Retirement can be an exciting time in your life. Not only is it typically the first time that you're free to pursue your own passions without having to worry about working around your 9-5, but some people also see it as a well-deserved reward that is meant to be celebrated after putting in decades of work to make it to this milestone moment.
However, experts say that after the celebration has ended and the novelty of retirement has worn off, it can affect women very differently than it affects men. And while a lot of this has to do with how the two view their relationship with their jobs and the people they work with, psychologists say that it's more than just the different ways men and women relate to their work.
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Retirement can affect women in a variety of ways, according to Dr. Linda Dolin, Medical Director, The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center. "In many cases, retirement can empower women by giving them more time, reduced stress, and increased freedom to focus more on self-care," she says. "It’s often a time when they get to pursue new interests or explore prior interests that they had previously sidelined due to work and family-related responsibilities."
Dr. Stephanie Freitag, a Clinical Psychologist with New Gen Psychology, seconds the idea that family responsibilities can have a bigger impact on one group than the other, saying, "Men typically have less responsibility in the home, less social responsibility, and fewer supports, which may impact mental health."
Women generally have a longer lifespan than men, Dr. Dolin adds, so it is more common for them to spend more years living on their own. "This can come with significant emotional and financial stress, though it can also be a strong source of connection and sympathy with other women."
Related: Psychologists Say the 'Golden Years' Model of Retirement Is Making People Miserable— Here's What to Do Instead
There's also a physical component to consider, according to Sara Sloan, a Marriage and Family Therapist at Austin Concierge Therapy, who says that the hormonal shifts that take place during menopause can also come into play. "Menopause causes a significant drop in both estrogen and progesterone," Sloan says, noting that during this same time, many men experience a drop in testosterone as well. These changes to mood regulation, energy, and sleep can all impact the two in different ways, especially when it comes to how they experience retirement together at home.
How Can Women Enjoy Retirement More
While it seems like women typically fare well enough in retirement, Dr. Dolin says there are things women can do when their golden years feel a little lackluster.
"Finding community with other people can increase their overall enjoyment of life while also safeguarding their mental health," she says, noting that strong friendships provide an emotional outlet, while stimulating conversation helps safeguard the brain from cognitive decline.
Some of her other suggestions include:
Pursuing activitesJoining groupsVolunteeringFocusing on self-careRelated: Gen X Is More Worried About Retirement Than Boomers— And Psychologists Say That Fear Is Doing Real Damage
She says exercise, proper sleep, and nutritious food all help with improving overall mood and energy levels. "These practices also provide a sense of structure and routine that helps ease the adjustment from work to retirement."
If that's not working, Dr. Dolin says to try reframing the idea of retirement in your mind, thinking of it not as "the end of the road," but instead looking at it as the beginning of the next chapter.
"This perspective shift helps them think about how to build healthy routines for the future instead of feeling stuck in the past," she says.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
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