Unfortunately, these plans do not always work out. Some people find that they are bored in retirement and miss the social stimulation of the workplace. Others may find themselves grieving the loss of a spouse or struggling with their own health problems.Instead of finally getting a chance to relax after a lifetime of working, some new retirees decline into a deep depression.
If you've been disappointed by what your life has been like since you've retired, don't despair. You are not alone in your struggle, and there are many ways to manage your feelings and improve your mood.
1. Spend Time with Family and Friends
If you live alone, try to talk to a loved one by phone every day and try to have face to face contact with someone who cares about you two or three times each week. If all of your loved ones live out of town, meet new people to pal around with by joining a club, taking a class at your local community college, or volunteering at your favorite charity.
2. Stay Active
Take part in physical activities you enjoy such as yoga, joining a low-impact aerobic exercise class, or simply taking long, leisurely walks in the sunlight. When you are physically active, be sure to drink water to stay well hydrated.
3. Go to Regular Doctor Visits
Among other things, your doctor can run lab work to make sure your hormones are in balance - abnormal levels of hormones in the body can account for some types of depression. Your doctor can also give you guidance about choosing a healthy diet, and if you are planning to start exercising, it's a good idea to get your doctor's approval first.
Even though you may be going through some significant changes, there is no reason to believe that life after 65 can't be just as good - or even better - than life before 65. As the old saying goes, hang onto hope with one hand, and reach out for joy with the other.