#Middlebury #Seniors #Retirement
By Matilda Charles
We work and work all those years, aiming for a good retirement when we can kick back and relax. For too many of us, though, retirement turns out to be one stress after the other.
Studies have come up with some alarming results: Our risk of clinical depression goes up 40 percent after retirement. The chance of being diagnosed with a medical condition rises 60 percent.
It makes sense that retirement is high on the list of life’s worst stresses. Retirement changes everything.
We no longer go to the same place every day and have a routine to follow. Boredom can set in, and anxiety can climb as we leave our work identity behind. Finances might not go the way we planned, especially if retirement isn’t voluntary and is brought on by downsizing. We can end up with too many hours in the day, or maybe not enough hours if we try to cram too many things into our schedule. If our social life was tied to work, leaving the workplace can leave us isolated.
Before you retire, try it out to prepare yourself for the inevitable stresses. For six months, spend only the amount of money you’ll have in retirement, so you can see what it will be like. Join a group or two so those social connections will be in place with new acquaintances and friends. Stay physically and mentally active. Volunteer somewhere if you can fit it in while you’re still working. Aim for a healthier lifestyle with diet and exercise. Make a plan for everyday things you’ll do in retirement, even though you’re still working. Imagine what your days will actually be like.
For another view and some good advice, look on Amazon.com for the book “You Only Retire Once” by Tom Sightings.
(c) 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.
