Make retirement a happy experience
Like most people, I had two grandmothers!
One stayed active, socializing with friends and family; she traveled widely, volunteered for local organizations, attended cultural events and paid close attention to what was happening in the world. She lived to 88 and was quite happy in her life. Family members enjoyed conversing with her because she had interesting things to say and knowledge to impart.
My other grandmother was less prosperous. She moved from child's home to child's home, helping to care for grandchildren, because she had been widowed early. She was not a happy personality and ended up spending lots of time in her later years plopped in front of a television and honestly, people avoided her. She lived to 92 but they weren't happy years.
As I reflect on my own two "grandmother" role models, I'll choose to follow Path A when I eventually retire. You need to keep active and have a happy outlook on life if you want your family to spend time with you for any reason other than "obligation."
Tips for keeping the smile on your face abound in publications and online.
For instance, Sun Health Senior Living suggested last year that seniors focus on positive thinking, start "gratitude journals," meditate, exercise, seek out social activities, and steer clear of negative influences.
"Challenging your own negative thoughts with positive ones can help shift how you approach your entire day," they suggested. "For instance, if you are struggling through health issues, rather than focusing on how terrible you may feel, try remembering how lucky you are to have the care you need."
Next, they suggested starting a gratitude journal because no matter how tough things get, there is always something for which to be grateful.
"Start by writing down just five things you're grateful for each day. It can be something as simple as enjoying your favorite meal or a good chat with a close friend. When you're feeling down, crack open your gratitude journal and review old entries. Chances are, it'll bring a smile to your face."
Meditation was also suggested because studies suggest it can help reduce stress, ease anxiety and help you feel at peace all day.
Exercise is also very important, the publication stated. It, of course, offers physical health benefits, but there are also mental health benefits. Establishing a regular exercise routine is not only a great way to practice self-care, but it also gives you the added boost of endorphins to power you through your day, Sun Health Senior Living wrote.
When you're feeling unhappy, getting out of the house and seeing friends and loved ones can be a great way to combat the blues and offer a boost to your self-esteem. Make plans to meet a friend for coffee. Chances are, you'll be glad you did, the Sun Health editors counsel.
Finally, they said, if you can identify aspects of your life that are making you unhappy, distance yourself from them. For instance, if you have a friend whose negative thinking is pervasive, spend less time with that person. You can control how you spend your time, so spend it with people and on activities that lift you up, rather than bring you down.
Authors across the board address the concerns of people approaching retirement who see the prospect of leaving the workforce as a daunting or even frightening transition.
Retirement is a complex experience, characterized by gains and losses and tremendous shifts in identity and routines. New retirees can find the transition tougher than they expected if they aren't prepared.
In her book "Retire Smart, Retire Happy: Finding Your True Path in Life," Nancy K. Schlossberg shares tips for creating a new life that's as stimulating and joyful as you want it to be.
• Understand that this will be a process. Your transition into retirement won't happen overnight, and your emotions may shift from one day to the next.
• Consider the things you turned to during other periods of change in your life; these things may help you identify ways to cope with your transition now. Meditation, exercise, therapy, etc.?
• Craft a new identity by imagining what you'd put on your new business card: World traveler? Gardener? Artist? Then build a new routine, whether it's a daily trip to the local coffee shop or a walk with a friend.
• Make it a point to connect regularly with friends, and join groups or take classes in subjects you're interested in, which will lead to new friends.
• Exercise will increase mood-boosting, stress-relieving chemicals and also increase your overall health (and help ward off illnesses).
• Make a list of things you want to do and things you regret not doing and then identify ways you can achieve those goals.
• Think about whether you want to spend your free time doing something similar to what you did in your job, or if you want to try something wholly different. Exploring something you've never done before can be a great way to stimulate your mind and make new friends.
• Try to get involved and stay involved. Being inactive and feeling lethargic and depressed are signs that you may need to seek advice from a mental-health professional.