Fear Retirement? Four Strategies to Help Cope with Transition Issues

Retirement is something that hardworking people should look forward to, because probably for the first time, they can enjoy their freedom to do everything they want without having to worry about their responsibilities at work.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case. A lot of people fear retirement and find this stage of their lives very challenging.

Upon retirement, you will have to adjust to the loss of a consistent work routine. You will also feel the loss of sense of purpose, and this can cause some issues in your relationships. What's worse is that there is also the factor of boredom that may lead to several health problems and even depression.

1. Identity Issues

For many of us, especially men, identity is based on various skills and roles, such as being useful, being a good provider, being an achiever, and being independent.

In order for you to adjust to retirement easily, you need to redefine your bases of your own identity. There are other roles that retirees like you can assume and even take pride in, such as being a good grandparent, being a good carer for your partner, or being a community leader. The moment you accept your new role in the family and in the community, it will be easier for you adjust to and enjoy your retirement.

2. Relationship Issues

There are certain challenges also that retirement can bring to a relationship. For example, you and your partner may have been accustomed to spending a certain amount of time together each day when you were still actively employed. But the moment you retire, you will spend time with each other much longer. This can potentially disturb the balance of the relationship, which can also cause tensions between the two of you.

Conflicts may also arise due to the need for joint decision-making. Before retirement, you both have separate decision-making responsibilities, but after retirement, it may be necessary for the two of you to make important decisions together. To avoid this, it's important that both of you be ready and willing to adjust, listen, and accept each other's opinions.

3. Staying Active

According to studies, staying active is a vital step for coping with retirement. You can be active and involved by doing any of the following:

Starting a new hobby or nurturing an old one

Getting active physically through swimming, walking, or playing a sport, or other activities that are appropriate for your physical limitations and capabilities

Getting a part-time job

Volunteering with a church or charity group

4. Keeping in Touch

Lastly, it's important that you get in touch with your family, friends, and former coworkers. Isolation and loneliness are a common risk among people who retire. You may also work with a personal coach who can help you get adjusted to your new life after retirement.