How to retire with a smile
RETIREMENT should be a golden age but it is increasingly becoming more stressful than work.
Loneliness, inactivity and money worries play a huge part in this, with the chances of clinical depression rising by 40 per cent after finishing work.
Dame Esther Rantzen, founder of The Silver Line helpline for older people, says it often leaves a gaping hole in your life, no matter how ready you are for a rest.
“Our working lives take up so much of our waking hours and so many of our hopes and dreams,” she said.
“The people we meet, the money we make, the achievements we have… for many, it becomes their identity.
Structure
“It also brings a rhythm to your life. It reassures you that you are needed and necessary.”
Approaching your retirement with a positive plan will make the transition less painful.
Tom Gentry, health influencing manager at Age UK, said: “It pays to prepare. Not just your finances, but also thinking about what to do with your time – goals you still have, skills you would like to learn.
“People who are grandparents often pick up lots of childcare so this can bring helpful structure.
“Don’t arrive at day one with no engagements in your diary.”
Lack of purpose and routine can quickly have a negative impact on your wellbeing.
Tom said: “There can be a lack of motivation to get out of bed and to eat regular meals, or you may not eat as well as you did. Physical exercise is important. Keep active doing things like walking and gardening.”
Retirement can also spark the start of a slippery slope into alcohol issues.
Tom said: “A lot of problem drinking can happen in retirement. Ensure you have days off alcohol and follow guidelines.”
Exercising your brain is also vital without the stimulation of work to keep it in good shape.
“Crosswords, painting and reading will all help to reduce cognitive decline,” Tom said.
Half a million older people go at least five days a week without speaking to anyone, which increases the risk of developing depression and dementia.
Dr Kellie Payne, research and policy manager for the Campaign to End Loneliness, told how many of the key factors for being lonely converge in later life.
“Retirement, bereavement, losing your health and losing mobility can all be isolating,” she said. “Often, a large part of your support network is made up of people you work with.
“Being lonely puts more stress on your body too. You are in a hyper-stressed state. Sleep is not as restorative and there are higher incidents of heart conditions and stroke.
“This is why it is important to find your sense of purpose again.
“A lot of those who transition successfully are the ones who have always been joiners, as they find it less difficult to take things up and meet new people.”
Dame Esther recommends volunteering for bridging the gap between your working and retirement lives.
She said: “You will find lots of kindred spirits with a similar attitude to life and sense of humour. You can work together as a team for something you believe in. Volunteering gives you a real sense of achievement.
“Charities are crying out for people with skills and if you have had a job that has given you those, you are so valuable to them.”
Don’t underestimate the value of simply picking up the phone for a chat, either.
“The Silver Line can offer conversation – and that is a magic medicine,” she said.
“At the end of a call, after sharing a memory, you feel like part of the human race again.”
Call The Silver Line for free, 24 hours a day, on 0800 4 708090.