4 Ways to Smoothly Transition into Retirement

While retirement can be a pleasant change after years of labour, it can also bring on feelings of tension, worry, and depression. Regardless of your situation, the end of your professional life affects you in a variety of ways, some for the better and others in unanticipated or even unpleasant ways. If your work was physically exhausting, unsatisfying, or left you stressed out, retirement might seem like a huge weight that has been lifted off your shoulders. However, if you liked your job, considered it rewarding, and formed your social life around it, retiring can be more difficult.

So what can you do to make the transition easier?

Strengthen your emotional wellbeing

When it comes to transitioning to retirement, most people go through an emotional journey. There is a sense of liberation at first. It seems as though you are on a vacation that will never end.  But as you sink into the change, experiencing unstable emotions can be an issue. This occurrence can then contribute to an unhealthy retirement transition. To address and overcome this obstacle, it is important to find healthy techniques to cope with your emotions. For example, taking early walks, reading, writing, or simply interacting with your family members can help you deal with your emotions better.

Don’t stop creating objectives

Reaching milestones, such as completing tasks, closing projects, or obtaining a raise, were all part of your pre-retirement existence. After you retire, you may continue to focus on your goals, albeit they may be a little different when you are still working. Consider what objectives you would like to achieve after retiring, and put them into action. Concentrating on objectives can provide a feeling of purpose, and completing new tasks can provide a sense of accomplishment.

Maintain your social life

Retiring doesn’t mean that you need to cut ties with the people you enjoyed spending time with when you’re still working. As we grow older, social isolation becomes common because some of us want to enjoy our privacy and freedom after retirement. However, maintaining a social life is essential to achieving a smooth transition. With the help of friends and family members, you are assured that you will not feel lonely over time.

Work on your health

Retirement provides us with freedom, which includes time to care for ourselves. To achieve a smooth retirement transition, taking care of your health is one of the very first things you must do.  Eat healthy meals and make sure you get some exercise. Remember that your health is a crucial determinant of your happiness in retirement, so focus on keeping it well.

Related articles:

5 Best Brain Foods to Keep Your Mind Sharp as You Age

Simple Exercise Tips For Seniors (And Those To Avoid!)

Putting it all together

Transitioning smoothly towards retirement has always been a challenge, especially for our senior loved ones. There are instances wherein we see them become affected by the change and struggle to adjust to their new lifestyle. Furthermore, retirement doesn’t have to be a stressful phase. With the help and support of your family and friends, the transition can be an uplifting part of your life. After all, modern technology has made it possible for everyone to care for each other despite any circumstance. This is also why Tunstall Healthcare continues to deliver assistive care devices such as personal emergency alarms and fall detector pendants to help retirees enjoy their independence at home.

About the Author
Alistair Wilkes
Alistair Wilkes

Alistair is Marketing Team Manager with Tunstall Healthcare, and has been with the company for more than 7 years. Throughout his time with Tunstall, he has assisted with the development of internal and external communications for the company, including blog articles and web content. His background is primarily in the non-profit industry, working across human rights, disability support and child protection.

See all of Alistair's articles.

RetirementAlistair Wilkes