The Realities of Retirement Living
The realities of retirement living is often quite different from our dreams or expectations. Though we may dream of the day when we can sleep until noon and spend the day as we choose, after an initial “honeymoon” period, retirement living poses many unexpected challenges and also many new opportunities. This article discusses problems that many retirees may face, and what they can do to resolve those issues.
Problems You May Face
One myth of retirement is that it is one continuous holiday. Soon after leaving their jobs, retirees often lose contact with peers. And on occasions when they’re seen, such as holidays, award dinners or reunions, they look happy and content.
Unless you have planned for a changed lifestyle, there is danger of getting into a rut. Typically, on a day-to-day basis, you may find that your internal alarm clock will wake you up at the same hour, yet you do not need to be anywhere at any particular time. Workdays and weekends may feel like they have blended together, causing you to feel out of touch with the rest of the world.
You may find that you let household tasks, such as laundry, go unattended, and you may experience feelings of guilt when you engage in activities during the day, such as catching an afternoon movie while others are working.
Isolation and loneliness are common feelings associated with retirement. When you worked, you may have enjoyed lunch breaks by going out to eat with your peers or to meet prospective clients. When you retire, you may find that your companionship needs take on a new twist. You may find yourself alone or that you only have a small group of family and friends who you can interact with during the day.
If you’re married, you may discover that retirement can be challenging to your relationship. Established ways of living together may change drastically, especially for the person who had domain of the home, typically a woman. Sometimes when a man retires, he may find himself interested in parts of domestic life he never once cared about, and this may cause his wife to feel like her domain is being invaded.
When a stay-at-home wife’s husband retires, she may experience an increase in workload, with more shopping to be done and more meals to cook. It is important for couples to be aware of retirement issues, such as increased time together, so that they can face them and adjust their lifestyles accordingly. If the wife continues to work, a retired man may also become depressed over the loss of his breadwinner role.
One myth of retirement is that it is one continuous holiday. Soon after leaving their jobs, retirees often lose contact with peers. And on occasions when they’re seen, such as holidays, award dinners or reunions, they look happy and content.
Unless you have planned for a changed lifestyle, there is danger of getting into a rut. Typically, on a day-to-day basis, you may find that your internal alarm clock will wake you up at the same hour, yet you do not need to be anywhere at any particular time. Workdays and weekends may feel like they have blended together, causing you to feel out of touch with the rest of the world.
You may find that you let household tasks, such as laundry, go unattended, and you may experience feelings of guilt when you engage in activities during the day, such as catching an afternoon movie while others are working.
Isolation and loneliness are common feelings associated with retirement. When you worked, you may have enjoyed lunch breaks by going out to eat with your peers or to meet prospective clients. When you retire, you may find that your companionship needs take on a new twist. You may find yourself alone or that you only have a small group of family and friends who you can interact with during the day.
If you’re married, you may discover that retirement can be challenging to your relationship. Established ways of living together may change drastically, especially for the person who had domain of the home, typically a woman. Sometimes when a man retires, he may find himself interested in parts of domestic life he never once cared about, and this may cause his wife to feel like her domain is being invaded.
When a stay-at-home wife’s husband retires, she may experience an increase in workload, with more shopping to be done and more meals to cook. It is important for couples to be aware of retirement issues, such as increased time together, so that they can face them and adjust their lifestyles accordingly. If the wife continues to work, a retired man may also become depressed over the loss of his breadwinner role.
