COMBAT THIS COMMON CONCERN BY FOLLOWING YOUR PASSIONS AND STAYING INVOLVED
As you leave the workforce and enter retirement, you’re forced to navigate many changes. Your financial situation is an obvious and expected change, but there are a few changes that take many retirees by surprise. It can be difficult to fill the large amount of free time you now have, and there’s also a decrease in social outlets. It’s these changes that can make you feel isolated or lonely. Luckily, with time and effort, you can combat these feelings. Below you’ll find tips to help you get started.
Volunteer
A great way to get involved in your community and put some of your newfound free time to good use is to volunteer with a local charity that is close to your heart. Look into the nonprofits in your area and find one that has a mission you believe in, then reach out and see if there are any ways you can help support them. Not only will getting involved with a local organization helping those in need in your community, but you’ll also have the opportunity to meet new people who share similar values.
Join a Club
It can definitely be challenging to meet new people in retirement, but it’s not impossible – especially if you know where to look. The key lies in chasing your passions, so look into joining a local club that suits your interests. Perhaps that means joining a book club or maybe even a hiking group if you like being outdoors. Whatever it is, joining up with like-minded people in your community is a great way to boost your social calendar and put yourself out there to build new friendships. If you’re unsure where to start, the AARP can be a great place to begin.
SEE ALSO: 8 TIPS FOR ADJUSTING TO THE RETIREMENT LIFESTYLE
Enroll in a Class
It’s never too late to educate yourself about a new topic. If you enjoyed learning in school when you were younger, now can be a great opportunity to enroll in a class or two at your local community college. You’ll be introduced to new ways of thinking about the world, and you’ll also have something productive and challenging to fill your free time. Many colleges and universities allow senior citizens to audit courses for free, too.
Take a Trip…or Five
Many of us have put off our travel dreams in order to focus on our careers or our families. Once you’re retired, though, you have the opportunity to finally take off and see those places you’ve been dreaming about. Think about where you’ve always wanted to go and put a plan into place to make it happen. Oftentimes, planning a trip can be just as enjoyable as going on the trip – and it’s a great use of your time too, especially if you’re feeling lonely and need something to fill your days.
Join Your Local Senior Center
Throughout the U.S., there are almost 10,000 senior centers offering older adults the resources and social activities they need to find happiness and enjoyment in retirement. From organizing events to providing transportation services and employment assistance, senior centers can be a valuable way to combat loneliness in retirement and meet new people. Find the center closest to you!
Cultivate Your Relationships
Too often, we’re forced to put our social lives on hold for work, but once you’ve retired you don’t have to keep making those sacrifices anymore. Be intentional about using your newfound free time as an opportunity to reconnect with your family and friends and strengthen those relationships. You could start a garden with your grandchildren or meet with your friends every Wednesday morning for a neighborhood walk – whatever you choose, taking advantage of the time you have to focus on your loved ones is time well spent and a cure for any loneliness you may begin to feel.
SEE ALSO: FOUR TIPS FOR TRANSITIONING INTO RETIREMENT SUCCESSFULLY
Pick Up a Part Time Job
Many retirees find transitioning from full-time work to no work at all especially difficult. If this is the case for you, you might want to look into finding a part-time job that appeals to you. Finding one that’s flexible with scheduling can allow you to maintain your freedom while also pursuing something that you’re passionate about – and you get to make a bit of extra money on the side, which doesn’t hurt.
Get Active
Exercise isn’t just beneficial to your physical health, it’s incredibly important for your mental and emotional health as well. Research shows that an active lifestyle works to decrease feelings of loneliness and depression in seniors by decreasing their levels of stress and anxiety. Whether you join a local gym or simply start going for walks around your neighborhood, getting up and moving each day can be a helpful way to boost your health and fill your free time. too.
Are You Prepared to Avoid Loneliness in Retirement?
Retirement is an exciting time in your life, full of promise and potential. However, it can take some serious adjusting to – no matter how well-prepared you think you are. If you’re struggling with feeling lonely, know that it’s common. Life transitions are difficult, and change can be hard, but putting yourself out there and finding opportunities to fill up your free time in rewarding and exciting ways can help combat your feelings of loneliness and make the transition into retired life an easier one.
Here at TriCapital Wealth Management, we pride ourselves on helping our clients achieve the retirement of their dreams. Contact us today if you’d like to begin a conversation with one of our professionals about your retirement plans.
Securities offered through Triad Advisors, LLC, member FINRA/SPIC. Advisory services offered through TriCapital Wealth Management, Inc. TriCapital Wealth Management, Inc. is not affiliated with Triad Advisors, LLC.
