manifest in lessened anxiety.

It is imperative to engage in some mental exploration due to the gravity of this life stage. For example, some preliminary thinking about who you are, what you like and how you envision your change experience is vital to your planning phase. The adjustments, surprises and struggles of retirement are part of the erratic ‘unknowns’ of any life stage. Fluctuation in the stock market, an unexpected illness, growing physical limitations or a family member’s disruptive life event are some examples. Adjusting effectively includes accepting what one cannot change and redefining individuality.

Exploring attractive ways to spend time and a fresh routine can be beneficial. Strengthening social networks with others who can relate to your new status is invaluable, as a sense of belonging will support emotional and mental health. Studies suggest that retirement can lead to cognitive decline if individuals do not stay engaged. These findings are consistent with theories of lifespan development and cognitive aging that assert that retirement may be associated with cognitive decline. This is where personality type effects outcomes, as cognitive decline is more likely for those prone to disengage from highly challenging activities and goal pursuits (Psychol Aging, 2020).

Retirement stages

Pre-retirement: Planning for retirement
Honeymoon phase: The initial excitement of retirement
Disenchantment: Feeling let down by retirement
Re-orientation: Finding new interests and ways to spend your time
Stability: Feeling content and happy with your life

Retirement Wellbeing Strategies
Most people anticipate leaving the workforce. This condition allows time to consider what they want to do with their future. Successful retirees suggest trying out an activity of interest before leaving the job. Volunteer at a food bank, join a book club or get involved in local politics to get an idea of the activity’s true meaning for you prior to investing in it once retired.
During this ‘try-out’ period, consider how you and your partner will navigate with more time together during this transformative stage of life. Create a plan where both parties can continue personal growth and development separately, as well as evolving together.
Figure out who you are now. Try composing an inventory of what you honestly enjoyed in the last few years, whether it is work or non-work related. Examples may include interesting projects and accomplishments, places traveled with associated activities and people you enjoyed. Identify what you consider relevant through researching videos, literature and taking retirement courses. You can more confidently commit to an activity that is exciting and provides a useful sense of purpose once you discover what is rewarding for you.
Consider post-retirement involvement based on your skill set, such as consultation work or training others. Taking classes can enhance your ability to start a new career. People who work after retiring find more satisfaction in life than those who are not as connected.
Becoming more knowledgeable about topics of interest through further education can keep you active, mentally stimulated and engaged.
Travel can be an interesting learning experience that is enjoyable, but expensive. To prepare for this adventure, retirees can make travel a category for their retirement portfolio.
Building and maintaining social relationships by joining clubs, groups or social organizations supports emotional health and a more satisfying retirement.
It can be useful to view past life pursuits in ‘periods’ of time while crafting your new identity. If you climbed mountains or danced but no longer possessed the physical abilities to do so; do not be sad for the loss. Letting go of these part of yourself for new passions and dedications can be a healthier and more realistic fit.

The retirement phase is full of psychological and emotional struggles and setbacks. Yet it is an exciting, enriched period with opportunities to evolve.

Suzette Turner-Clark, LCSW-S, RPT/S, RYT-200