You may be thinking about retiring or already in it. Whatever your status, you need to address how you can make your life better. Retirement is about a new era and in some cases a totally new life. Most retirees will be trying something new and that requires planning. It’s never too late to plan or to REWIRE! Here are some things to consider about the future.
We usually write about the positive sides of retirement. However our readers often send notes reminding us of some of the downsides they have experienced. We thought highlighting a few of these obstacles and building awareness may help lead you to a smoother retirement. You need to prepare for them just as you would for a financial plan. That’s why REWIRING is so important.
Retirement is often seen as a reward after decades of work—freedom from schedules, stress, and obligation. Yet beyond financial readiness, many retirees discover that the real challenges are psychological, social, physical and emotional.
One of the hardest adjustments is the loss of identity tied to work. For years, a career provides structure, purpose, and a sense of contribution. When that role ends, retirees may struggle with the question, “Who am I now?” Without a professional title or daily responsibilities, feelings of emptiness or diminished self-worth can surface, especially for those whose careers were central to their identity.
The loss of routine can be a real obstacle. Work naturally organizes time, dictating when to wake up, where to go, and what needs to be accomplished. Retirement can remove this framework overnight. Many retirees find that creating new routines—through hobbies, volunteering, or part-time work—is essential.
Social isolation is often underestimated. The workplace is a primary source of social interaction for many of us, offering daily conversations, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. Building new social networks requires effort and vulnerability, and loneliness can quietly take hold if it is not addressed.
Retirement can also strain personal relationships. Couples may suddenly spend far more time together amplifying unresolved tensions. You may take on new family roles, such as caregiving for aging parents or supporting adult children and grandchildren, which can limit personal freedom and increase emotional stress.
Last and certainly not least is aging. It doesn't happen all at once and we learn to adjust along the way. Over time physical limitations, declining health, and the awareness of mortality become more present. Finding mechanisms that build resilience is key to confronting them. That's a hard one and takes a long time to digest as much as plan.
So get planning!!
