Retiring is a big lifestyle change that comes with its fair share of challenges. With sudden free time, changes in schedule and living arrangements, you could find yourself at a bit of a loss. Here are the three top challenges of retirement and some ways you can deal with them.
Boredom
The most apparent challenge of retirement is boredom. You suddenly have a lot of time on your hands, with a lot less responsibility that might have previously come from your job or other commitments. However, retirement does not mean that you must just stay at home. Rather than seeing retirement as a loss of previous responsibilities, see it as an opportunity to fill your time with many more things!
You do not have to jump into retirement. You can opt into a more gradual transition into retirement by taking up a part-time job, slowly reducing the hours you work as you like. This gives you routine and purpose and keeps you socially engaged. At the same time, you can use this as a chance to pick up a new skill, such as learning to be a barista or a bartender. Or you can choose a job that might be meaningful to you, such as working with animals.
If you are looking for meaning, you could also consider volunteering! Through volunteer work, you get to meet new people, remain active, and extend help to others. You could learn new skills through this or even contribute with the skills that you have acquired through many years of your professional life.
Social Isolation
Retirement may change social dynamics as you no longer see the same colleagues every day, or as your personal time schedule changes. See this as a chance to reconnect with old friends, make new friends, and to begin new traditions! Strengthen your social network by setting aside days to have meals with family and check in with a few friends over text or calls in the evenings. Keep in touch with your old colleagues with game nights or catch-up sessions over tea.
You can also participate in community events and activities. Build new friendships over a new hobby or meet with other seniors to stay active. This is a great way to build a support system for yourself as well as stay motivated to be active.
Maintaining Independence
Perceived loss of independence can be a contributing factor to frustration and lower self-confidence. However, there are many ways to enable independence rather than lose it in retirement. Retirement is not a one-size-fits-all process. You should find a retirement plan that is best suited to you. Whether it is living with your spouse or in a retirement community, there are different lifestyle choices available to accommodate you. Choosing an appropriate style of retirement will aid you in remaining independent. For example, a retirement community can provide you with transport services so that you can travel at your leisure. You can also look into ways to join new communities and hobbies to boost your sense of identity and confidence.
