While people can experience a range of emotions in retirement—excitement, relief, financial concerns—there's an unexpected feeling that psychologists say is also common: loneliness.
And unlike traditional loneliness, loneliness in retirement can feel more overwhelming and be harder to fix. The good news is that harder does not mean impossible, and these psychologists say that there are a few things you can do to stop that loneliness in its tracks...and maybe prevent it from ever even starting in the first place.
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People often assume loneliness in retirement happens simply because retirees spend less time around other people. But according to Rachel Loftin, a psychologist with Prosper Health, retirement often involves the loss of much more than daily social interaction.
"Work provides structure, routine, purpose, belonging, and opportunities to contribute," she says, adding that it gives people places to be, goals to pursue, and a community where they feel known and valued. "When those things disappear all at once, people can feel disconnected, even if they still have family and friends in their lives."
Retirement can also coincide with other major life changes, which Loftin says can include:
Children leaving homeHealth challengesLoss of friends and partners"Together, these changes can make someone's social world feel much smaller."
Related: The Quiet Marriage Problem That Starts the Day You Both Retire
How Does Retirement Loneliness Differ from Regular Loneliness
If you're thinking that some of those things can make you feel lonely at any age, Stephen Benning, Professor of Psychology at the University of Nevada, says that there are a few things that make it especially challenging during the retirement years, since it stems from a change in life status.
"Someone experiencing loneliness at another stage of life may just need more opportunities for connection," Loftin adds. "Retirees, however, are often adjusting to the loss of a role that basically organized their daily lives. They may miss not only their coworkers, but also feeling needed, competent, and productive."
Related: 5 Books Everyone Should Read the Year Before They Retire, According to Experts
How Can You Fix Retirement Loneliness
Loftin says that for some people, the primary issue is social isolation. "They simply have fewer opportunities to connect with others after leaving the workforce," she says. "In those cases, joining community groups, volunteering, taking classes, or reconnecting with friends and family can help rebuild social connections."
For others, the loneliness is less about being alone and more about losing a sense of purpose or contribution, according to Loftin, and she says that this can make people miss feeling needed, productive, or valued. "In those cases, meaningful activities such as mentoring, volunteering, advocacy, caregiving, creative pursuits, or part-time work may be more helpful than simply increasing social contact."
As for those who want to prevent retirement loneliness before it starts, Benning says that sometimes taking a phased approach to retirement can be beneficial, allowing you to adapt to that reduced connection before it disappears entirely. "Picking up new activities and groups can likewise help a person fill their time and make new social connections."
Of course, if you're feeling lonely, and none of the steps provided by these experts have helped at all, you may want to consider reaching out to a therapist for a more targeted approach. While it can be hard to adjust to this new part of your life, and all of the emotions that come along with it, there are trained professionals who can help you navigate these feelings so that you can enjoy this next chapter of your life—after all, you've worked so hard to get here.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
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