As each of us transitions to retirement, our ability to deal with change becomes even more important and necessary. Your career will change either because you have to retire or because you have decided to try something different. Once you have made this change, you may decide that you want to work part time, volunteer or do something else you have always wanted to do. Other things will be impacted by this decision.
Socially, your friends will change as you transition from work. As you begin a new life, you will meet new friends, discover new environments, and experience a different commute each day. You may learn new skills and rediscover skills that you have not used in a long time.
As we age, we will also experience new challenges to our health. You may discover elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, or pain in certain parts of your body. Fortunately, you will reap the benefits of progressive medical research as they discover new ways to treat these chronic ailments. You may also decide to change your routine and include daily exercise and develop a healthier lifestyle. Why not make these changes? Doing this may help you age well and could even extend your life.
You and your spouse/partner may decide to buy a second home that you travel to during the winter months. Moving back and forth between two homes requires a degree of flexibility that represents the ultimate willingness to cope with change. However, you may decide to move out of your hometown permanently, changing almost everything in your life.
As you transition, family and friends may move away which will bring additional adjustments. These changes will require you to be open to developing new friendships and new interests.
The economic downturn has been an unpleasant change requiring many of us to make substantial financial adjustments. Some of you who have already retired may need to go back to work. Others who have been laid off are now job hunting. These changes represent a few of the areas of your life that are impacted daily by uncertainty.
Recognize these retirement arenas–career and work, family and relationships, health and wellness, leisure and social, personal development, and finances–and you will be prepared for change.