Is retirement good for your mental health?

RETIREMENT is a major life transition that lasts the rest of your life. Many find it difficult to adjust to their new circumstances, facing changes in their social contacts, personal identity, and responsibilities. 25% of retirees experience difficulties that lead to negative mental health outcomes (Centre for Aging Better 2018, shorturl.at/eJKQ7).

With most retirement planning focusing on financial security, the non-financial side (e.g emotional, mental and physical health) is often over-looked. Published studies on mental health and the transition to retirement suggest there is a honeymoon period, around the time of retirement, that improves mental health; after that, it can go either way.

Overall, about one third of retirees have difficulty adjusting to retirement.

It doesn’t have to be like this!

There are things you can do to make the retirement transition smoother for psychological well being. Planning for this aspect of retirement should be as important as financial planning. Accessing some retirement support via a Retirement Coach provides guidance on:

- Purpose – visualize what you want to do with your time, to bring you satisfaction.

- Agreeing priorities - identify the changes you want to make, to achieve your objectives for a more satisfying retirement.

- Personal development - challenge your mind: what would you like to learn or experience that will help you in your changing purpose and identity?

- Social networks – social isolation fuels loneliness and depressive feelings. Maintain existing contacts where you can; build on

• How to find Horfield Organic Community Orchard: Nearest postcode BS7 8JP. Walk down the lane beside 22 Kings Drive (between Bishop Road & Kellaway Avenue), turn left and it’s the first gate on the right. Or take the lane beside 134 Longmead Avenue Field (BS7 8QQ) until you come to the last gate on the left.

Email: hocohello@gmail.com

Phone: 0117 373 1587

Get Growing: Page 28 these through links with your community, based around your interests.

- Physical activity - this has been found to be the most important way to use additional time in retirement, being associated with better mental health.

If you have concerns about retirement, whether you've retired or are approaching retirement, or want to know more about Retirement Support, contact me, Sian Jones, for a free 30 minute consultation. I'm a certified coach, specialising in non-financial retirement.

Sian.Reclaim@gmail.com www.ReclaimLife.co.uk