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Society has a strange relationship with growing older, loaded with false expectations and somewhat backward logic. Many of us will work through our best physical years, grow completely used to being instructed what to do, then when you are a little more tired than before and likely more ready to sit for longer periods, you’re given all this free time and an allowance for fun. It’s supposed to be this incredible gift we give ourselves, but studies are showing it's turning out to be more of a curse than a blessing if you don't do it right.
Click through to learn about what the "retirement curse" is, how it might affect you, and how you can take concrete steps to avoid it.
With newfound freedom, you finally have the opportunity to engage in activities that were previously impossible. This includes pursuing painting, completing photo albums, traveling, enjoying leisurely lunches, shopping without enduring long queues, and more.
Serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, cancer, dementia, and mental illness can disrupt retirement dreams. Surprisingly, retirement itself could be the cause of these issues.
According to Dhaval Dave, a health and labor economist at Bentley University in Massachusetts, research shows that the "retirement curse" is indeed a valid phenomenon, as there is evidence of detrimental health consequences associated with retirement.
According to his team's research, the mental health of the average American declines by 6 to 9% around five years after retirement. Additionally, there is a 5 to 6% increase in illness condition and a 5 to 16% increase in difficulties with daily activities. These changes are attributed to the significant lifestyle adjustments.
Government healthcare programs take a hit when there are an increase of chronic medical conditions needing treatment, especially as baby boomers continue to retire in large numbers.
The curse resides in the shift that occurs from work to retirement, influencing your actions and impacting your overall well-being. How you handle this transition is crucial.
After building a lifelong habit of going to work five days a week, we have to be prepared and know how to create new habits, or else we will suffer.
Studies have shown that social isolation, especially the unwelcome sensation of loneliness, can have an adverse influence on our longevity, comparable to the harmful consequences of smoking.
When considering your retirement financially, also consider planning for an active and socially involved lifestyle at the same time.
Transitioning from full-time work to not working at all can be a sudden and unsettling change for some individuals. Instead, it's advisable to gradually reduce your workload and gradually find other activities to occupy your time.
The importance of food in our lives is frequently underestimated. Transitioning from a routine of three meals and snacks at work to a schedule of breakfast at noon and evening snacks can disrupt both our physical and mental well-being.
Having regular interactions with close ones – whether they be a partner, family members, or a group of friends – is crucial.
When transitioning into retirement, it is important to address potential challenges in your relationship. Increased free time can lead to more arguments, so it is advisable to have open conversations with your partner regarding boundaries and emotions.
Having a pet is often seen as a cliché, but it is effective. It means having a companion and taking care of another life. An even better idea is to consider fostering a dog!
The impact of reduced physical activity during retirement is often overlooked as a significant contributor to illness. Consider joining fitness classes or enrolling at a gym if you struggle with self-motivation to exercise at home!
If you're a senior looking for additional income or an activity, there are numerous establishments that are hiring. Consider becoming a barista!
With years of experience, you have the opportunity to become a consultant in your field and enjoy flexible working hours.
Health experts suggest giving back to the community as a solution to counter the adverse impacts of retirement, fostering an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Gaining new skills or simply exploring unexplored topics is a great method to maintain youthfulness and a thirst for knowledge. Additionally, seniors can take advantage of complimentary entry to educational institutions.
Feeling overwhelmed by an abundance of options is a shared experience. Establishing some boundaries, like differentiating weekdays from weekends, can provide structure and alleviate the unease that comes with newfound freedom.
"Unretirement" is gaining popularity as people feel disoriented and lost in a world that prioritizes their own needs, leaving them searching for a new sense of purpose.
A survey conducted by RAND Corporation, a nonprofit research firm, in 2017 revealed that nearly 40% of workers above the age of 65 had previously retired at some time.
Retirees yearned for a sense of meaning, an outlet for their minds, and a means of social interaction. While the money was appreciated, it was not considered a primary motivator.
However, retirement presents an opportunity to live with intention, discover a new purpose, and select individuals you engage with meaningfully, rather than being obliged to form connections with colleagues solely based on work.
As a retiree, it is up to you to discover social opportunities, define your purpose, and prioritize self-care. This proactive mindset may feel unfamiliar at first after years of being employed.
One issue with retirement is that some individuals have only enough funds to sustain themselves. However, it is recommended to delay retirement until you possess sufficient resources to flourish. You don't want to wait your whole life for an anticlimactic second-half.
It is not easy to unlearn the feeling of being needed. Whether it's taking care of a partner, babysitting, playing poker with friends, or gardening, it is important to maintain a sense of purpose in these activities.
Prevent delays caused by health problems, expensive insurance, and financial constraints, as well as the lingering disappointment of unrealized potential, by promptly setting your travel plans in motion.
It’s hard to set up a healthy future if you haven’t made peace with your past work life. Accept that you did all you could in your old job, and focus on your next task.
See also: Top tips for a happy retirement
What is the phenomenon known as the 'retirement curse,' and how to avoid it
Don't fall into the same trap
LIFESTYLE Healthy living
Society has a strange relationship with growing older, loaded with false expectations and somewhat backward logic. Many of us will work through our best physical years, grow completely used to being instructed what to do, then when you are a little more tired than before and likely more ready to sit for longer periods, you’re given all this free time and an allowance for fun. It’s supposed to be this incredible gift we give ourselves, but studies are showing it's turning out to be more of a curse than a blessing if you don't do it right.
Click through to learn about what the "retirement curse" is, how it might affect you, and how you can take concrete steps to avoid it.