Retirement Planning
Get out of your chair and enjoy being part of the scene...
A time to truly live...
After years of working hard and preparing financially for retirement, people often do not realize the psychological impact this phase of their life can have on well-being. Following a brief honeymoon period, taking that trip one always dreamed about, getting in some long days on the golf course or sorting out the garden, people have a tendency to develop boredom, loss of identity and purpose. This can sometimes lead to varying degrees of depression or anxiety. Leisure activities that longed for more time when one was younger, are often affected by age and the inevitable problems with heath that creep up on everyone eventually.
It is important to think proactively about retirement and explore a wider range of leisure and work activities that will keep you feeling vital and needed within society. It is important to develop psychological resilience to face the challenges of aging, whether it is ill-health or changes in physical or financial status. Careful planning and consideration of ways to stay feeling engaged are important to consider if you wish to continue to live and embrace a fulfilled and meaningful life, truly enjoying the fruits of your labour.
It is never to late to start something new. Let go of that fear of being good enough - just enjoy the challenge and let go of the evaluation - thats behind you now! Think back to all those things you thought you would like to try but were too scared or didn't have the time. Some of our interests and things we valued may have gotten lost or been sacrificed over the year for other responsibilities. Its better to be bad at something you love than not try at all.
Some people report a loss of identity that can come from losing their work role. This can be confounded by children growing up and needing you less or by the loss of friends or loved ones. It is important to keep active and social and it is ok if there are some people or activities you have done for years that bore you now. Weed out some of the things that don't interest you anyore and bring some new experiences and people into your life.