Some psychologists even have a name for this trend, and they call it the "friendship cliff." However, not everyone has to fall off of it. According to the experts we spoke with, there are some steps you can take ahead of time to make sure that you don't lose those social connections. And best of all, they also offered up some tips on how you can climb back from the edge if you feel like you're about to fall off.
"Many of our social and personal connections are related to the structure of work," he says. "When we retire, that structure is now gone and so go many of the relationships that were associated with work and that were also connecting to our social lives."
Not only that, but Dr. Clint Salo, a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Medical Director with The Grove Recovery Community, says that many retirees discover that these friendships require additional effort once you leave the workforce. “For many people, work provides built-in opportunities to socialize," he says. "Once retirement begins, those casual conversations and shared experiences disappear, and friendships can gradually fade if they aren’t intentionally maintained."
Warning Signs You're Falling Off the Friendship Cliff
Dr. Gardere notes that while some people's experiences may vary, there are a few things you can be on the lookout for if you're worried about falling off the friendship cliff, and they include:
Feeling isolated even though you have more free timeGetting fewer invitations to social eventsWithdrawing from or losing the drive to engage in social activitiesFeeling lonely, bored, or disconnected.? SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox ?
"The biggest mistake is waiting for someone else to reach out," he says, adding that you should try to reconnect with old friends, and try to make plans for something as simple as a cup of coffee. "Building and maintaining friendships takes intention, especially after retirement."
"Friendship loss in retirement is not simply a social issue; it is a health issue," Dr. Gardere adds. "Research has shown that strong social connections are linked to lower rates of depression, cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality." He adds that retirement isn't just a matter of leaving your job and heading off somewhere else, it's about transitioning into a new identity. And when done right, that should include a more leisurely lifestyle, but also one that includes purpose and socializing.
Sources:
Dr. Jeff Gardere, Professor, Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Board-Certified Clinical PsychologistDr. Clint Salo, a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Medical Director with The Grove Recovery CommunityHeather Oller, MS, LMHC, Founder and CEO of Orlando Thrive TherapyRelated: I Work With Retirees—These are the 3 Surprising Habits of People Who Are Genuinely Happy in Retirement
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