Emotional Aspects of Retirement

The Go-Go Years (65-75) are the early, active, and most expensive phase of retirement. Many retirees are still in good health and want to travel, pursue hobbies, and embark on new adventures.

But what about the emotional aspects? For many, they feel euphoria, relief and a sense of liberation. However, negative feelings may be felt due to the loss of employment. Loss of workmates. You may encounter a “malaise” involving boredom, loneliness, restlessness, and perceived loss of purpose.

The Slow-Go Years (mid 70s – early 80s). During this transitional phase lifestyle and energy levels start to slow. Activity levels decrease and travel may shift from international trips to more local or domestic excursions. This shift is partly due to declining health and mobility.

Emotionally, many retirees find a renewed sense of contentment, confidence, and fulfillment in their daily life. However, the loss of identity and feeling of “uselessness” may continue to linger. The feeling of loneliness and fear may creep in especially as friendships fade, friends and acquaintances die.

The No-Go Years (mid 80s – 90s). This final phase of retirement involves a significant decline in physical and cognitive abilities. Many retirees may require support from family, caregivers, or assisted living facilities.

During this phase, anxiety and fear are often experienced from worrying whether savings will last or confronting one’s own mortality. Guilt is sometimes felt for “doing nothing” or for enjoying leisure while others struggle with increased costs. The reliance on others robs retirees of their sense of independence and strength.

Retired people and those about to retire are beginning to understand that there is a secret to a successful retirement. It is to be positive, stay actively involved and in control of their lives. Be an active participant in their neighbourhoods, clubs and life in general.

Today’s retirees are becoming energized and are actively pursuing their life goals. By adopting vitality and a zest for living, they are electing to be enthusiastic about the future and are determined to shape their destinies as much as possible.

Successful retirees recognize the need to plan for happiness and productivity in each of the three phases of retirement. They evaluate what’s important and construct actions to satisfy their needs and wants. By creating a vision of a realistic retirement and building an action plan to achieve it, they are proactively and energetically seeking results.

In my book, Retirement: The Ultimate Journey, A Navigational Guide for Life After Work, I lay out how best to get ready for retirement including creating a health and wellness strategy. I provide you with action steps and self-completing exercises as part of your retirement planning. I provide a guide on how to recognize stress and actions to reduce or eliminate it.