Retirement, frequently pictured as a time of freedom and adventure, can sometimes deliver a harsh and unexpected blow to a person's health and happiness. Many people only realise how much they relied on the daily social contact and structure of their working life after they have left it behind.
The Hidden Dangers of Leaving Work
Brieanne Doyle, an accredited therapist with the BACP and the founder of Dwell Therapy, highlights this common problem. She explains that for most individuals, work is a deeply social experience. Consequently, retirement can lead to significant social isolation, particularly if your partner, friends, and grown-up children are still occupied with their careers. This sudden shift to having vast amounts of unscheduled time can be surprisingly difficult for many new retirees to handle.
Doyle further cautions about the serious impact on mental health. "Social isolation can be a risk factor for depression and anxiety," she states. She elaborates that being alone creates ample opportunity for thinking, which, while sometimes beneficial, can easily spiral into overthinking and obsessive rumination about past events. This pattern can generate significant worry and establish a damaging negative feedback loop.
Eight Strategies for a Healthier Retirement
To help build confidence and maintain wellbeing during this major life change, Doyle proposes eight practical methods for staying socially connected.
1) Ease into retirement gradually
Doyle suggests finding ways to bridge the gap between full-time employment and complete retirement. "Finding a volunteer role or moving towards some sort of contract work, or maybe serving on an advisory board can be helpful for navigating this transition out of full-time work," she says. She adds that people possess a wealth of knowledge to share, and it can feel wasteful not to use it.
2) Take up volunteering
Volunteering often uses skills honed in the workplace, making it feel productive. Doyle points out that helping others boosts endorphins, our brain's feel-good hormones. Furthermore, volunteering is typically a social activity, helping to nurture connections and provide a sense of giving back to the community.
3) Build intergenerational connections
In our increasingly individualistic society, older people can often feel overlooked. Doyle recommends finding environments where you can engage with different generations, whether through volunteering or community groups like a church. She gives an example of a local midweek programme that brings children and elderly people together for art projects, which helps people feel more connected to their community and combats loneliness.
4) Walk with friends
Walking is a free activity with massive benefits for both mental and physical health. Doyle notes that as people age, maintaining mobility is crucial. Meeting a friend for a walk is an excellent way to socialise and stay active, and there are often local rambling groups that meet regularly.
5) Attend a community lunch
Community lunches are hosted across the country by various local groups and charities. Doyle explains that these events bring together people who are free during the day and seeking connection. They often have an intergenerational aspect due to the volunteers who help run them. The primary focus isn't the food, but the connections made when people sit down together.
6) Join a club based on your passions
Bonding over a shared interest is a powerful way to build relationships. "When you are passionate about something, you are excited and excitement is infectious," says Doyle. It is easier to form social bonds when feeling positive, and being part of a community group enjoying a common activity can significantly contribute to positive mental health.
7) Schedule regular calls with family
Doyle advises establishing regular communication with family. This might involve learning to use technology like FaceTime, Zoom, or WhatsApp to stay connected visually. She stresses that if you are not confident with technology, you should not be ashamed to ask a family member for help.
8) Be proactive in your approach
The most critical step is to be proactive. Doyle emphasises that while many towns and cities offer free cultural events and community groups, they will not come to you. You must take the initiative to seek them out and get involved to build your new social network.
