By the time we hit our 40s and 50s, many of us have faced some life transitions. Starting and leaving school, entering the workforce, forming relationships and having families all change the rhythm and context of our everyday lives. For many, retirement is out on the horizon. It’s an easy place to park ideas and things to do later on once we have more leisure time.
There’s a lot of focus on the financial aspect of retirement—which makes sense, since most people stop earning an income when they retire. Smart financial planning ensures you have enough money to support your needs and the things you want to do. And while it’s really important to make sure you have enough money to retire, there’s another piece of retirement that doesn’t get as much attention: what to do with all that time. That’s why we want to take a peek around the corner to look at some of the life changes that may come with retirement and how to best plan for your golden years.
The common perception is that retirement means leaving the workforce. People have different reasons for leaving full-time work. Some have reached a financial or career goal and are ready to close that chapter. Some leave for health reasons, or to take care of family. Often, we associate the ages of 62 and 65 with retirement since that’s when Social Security and Medicare benefits can typically start. But you can retire whenever it works for your life—maybe in your 40s, 50s, 60s or 70s…or maybe, never!
Having all the time in the world sounds dreamy—but it doesn’t always turn out that way. Though we imagine what we’ll do with all our free time, our life structures often change once we stop full-time work. Some report boredom and trouble staying busy. Some feel isolated and disengaged from society. Others feel a loss of purpose and structure when they are no longer in the routine of working. This can affect our need to feel relevant. Financial worries can also crop up if you or a family member needs more care than you expected. And for some, the people they thought they’d spend time with are no longer present or able to participate with them. Talking about these challenges isn’t meant to cast a cloud over retirement—not at all! Understanding where the challenges are can help you mentally prepare for how you’ll manage the highs and lows of the next chapter.
Have questions about managing a life transition? Create your Teladoc Health account to connect with a mental health provider.
Many people live years beyond retirement. Planning for this can help set you up for success. So here are some thought-starters to get you going on your planning:
Remember, daydreaming about retirement is not the same thing as actually living in it. Plan for that time by asking yourself these broad questions and talking them over with your loved ones. Thoughtful planning can help make your next chapter your best one.
Retirement is a big life change, and we can help. At Teladoc Health, we’ve made mental healthcare more accessible so that you don’t have to wait weeks for an appointment. With a virtual appointment, you can speak with a practitioner right from your home, your office or wherever you’re most comfortable. We’re here to help you get started today!
1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8021097/
2https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/retirement
3https://www.ncoa.org/article/retiring-soon-how-to-ensure-a-successful-transition
4https://hbr.org/2020/09/3-tips-for-a-smooth-transition-into-retirement
5https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevevernon/2023/03/08/six-most-important-decisions-to-make-during-the-critical-retirement-transition-zone/?sh=6b4f417a637
6https://www.aarp.org/retirement/planning-for-retirement/info-2023/emotional-well-being-plan.html
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.