COPING WITH RETIREMENT

On the day people leave work permanently, they lose one of the most obvious ways that they measure their place in society. Now they are faced with the decision about what to do with the rest of their life. Those who retire unexpectedly because of illness or job loss or others who tended to work long hours and bring work home with them are most likely to experience difficulty. They may resent what they see as their diminished role in society, believing that they are unimportant and powerless, with little left to contribute. Partners may have to adjust to seeing more of one another which may cause friction.

Whether retirement is viewed as a positive or negative event often depends on the reasons for retiring. Here are some ideas that may help.

Have a reason to get up in the morning

Nowadays people are living longer and healthier than any previous generation. That means a possible 20 – 30 more productive years. Sitting by the window watching traffic, or playing golf may be good for the first year or two, but there is so much more to live for. We all need a good reason to get up in the morning. For many years, you had to get up to go to work: maybe you enjoyed it, maybe you didn’t.

Challenging yourself is a terrific way of motivating yourself to do something new. For example, learning a new language, going to a country you have never visited before, learning to ice cakes, making clothes, putting up shelves, painting – there are hundreds of things out there for you to do. If there is no goal it is easy to make a half-hearted effort and give up. However, when we have something very clear to aim for, it is much more likely we will actually make something happen. Make a definite start date – knowing when you are going to do this means you can’t put it off forever.

Use Your Vast Knowledge

Just because you retire from one job it doesn't mean you have to stay that way. Perhaps you ran your own successful business for years. Why not become a mentor providing support for other people looking to start their own business, or who are already running a small business. Speak to the Chamber Of Commerce to see if there are volunteer or paying organisations in existence. If not why not start one? There are probably many other experts like you who are looking for something to fill their days. volunteering, mentoring, consulting, and many other options help you to feel needed, perhaps even more so than your previous work.

Become a 'Silver Surfer'

The fastest growing users of the Internet are pensioners. My own dad is one of these. There are schemes all around the country teaching computer skills to retired people who are finding a whole new world available to them. The visiting pensioners are given training and tips to get to grips with the latest computer technology and the world wide web.

One scheme in Liverpool has been such a success that the pensioners are now taking on mentor roles to help other senior citizens overcome their technophobia. Some pensioners are making a bit of extra money by selling items over the internet. Some are using it to make new friends and even dating. Don't knock it till you've tried it. It's nowhere near as difficult as you think. Why not ask at your Citizens Advice Bureau or local Library?

Join A Local Theatre Company

You may never have acted in your life before but you never know – you might be better than you think! Even if you are right and couldn't act your way out of a paper bag you still have plenty to contribute. Perhaps you can help with set building or costume making. Maybe you could help backstage or as a prompt. You might even discover you have a talent for fund raising. Local amateur theatre companies will welcome you with open arms. They also help to broaden your social life.

Write a book

It is said that everyone has at least one book inside them. You never know, you may have a few. Surprisingly, what many people view as just their ordinary life is extraordinary in comparison to others. Why not write your life story. Experiences that you have had can be an inspiration to others.

It is worth remembering that Buster Merryfield who played Uncle Albert in Only Fools and Horses was a bank manager and worked for the bank for 40 years. He became a professional actor at the age of 57 and signed with an acting agency on the day he retired from the bank.

Writing the next chapter of your life is up to you. If you choose to feel the best years are behind you, then so be it. However, many people are now more and more people are finding ways to stay young and vital. Choosing to be vibrant means that the best years are yet to come.