Your Brain in Retirement: Use it or lose it

We titled our book, Don’t Retire, REWIRE! for a reason.  Retirement marks a major shift, not just in daily routine but also in the way your brain works. We are strong advocates for having interests, continuous learning and socializing with others to maintain cognitive health.  For many people, stepping away from full-time work means losing regular mental challenges — from solving problems under pressure to multitasking and adapting to new tasks. Over time, this reduction in cognitive demands can influence brain health and mental functions.  Rewiring can help prevent that.

Research shows that retirement is often associated with a modest but measurable decline in certain cognitive skills. In a long-term study, participants’ verbal memory — the ability to recall words and verbal information — declined about 38% faster after retirement compared with before.  Other analyses of many published studies reported a small negative effect on memory-related skills after retirement, though global cognitive ability often remained relatively stable.  

Why might this happen? One likely reason is reduced mental stimulation: once you retire, the daily mental “workout” of navigating deadlines, complex tasks, or interactions may no longer occur. Without that ongoing challenge, some brain functions can gradually weaken.  Another factor: retirement may reduce social engagement, routine, and structure — circumstances that also help keep the mind sharp.  Yes, you need to REWIRE!

Interestingly, retirement does not affect everyone in the same way. Some research suggests that under certain conditions — for example, if retirement is voluntary rather than forced, or if the retiree remains active mentally or socially — cognitive decline may be less pronounced. In some cases, individuals may even see improved abstract reasoning after retirement, perhaps because they then have time to pursue hobbies, learning, or other interests.  

Having said that, other data indicate that retirement increases the overall risk for faster cognitive decline and possibly greater risk for dementia — though the evidence is mixed and seems to depend heavily on job type, retirement circumstances, and what people do afterward.  

In short: retirement can reduce the brain’s regular “exercise,” which may accelerate declines in memory and processing speed — but it doesn’t automatically mean mental decay. Staying mentally, socially, and physically active after retirement appears to make a big difference.  

Don’t wait. Plan before retirement or soon after it to replace work with new and challenging routines that keep you interested and interesting.

 

Life Long Learning Is a Rewarding Journey

We have been getting a lot of inquiries about learning opportunities in retirement. Whether you're looking to learn for fun, develop a new skill, or keep your brain active, there's something out there for you. Learning keeps your mind sharp and helps delay cognitive decline.  You build confidence as you learn new skills. Pursing learning can also open doors to social groups and forums. You can explore new interests or revisit old passions. Importantly, learning encourages a sense of purpose and structure. There are a tremendous number of learning opportunities, and you can do them all online. 

Coursera: Courses from universities like Yale, Stanford, and the University of London. Tons of free options (you only pay if you want a certificate).  Topics range from psychology and history to tech and personal development.

edX: Like Coursera — courses from MIT, Harvard, and other top schools. edX offers “micro degrees” and programs tailored for older learners too. You can audit most courses for free.

Udemy: Offers courses that focus on practical skills. There is a one-time payment per course (often under $20 on sale).  Great for learning hobbies: photography, painting, music, writing, coding, etc.

Great Courses Plus / Wondrium: Think of it as Netflix for learning. Lectures by professors, but more digestible and story driven. Topics include history, religion, science, philosophy, wellness — ideal for curious minds.

MasterClass: Celebrity-led classes. Great production value and inspiring content. Where entertainment meets education.

Khan Academy: 100% free. Originally for school-age learners, but great for brushing up on math, economics, and science at your own pace.

Senior Planet / OATS (Older Adults Technology Services): Designed specifically for older adults.  Offers tech literacy, wellness classes, and training to use the internet and apps.

YouTube: Put in a topic and out will pop dozens of videos on the subject.

Remember, your local library is a great resource. If you haven't been in a while, visit and speak with the staff. We have always found them helpful.  

Many libraries offer a lot more than just books: films, magazines, lectures, authors nights, even live music, etc. Spending time in a library and investigating the different sections can lead you to new interests. 

Many readers have told us that just sliding a book out of a shelf and thumbing through it set them on a rewarding journey with a whole new interest.

The sooner you start the sooner you’ll learn! Try a topic you're interested in.  If you get bored, discard it and try something else.  Eventually you will get traction on an interest that can engage you for the rest of your life.  

It’s a great way to start a REWIRING journey.

 

The Power of Optimism in Retirement

Retirement marks one of life's most significant transitions, bringing both exciting opportunities and inevitable challenges. While this new chapter can feel daunting, maintaining an optimistic outlook becomes crucial for creating a fulfilling and vibrant retirement experience.

Optimism in retirement isn't about ignoring reality or pretending difficulties don't exist. Instead, it's about approaching this life stage with hope, curiosity, and confidence in your ability to adapt and thrive. Research consistently shows that optimistic retirees report higher life satisfaction, better physical health, and stronger social connections than their pessimistic counterparts.

As you REWIRE an optimistic mindset transforms how you view retirement's inherent changes. Rather than seeing the loss of professional identity as devastating, optimists view it as liberation from workplace stress, negative people, and an opportunity to explore neglected passions. The shift from structured workdays becomes a chance to create personalized routines that better align with individual preferences and energy levels.

Health challenges, while inevitable with aging, become more manageable when approached optimistically. Positive-thinking retirees are more likely to maintain healthy habits, seek preventive care, and view setbacks as temporary rather than permanent. This proactive approach often leads to better outcomes and greater resilience.

Financially, optimism doesn't mean reckless spending, but rather confidence in your ability to make smart decisions and adapt to changing circumstances. Optimistic retirees tend to engage more actively in financial planning and remain flexible when adjustments are needed.

Most importantly, optimism in retirement is contagious. It attracts meaningful relationships, opens doors to new experiences, and creates a positive legacy for family and friends. When you approach retirement with enthusiasm and hope, you inspire others to do the same.

Cultivating optimism requires intentional effort—practicing gratitude, staying socially connected, pursuing meaningful activities, and maintaining physical health. By embracing this mindset, retirement becomes not just a time of rest, but a period of continued growth, purpose, and joy.

Overcoming Retirement Challenges

Recently we spoke with a group of our Don’t Retire, REWIRE! readers about the challenges they face in retirement and what they have done to overcome the obstacles in their way.  The list they provided isn’t very long, but it is comprehensive.  Understanding how to face the challenges is a large part of the solution.  Here are some of their ideas:

Advance Planning: Engaging in financial and lifestyle planning before retirement can help set realistic expectations and prepare for changes.  It can define timelines regarding how long you need to keep working.  Planning also means considering what obligations you may have.  Many people retire and enter a caregiver role, because one or both of their parents are still living.  Children of retirees might also need their parents’ time, talent, and money if they are struggling.  As one reader put it, “You never stop being a parent.”

 

Developing Interests: Exploring and cultivating hobbies, interests, and social activities can provide purpose and enjoyment. Too often people way until they are retired to start exploring how to spend their time.  The sooner you start the better.  It is the fortunate retiree who rolls from work to hobbies and interests without missing a beat.  

 

Maintaining Social Connections: Staying connected with friends, family, and community groups helps prevent isolation. The importance of friends cannot be stressed enough.  If you relocate, you will probably make new friends.  Many retirees report that they call their new friends “good acquaintances.”  They admit that there is nothing like an old friend. Keep up and communicate. Pick up the phone, call your friends. Let them know you care. It is easy to let it slide. Don’t let that happen. Hopefully they will be with you for the rest of your life. Remember they don't want to hear a boring conversation.  They want some excitement, too. 

 

Focus on Health: Prioritizing physical and mental health through regular exercise, medical check-ups, and healthy living practices is crucial.  Here is a category that always surprises us.  So many people don’t go for annual checkups or put off seeing a doctor even if they don’t feel well.  You must take care of yourself. You will be better off for it. So will the people who depend on you.  Stop watching television. It can be repetitive and toxic. Go for a walk. Eating and drinking in moderation should be the guideline, too.

 

Seek Support: Utilizing counseling services or support groups can assist in adjusting to retirement and addressing emotional challenges. Retirement can be stressful. If you are feeling lonely or depressed, don’t wait. Talk to someone.  Retirement coaches can help. Through them you can learn a lot and avoid making the mistakes that others have already made.

 

While retirement presents challenges, it's also an opportunity for rest, exploration, and personal growth. By recognizing potential difficulties and proactively addressing them, you can navigate retirement more successfully and enjoy this new phase of life.  Remember, Don’t Retire, REWIRE!

Your Personal Journey of Self-Discovery in Retirement

 

We recently received an email from one of our readers.  With her permission, we're doing this blog on the question she asked: “I am going to be retiring soon. How can I rediscover myself. It has been a long time since I knew what I liked, what interested me, and what I want to pursue. How can I begin?”

That's a deeply meaningful question and also a very common one for people approaching retirement. It’s a big shift, going from structure and responsibility to open space and possibility. If it’s been a long time since you really explored what you like. That space might feel a little overwhelming at first, but it’s also incredibly full of potential.

Here’s some thoughts we offered her on how to begin reeconnecting with herself:

Before doing anything, take a moment to honor the journey you've been on. You've likely spent years, maybe decades, building a life around work, family, and obligations. It's okay not to have all the answers right now. You're not lost—you’re just at a crossroads

Start by unleashing your curiosity and don’t apply any pressure or parameters on yourself. Ask small, open questions: What used to bring me joy when I was younger? What did I dream about doing when time wasn't an issue? What kinds of things catch my attention these days?  You’re not committing to anything yet. You’re just listening to yourself.

Try some new (or old) ideas without needing them to be productive: Pick up a paintbrush, a camera, a guitar. Try a variety of things. Go for a walk in nature, sit at a café with a notebook, or browse a local bookstore, take a free class, join a club, or try volunteering. Let your interests guide you a little at a time.

Keep a journal of your thoughts and activities. Each day or week, write a few lines: “Today I felt alive when…” I noticed I was drawn to…” “I want to try…”  Over time, a pattern will emerge. It’s like your inner compass quietly realigning.

Connect with other people who are also discovering themselves after retirement. Attend local meetups, online forums, or community centers, or lifelong learning classes.  They often have programs or discussion groups where you can explore ideas.

Consider engaging in mindfulness practices to help you tune into what’s happening now, not just what used to be. Therapy or coaching (even short-term) can help unravel any guilt or fear around choosing activities for yourself.  Make sure it's an objective third party, not someone in your family who may have their own agenda.  You can share your ideas with family later on when you have decided what you want to pursue. 

Don’t think it’s easy.  It’s not.  Sometimes it takes much longer to decide what to do than you would like.  Take your time and be patient with yourself and others around you.  Try new things. If you don’t like what you tried, discard it and go to the next idea.  Your REWIRED life may be just around the corner.

Traditional Retirement is Changing…and so are YOU

We frequently receive emails from readers agreeing with our view that traditional retirement is changing.  Many are continuing to work into their 70s, 80s, and yes, a few in their 90s.  They want to stay in the workforce for a variety of reasons. 

The concept of traditional retirement—working until 65, then abruptly stopping to live off accumulated savings and Social Security—has become increasingly outdated in our modern world. After all many people aged 65 still have energy and health and want to keep working. Some want to continue at their jobs because they need the money or believe that a few extra years of work will offer them a better retirement financially in the future.

Longevity has dramatically increased since retirement was institutionalized in the early 20th century. When Social Security began in 1935, average life expectancy was around 61 years; today, it's approaching 80. This means the traditional retirement model now needs to financially sustain people for potentially 20-30 years—a duration it wasn't designed to support.

Simultaneously, economic realities have shifted. Defined benefit pensions have largely disappeared, replaced by self-directed 401(k)s and IRAs that transfer investment risk to individuals. Meanwhile, inflation, volatile stock markets, and rising healthcare costs create significant financial uncertainty for many retirees. Many Americans have insufficient savings, with median retirement accounts holding less than $100,000—far below what's needed for decades of full retirement. Social Security faces long-term funding challenges that may reduce future benefits.

The nature of work itself has transformed. The physical toll of labor that necessitated retirement at 65 has diminished as knowledge work becomes predominant. Many can now remain productive well beyond traditional retirement age and increasingly want to. Research consistently shows that purposeful work contributes significantly to mental and physical well-being in later life. What better reason to keep at it.

Today's retirees also seek meaning beyond leisure. The vision of endless golf and relaxation holds limited appeal for many who crave continued contribution, growth, and social engagement. Modern retirement is evolving toward "REWIREMENT"—a reimagining of later life combining flexible work, learning, service, and leisure.

You don’t just have to keep working in the same old way. There are other options: phased retirement, encore careers, consulting work, entrepreneurship, or part-time employment that balances income needs with lifestyle preferences. This gradual approach provides continued purpose while extending financial resources. Now that’s a good thing.

 

When Men Retire

 

Our readers are frequently asking for information about the particular difficulties that men face when they retire. Retirement can be a significant life transition for anyone, but some men may face particular challenges during this period due to a variety of factors. Understanding these challenges can help individuals and their families prepare and adapt more effectively. Many women feel the same sense of loss when they retire from a profession they love. Here are some common reasons why men may experience difficulties.

Loss of Identity and Purpose: Many men derive a significant portion of their identity and self-worth from their careers.  Retirement can lead to a sense of loss and confusion about one's purpose and role in society. Jobs often provide a structured daily routine. Without this structure, some men may feel aimless or unproductive, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction or depression.

Social Isolation: The workplace often serves as a primary source of social interaction. Retiring can result in the loss of these daily interactions, leading to loneliness and isolation if not replaced with other social activities. Some men may find it challenging to establish new social connections outside of work, especially if they haven't cultivated hobbies or community involvement previously.

Mental Health Challenges: The significant life changes that come with retirement can trigger mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, especially if accompanied by other stressors like health problems or financial concerns. Adapting to new roles and lifestyles requires emotional adjustment, which can be difficult for some individuals who are resistant to change or lack coping strategies.

Financial Concerns: Some retirees (men and women) may find that their savings and retirement funds are insufficient to maintain their desired standard of living, leading to financial stress and the need to adjust lifestyles significantly. That can be extremely difficult. Managing finances post-retirement requires careful planning and adjustment. Those who haven't planned adequately may struggle with budgeting and managing expenses.

Health Issues: Aging naturally brings health challenges, and some men may face chronic illnesses or reduced physical capabilities, impacting their quality of life and independence.  Without the structure and sometimes the health benefits provided by employment, some retirees may neglect regular health check-ups and maintenance, leading to worsening health conditions.

Marital and Family Dynamics-Spending More Time at Home: Increased time at home can alter family dynamics and sometimes lead to tension if not managed well. Adjusting to new roles within the household can be challenging. If spouses retire at different times, it can create mismatched expectations and routines, requiring adjustment and communication to navigate effectively.

Lack of Hobbies and Interests: Those who have not developed interests outside of work may struggle to fill their time meaningfully, leading to boredom and dissatisfaction. Some may find it challenging to discover and engage in new hobbies or volunteer opportunities, which are important for a fulfilling retirement. Test marketing a new hobby can be the way to go.  Try it and if it doesn't work discard it and try something else. But give it enough time.  One and done is not a good strategy in this case.

Societal and Cultural Expectations: Traditional expectations place men as primary breadwinners, and retirement can feel like a loss of this fundamental role, affecting their self-esteem and sense of usefulness. These attitudes can influence how men perceive themselves in retirement, potentially leading to negative self-perception if they feel they no longer meet certain standards are not providing for their family as they had in the past.

Guys have challenges. The people that love them need to remember that.