We may think that seniors are far calmer and more together than stressed out, neurotic younger people. However, mental health issues can become more of a concern as we grow older. Research shows that mental health can plunge following retirement. Retirement is a transitional time during which many struggle with identity issues. Some also feel isolated, stultified, and useless. Keeping yourself busy can really help with maintaining good mental health.
Keep Yourself In The World
Loneliness is a huge issue where mental health is concerned. It doesn’t matter how good your healthcare provisions are, if you’re not having regular positive contact with other humans, you’re setting yourself up for a world of pain. Scientists believe that loneliness is actually worse for your health than obesity – and it’s a problem which particularly affects older adults. An astonishing 20-40% of older adults feel chronically lonely. Keeping busy also keeps you in contact with wider society, and prevents you from feeling too disconnected to the world. The amount of human contact anyone needs varies from person to person. More extroverted people would benefit from a lot of human contact. More introverted people, on the other hand, will be comfortable with their own company for longer. However, both groups will struggle if they feel disconnected from the world.
Maintain Self-Confidence
While we may moan about our jobs, having a career does give some a sense of identity and purpose. When that is taken away, we may go through something of an identity crisis. We used to be able to describe ourselves as a ‘doctor’, or a ‘writer’, or whatever. What are we now? The loss of the sense of identity and purpose which some jobs give has a far larger impact upon many people than they were expecting. Many begin to feel ‘useless’ when they retire. They no longer really understand their place in the world. This can result in a massive loss of self-confidence, as well as a lot of anxiety and depression. Getting a part-time retirement job, or taking up a hobby, can help to alleviate this crisis. The value of feeling like you know your place in the world is vastly underrated!
Prevent Boredom
Boredom, it is thought, has a number of negative effects upon one’s mental health. It promotes unhealthy behaviours, such as overeating and the abuse of substances. It can also lead to depression and anxiety, just like loneliness can. The thought of empty hours stretching ahead is a stressful and depressing prospect for many – particularly if you’ve been used to a busy and productive career. Leading a full life prevents boredom very effectively. Of course, you do have to strike the right balance between staving off boredom and being so busy that you’re stressful. Precisely where that balance lies is something that you yourself know best.
10 Novel And Interesting Things To Do In Retirement
Staying busy and occupied during retirement is great for both your physical and your mental health. Finding something to do, however, can be tricky. If you’re struggling for ideas, here are a few to get you started!
1. Join An Amdram Group
Depending on where you live (and how many diva fits you feel able to give/cope with!), amdram groups are often very welcoming and always eager for new members. You can usually take on just as much or as little as you feel you need. It’s a fantastic way to get a ready made social life, and the act of learning lines or building scenery gives your brain a good workout and allows you to express yourself creatively.
2. Take Up Walking
The idea of the retired rambler may sound like a total stereotype, but there’s a very good reason why a lot of retirees take to the hiking trails! Walking is a great form of exercise (which can be as gentle or as intense as you wish), it’s absolutely incredible for your mental health, and you get to meet a lot of interesting people on the road! Just make sure that you’ve taken all the necessary health precautions if you’re planning on striking out into the great unknown!
3. Be Your Own Boss
Sure, you retired in order to STOP working. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t still make a bit of extra cash doing what you love. Whether you’re a fantastic cook, a brilliant handyman, love looking after people’s animals, or have a crafty/creative streak, you can easily turn these into a small business. Keeps you occupied, and provides a nice supplement to your pension!
4. Volunteer
Retirement is a great opportunity to give something back. You may have a cause about which you’re passionate, but never really had the time to help. Now, you have all the time in the world. Volunteering for a good cause is great for your social conscience, and helps to keep you connected to the world.
5. Travel The World
There’s so much to see and do! You never had time before, but now you do. Take advantage of that time!
6. Take Up A Sport
Ok, so you’re maybe not going to end up as an Olympian, but there is still a lot to be gained from taking up a sport. It keeps you fit, it staves off boredom, and it gives you the opportunity to make new friends.
7. Get A Pet
Pets need the kind of time and attention which we often don’t have when we’re working. Once you’re retired, however, the pet world is your oyster! Pets are also really good for keeping us healthy, so find someone furry, feathered, or scaled to love.
8. Get A Hobby
Any hobby! Whatever you enjoy – go for it!
9. Hit The Dating Scene
If you’re unattached, this is a great opportunity to don your glad rags, work on your chat up lines, and hit the world of dating. The retirement dating scene is a rich and thriving place – there’s absolutely no reasons why you shouldn’t find the love of your life there!
10. Enjoy Yourself
Have fun!
Anne Foy