Life is a constant chain of transitions…

We leave our childhood behind to go forth and experience many different stages of life. Countless books, websites, classes, workshops, and advice from those who have gone before us are there to help direct us through our emotions as we move through the many life stages. However, one of the largest life transitions is moving into the retirement phase.

The emotional aspects of retirement in the new millennium are a new phenomenon.

Retirees live much longer than in the past, posing new challenges for retirees. A successful retirement plan includes a sound financial plan and learning how to deal with the emotional and psychological adjustment needed to forge ahead with this new stage of life.

Some of the issues that will surface during this transition are a loss of purpose, loss of self-identity, and the need to find fulfillment. Experiencing a wide range of emotions, such as joy, sadness, freedom, anxiety, optimism, pessimism, and ambivalence, is common with any life change and can be more pronounced for retirees of the millennium.  In order to be proactive, you’ll need to address these emotions with a plan.

• Become a visionary- create a new you with a productive and emotionally rewarding life.

• Embrace this new stage and your new image by gradually implementing a new lifestyle.

• Find meaningful work and learn new skills or volunteer for your favorite charity.

• Pursue new interests, hobbies, and leisure activities.

• Create new relationships with people of all ages.

• Share your thoughts and new plans with family and friends.

• Stay mentally and physically active

A successful retirement transition is a process that requires self-reflection, planning, and perseverance to navigate these unfamiliar waters.

Finding satisfying personal interest is key in achieving emotional and physical stability during this transition, and helps provide the confidence needed to make this transition and opportunity for self-fulfillment.

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