Make retirement work for you
While most of us work towards retirement, the Oddfellows believes in order to get the best out of it, you should also make retirement work for you.
Dr Jennifer Wild, an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at Oxford University and a friend of friendship society the Oddfellows, says the lack of structure in retirement may actually feel like a loss of freedom. However, by introducing some meaning and energy into your retirement, you can feel supported, confident and fulfilled every day. Dr Wild explains: “We often think of retirement as a good thing, but it’s a massive life transition. People can struggle to find an identity outside of the workplace and even begin to grieve their former life which, if unresolved, can lead to loneliness and depression. “By recognising the transition and looking to fill your days in meaningful ways, you can find a sense of purpose that will keep you active and help you relax and enjoy your retirement at the same time.” Actions to consider: • Plan ahead – whether its splitting your day into 30-minute-chunks or planning the week ahead, having activities in place will help you feel motivated. • Identify your loss – understanding what you are missing from your job allows you to find new ways of replicating it. If you miss the camaraderie of the office, go along to a busy friendship group like the Oddfellows. • Make new milestones – work on the things you’d still like to achieve. Kevin and Teresa Marrable, from Ipswich, said their local Oddfellows group helped keep them active when the initial excitement of retirement wore off. Kevin, 68, said he missed talking to people. He said: “We both had things we wanted to do such as renovations and making the most of our free time, but about a year after we retired we needed new ways to fill our days.” Teresa, 65, added: “The good thing about the Oddfellows is that it’s varied – there’s something to suit everyone’s needs and tastes. “The option to volunteer, even if it’s just signing up to wash up each week or help clear away, can be really good for your mental health and wellbeing, and give you that sense of purpose and reward of working as part of a team.” The Oddfellows, which has offered friendship and support to its members for more than two centuries, can help you keep active, busy and positive in your retirement, and introduce you to other retirees in your area. Its local branches organise regular social events for its members to enjoy such as coffee mornings, talks and quizzes. The Oddfellows also supports members with care and welfare advice, opportunities to holiday together and volunteering.
For more information go to www.oddfellows.co.uk/retirement. To learnmoreabout theOddfellows andtoreceive afreeinformation pack and events diary, call 0800 028 1810 or email enquiries@oddfellows.co.uk. *Terms and conditions apply to all member benefits andservices. For details, visitwww.oddfellows.co.uk/ terms-conditions, or call 0800028 1810.