Retirement and Mental Wellbeing
Retirement can bring freedom from work, but it can also be a much bigger life change than people expect.
Retirement can bring freedom from work, but it can also be a much bigger life change than people expect.
Work may have provided routine, purpose, social contact, income and part of your identity for many years.
It is possible to look forward to retirement and still find the adjustment difficult.
Why can retirement affect how I feel?
A working week gives life a structure.
When it ends, you may suddenly have more unplanned time and fewer everyday conversations.
You may also be adjusting to changes in income, relationships, health or how you describe yourself.
Give retirement some structure
You do not need to recreate a working week.
But having a few regular anchors can help.
These might include:
- regular exercise or walks
- seeing friends or family
- a hobby or class
- volunteering
- regular household tasks
- time for interests you previously postponed.
What if I have lost my sense of purpose?
Purpose does not have to come from paid work.
Think about where you feel useful, interested, connected or challenged.
This might involve family, community, learning, creativity, practical projects, volunteering or supporting other people.
You do not need one grand new purpose. Several smaller things can create a meaningful week.
Look after social contact
Some workplace relationships disappear quickly after retirement.
Be deliberate about maintaining contact with people you value and creating opportunities to meet others.
This can matter particularly if you live alone or your partner still works.
Talk about retirement at home
Retirement can change relationships as well as individual routines.
Spending much more time together can require adjustment.
Talk about expectations around time together, time apart, money, household responsibilities and future plans.
Check the practical side too
Financial uncertainty can make retirement much harder to enjoy.
Make sure you understand your pensions, household budget and any benefits or financial support that may be available.
MH360’s money and benefits section includes information about financial help in later life.
When might more support help?
Low mood, anxiety and persistent loss of interest should not simply be dismissed as an inevitable part of getting older or retiring.
If retirement is having a significant effect on your mental wellbeing, consider speaking to your GP or a counsellor.
15.16: Finding Purpose After Retirement
7.30: What Financial Help Might Be Available in Later Life?
8.4: Understanding Loneliness
11.11: Building a Daily Routine
General information only. This is not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional healthcare advice.