After decades of working hard, saving money, and planning for retirement, many people find that it’s not what they expected. The reality is that retirement is a big adjustment, even under the best of circumstances, and sometimes people need professional support to make the transition out of the working world. At The Pavilion, in Williamsburg, Virginia, we offer acute mental, behavioral, and psychiatric support for older adults who are struggling.
The Expectation Vs the Reality
Many people love being retired and feel that it is a well-deserved reward for their years of hard work and stress. They indicate feeling:
- Relief to be out from under work-related stress
- Free to finally engage in leisure activities
- More able to engage in physical activity that promotes their health and well-being
- Excited about being able to connect with people of their own choosing, rather than whoever their boss drops in the next cubicle over
Although some people love being retired and relish the freedom from having to report to work and do what a boss wants them to do, for about a third of new retirees, retirement is when they realize how much they needed the structure, social connection, sense of accomplishment, and financial security they obtained from being employed. They are more likely to struggle with:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Uncertainty
- Loneliness
- Loss of identity
- Cognitive decline
If they have a partner, there could also be tension in that relationship, as they are suddenly spending far more time together, which could result in increased conflict. On the other hand, if they always planned to retire with a partner and they find themselves entering this phase of life without one, due to death or separation, they may feel regret for what might have been.
Working Through the Retirement Blues
For people who don’t enjoy being retired, it could be helpful to think about why this is the case and then adjust accordingly:
What do you miss most about working?
- Regular interaction with people, such as colleagues, customers, and others
- The sense of accomplishment you got from your efforts
- Having a routine and predictability
- A break from your spouse
- A reason to get out of the house
What is causing you distress?
- Boredom
- Physical health concerns
- Worries about money
- Mental health symptoms
- Lack of purpose
What solutions appeal to you most or seem to make the most sense?
- Connecting with family or friends
- Picking up a new (or old) hobby
- Volunteering
- Getting more engaged in your faith community
- Traveling
- Addressing health concerns with your doctor
- Adding more structure to your days
- Making new friends at a local senior center
- Rejoining the workforce
Suicide in Older Adults
Although retirement-age adults make up only 16.8 percent of the total population, they account for 22 percent of suicides. It is theorized that this is largely due to loneliness. Older adults, particularly those who are widowed and don’t have family living close by, may no longer have the social connections we all need to thrive. They may also struggle with chronic pain or illness, on top of having a fixed income and feeling a lack of purpose.
It is important for caregivers and family members to be mindful of the risks and warning signs for suicide among aging adults:
- Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
- Distancing themselves from loved ones and disengaging from social activities
- Changes in self-care, medication adherence, and hygiene
- Talking about death, dying, or killing themselves
- Increased substance use
- Wrapping up loose ends by giving away cherished possessions, updating their will, or saying goodbye like they will never see people again
If you suspect that an older adult in your life is having thoughts of suicide, it is important to talk to them about your concerns:
- Ask how they are doing and really listen to the answer.
- Express your concerns and inquire if they are considering killing themselves.
- Help them stay safe. If you cannot be physically present with them, make arrangements for someone who stay with them, so they are not alone.
In addition, you can help them reach out for professional support by:
- Calling or texting 988 to reach a trained crisis counselor at the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- Making an appointment with their primary care doctor to address underlying physical health issues and get a referral for mental health treatment
- Assisting them in scheduling an appointment with a mental health provider, preferably one with training and experience in treating people who are older
At The Pavilion, our Senior Adult Program provides acute care for patients over 55 who are struggling with emotional and behavioral health disorders. We are here to help older adults navigate the many challenges that can come along with aging.
