August 24, 2023 by Kathy Tutt

We spend decades working hard and saving, so our retirement years should be what you envision.  However, preparing financially is only one part of the puzzle when it comes to a happy and fulfilling life in retirement. We also need to plan for the emotional aspects of retirement as well. As we make this transition to retired life, there are several stages that we go through to reach harmony in our newly invented life.

Stage 1 is often referred to as the honeymoon stage or vacation stage. You are finally free from all the obligations and pressures that come with being employed. No more alarm clocks, meetings, or deadlines. You get to do whatever you want all day long. For most people, this is what they envision when they think of retired life. However, honeymoons don’t last forever, and many retirees find themselves moving out of this stage.

Stage 2 is often referred to as the disenchantment stage; when we feel lost and feel a deal of loss. In this stage many people report feeling restless, bored, unfulfilled, and even depressed. Studies show that this is due to a lack of purpose and/or the feeling of significant loss. In this stage, people This stage is also a time that people feel a series of losses that include the loss of routine, loss of their identity, loss of work relationships, loss of sense of purpose, and a loss of feelings of power. Recognizing these feelings is the first step to taking steps to move beyond this stage.

Stage 3 is called the reorientation stage. In this stage, individuals take time to evaluate priorities and work to clarify what can be done to regain a sense of purpose. It is also a time to try new things, find hobbies and rediscover or uncover passions. This stage might include some trial and error, but taking the time to truly evaluate what gives your purpose will allow for the transition into the final stage.

Stage 4 is referred to as the stability stage in retirement. After the initial excitement and the highs and lows of retirement have worn off, people start to find a new normal. This is the time that individuals get to reinvent themselves and settle into new routines that lead to feelings of accomplishment.

Just like planning for financial security in retirement, there should also be retirement for emotional security. The plan should include resources like meaningful activities, social engagements, and a sense of purpose. For more information how to make a smooth transition into retirement, please view our Healthy Aging Network Telecast on this topic.

Written by: Kathy Tutt, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Clark County

Reviewed by: Laura Halladay, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Greene County

References:

Chamberlin, J. (2014), Retiring Minds Want to Know, American Psychological Association, Vol 45, No. 1

Mitchell, T. (2021), The Retirement Process: A Psychological and Emotional Journey, The University of Washington Retirement Association, Retrieved from: https://www.washington.edu/uwra/terry-mitchell/

Moynes, R. (2017) Squeezing All the Juice Out of Retirement