Most of us look forward to retirement as a period of new beginnings when we can make a fresh start to a new stage in life. But how well do we plan for this change? What challenges will we face? Are we really prepared? As with any change, there is an element of uncertainty when approaching retirement but what are some of the critical issues that retirees face as they deal with this stage in their life?
Grief and loss of work role
For many people their paid employment has been the most important aspect of their lives, and so it is very difficult to adjust to retirement. Loss of work and work friendships can lead to a loss of self esteem and feelings of self worth. These feelings are normal reactions to retirement. However, the development of other interests, both before and after retirement, can bring enjoyment, mental stimulation, new friendships, activities and increased self-esteem.
Keep involved
Most of us are social beings and need to be involved with others to fully enjoy life. Keeping involved in meaningful activities with people and groups - family, friends, church, community, etc. is vital to your well-being. It is important that you:
- Are involved in activities with people whose company you enjoy
- Derive satisfaction from these activities
- Mix with people of various ages and backgrounds
- Seek new challenges by trying new activities or learning new skills or do a familiar activity differently, (e.g. try a new walking route, or join a reading group to discuss your reading)
- Find local activities by calling the local council, community health service or Active Ageing SA Inc. tel. 8232 9077
- Consider carefully the social aspect of your life; it is an important component of a retirement lifestyle.
Volunteering
A positive activity that retired people may wish to consider is becoming involved in their community as a volunteer. There is a range of possibilities and the level of voluntary work undertaken by older people and the value it adds to retirement living cannot be underestimated. The opportunities include joining others in re-vegetating areas of native bush land; as members on local management committees; working as tutors for literacy programs or for University of the Third Age or as guides at the Zoo, Museum, or Art Gallery.
Other well-known areas of volunteering are Meals on Wheels, hospitals, Red Cross, etc. There is a wide range of volunteering opportunities - something to suit all interests.
Volunteering SA, tel. 8221 7177 has a list of over 500 organisations involving volunteers. Every effort is made to match individuals to roles which they will find enjoyable and worthwhile. Other volunteer services: Northern Volunteering SA, tel. 8250 1582; Fleurieu Volunteer Resource Centre, tel. 8384 9202.
Be active!
Regular physical activity is necessary for a full and healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, most people tend to exercise less as they get older.
It has been said the body is the only machine that breaks down from lack of use. People too readily accept that ageing implies getting slower, putting on weight, becoming less fit and having blood pressure problems. Decline is due more to physical disuse than ageing, which can lead to a loss of independence and a substantial loss of quality in your retirement lifestyle.
To get started you need to decide what sort of exercise you like doing - swimming, cycling, health/fitness classes, tai chi, gardening. For many older people the easiest, safest choice is walking.
If you are unfit, overweight, or not used to regular activities check with your doctor before commencing.
- The new national physical activity guidelines for Australia refer to minimum levels of physical activity required for good health
- Think of more physical activity as an opportunity not an inconvenience
- Be active every day in as many ways as possible. Put together at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all days. (The good news is that this can be made up of short sessions of different activities of 10-15 minutes each to make up the total 30 minutes)
- If you can also enjoy some regular, vigorous exercise this will be beneficial for health and fitness
Enjoy healthy eating!
Good food habits are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. It is important to select foods, which you will enjoy and will provide you with all the energy and nutrients needed for good health.
Eat a variety of foods from the 5 food groups. Eat most from breads and cereals, vegetables and fruit and moderately from meat or other protein rich foods, milk and milk products. Eat least from butter, oil and margarine.
Reducing your salt intake may help your blood pressure - use other flavourings instead, e.g. herbs and spices. Be aware that many processed foods such as sausages, luncheon meats, pastas, sauces and takeaway foods include high salt levels. Check labels and avoid foods with high salt content.
If you drink alcohol consume only small amounts (1 or 2 standard drinks, 3 or 4 days weekly). Drinking 8 glasses of water (2 litres) should be a daily habit.
Healthy eating cannot guarantee good health but we cannot enjoy good health without healthy eating.
Relationships
Developing or restoring close personal relationships is an important part of life in retirement. Most working people spend the greater percentage of their time dealing with work issues rather than family matters. Retirement enables more time to be devoted to relationships within the family especially one's partner.
Whether or not your partner has worked away from home or has been retired for some time it is important to be aware of his or her needs and current lifestyle. Your partner may not welcome demands on their time and space, which has become an established lifestyle pattern. It may be necessary to negotiate the time spent together, individual and shared activities, or the household routine.
Other family issues, such as how much time a retiree is prepared to baby-sit grandchildren should be decided at the outset to avoid family conflict. If you live on your own, relationships are also very important. Spend time developing or strengthening a range of relationships through sharing activities, which you enjoy with others. Being part of a community is a vital part of healthy ageing.
Further education
Retirement opens new and exciting opportunities for learning new skills or improving existing skills. Learning is an enriching, rewarding and challenging experience - 'an integral part of life itself' - with the emphasis on 'growing' rather than on the 'old' in growing old.
You may choose to undertake academic study, a continuing education program through TAFE or a WEA Adult Education course covering topics such as travel, languages, literature, computing. Many older people are discovering the advantages of using a computer and also exploring the Internet.
The University of the Third Age (U3A) is a learning exchange for people over 50 wishing to learn a language, or develop an interest in politics, theatre, yoga, philosophy, or film appreciation. To find your nearest U3A contact Seniors Information Service or try the U3A website www3.griffith.edu.au/03/u3a/.
The Seniors Education Association runs weekly lecture groups on a diverse range of subjects. Tel. 8367 6917
Useful contacts
Active Ageing SA provides information on active recreation for older people. Tel. 8232 9077
Volunteering SA provides a referral service for volunteers - matches the needs of people requiring satisfying voluntary activity with the needs of not-for-profit community organisations. Tel. 8221 7177
