Retirement can be a complex transition. On the one hand, you have more time to enjoy your hobbies and passions, whether you love to garden or are looking forward to learning French. On the other hand, many retirees experience anxiety, depression and a diminished sense of self once they leave the workplace. To transition to retirement as successfully as possible, it’s a good idea to ease into it. Here’s how:
Take baby steps into retirement
Retirement doesn’t necessarily have to mean quitting work cold-turkey. Some companies will let you ease into retirement by cutting back gradually on your hours. If yours doesn’t, consider part-time work for a few years.
Reimagine your identity when easing into retirement
Throughout their working lives, many people identify themselves by their profession: “I’m an attorney.” “I’m an insurance agent.” You may not be practicing your profession any longer, but you can still choose how you identify yourself. Think about what you love to do—hiking, painting, pastry-making, traveling—and reflect that in your sense of self.
Stay connected after retirement
During your working life, you had a daily routine and saw your coworkers every day. In retirement, keep up a routine and maintain social connections. Whether it’s meeting a friend for coffee every morning, taking an exercise class or attending a continuing education class, it’s important to interact with others on a regular basis.
Retirement isn’t the only transition seniors experience as they age. You might find you need equipment and supplies for your health, safety and comfort. If that’s the case, check out BEK Medical for everything you need, from mobility assistance products to pill organizers and more.
