When people think about their retirement years, their primary concerns tend to focus on financial matters.
In fact, Allianz Life recently found that 64% of Americans are more worried about running out of money than death. It also found that 70% of Gen Xers worry about depleting their nest eggs.
Given that many of them are in their 50s and rapidly approaching retirement, that’s not exactly a surprising statistic. But while you might expect retirement to throw you for a financial loop, it could also mess with your mental and emotional health.
Here are some things that could catch you off guard during your first year of retirement — and what to do about them.
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Fighting off boredom
A 2024 MassMutual survey found that 67% of retirees are happier than when they were working. However, 8% report feeling less happy, and boredom could be a significant factor.
In fact, 16% of older Americans say retirement is more boring than they expected. If you’re struggling to fill your days, you may want to consider getting a part-time job, volunteering or easy side hustles that could get you out of the house.
Unexpected health issues
In retirement, it’s easy to fall into a more sedentary lifestyle when you don’t have to leave the house for work.
The National Library of Medicine states that "physical activity and sedentary behavior are major risk factors for chronic disease. These behaviors may change at retirement with implications for health in later life."
The research further states that, while retirement can be associated with both positive and negative changes in physical activity, the latter can lead to a steady decline in health.
If you find yourself falling into an idle pattern at home, start adding physical activities to your calendar. It could be anything from a 15-minute walk each day or taking up tennis lessons with a friend once a week.
Travel may not be as much fun as you’d anticipated
While 63% of older Americans say travel is an important retirement goal, many find it less fulfilling than expected. According to Merrill Lynch and Age Wave, more than 40% of retirees travel less than planned — often due to health limitations, fatigue, or the unexpected stress of logistics.
Flight delays, crowded airports, and the physical toll of navigating unfamiliar places can turn a dream vacation into a draining experience. Even changes in diet, climate, or sleep routines can take a toll as we age.
That doesn’t mean you should give up on travel altogether — but it helps to adjust your expectations. Start with shorter trips to test your stamina, and build flexibility into your plans. You may also find that low-key destinations or trips centered around comfort and routine are more satisfying than chasing constant adventure.
Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how
A lack of purpose
In a recent Transamerica survey, 79% of retirees reported having a strong sense of purpose in life, which means roughly one-fifth of older Americans may be struggling in that regard.
If you feel lost in the absence of a job, you may want to dedicate some time to volunteering for a cause that’s meaningful to you.
And it’s worth trying, as researchers at Columbia University found that volunteering greatly reduced the odds of depression among those who are struggling.
It can strain your relationship
Some couples find themselves less happy in their relationship during retirement, mainly because they’re not used to spending so much time together without a break.
According to Psychology Today, there is a trend of decreasing marital satisfaction after people retire. So, if you and your spouse seem to be getting on each other’s nerves, it may be time to find some hobbies you can pursue separately.
Discuss your feelings and work together to support each other through the transition to retirement. Retirement can be a major adjustment for couples — but open communication and a willingness to adapt can help turn the challenge into a new chapter of connection.
What to read next
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- Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid?
- Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
- How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
