The Effects of Retirement

Retirement is supposed to be a wonderful milestone in the life of someone who has spent many years working and contributing to the society in which she lives. However, for many, retirement can be confusing, unsettling and downright depressing, particularly if she doesn't know what to expect. Preparation is key to ensuring that your retirement years are as full of life and joy as the years spent pursuing your career.

One of the most profound effects of retirement is the mental anguish you might feel unexpectedly. After all, going from working full-time and chasing your career goals to facing days full of unknown tasks and expectations is daunting for many retirees. They end up feeling empty, depressed, confused and misunderstood.

You might find that one of the first things you feel upon retirement is defiance against the routine that you've followed for many years. You get up late in the morning, stay in your pajamas all day, watch bad daytime TV, stay up late at night and generally buck the system, which has seen you get up every morning and dress for work for many years.

You may find, upon retirement, that you feel restless and ready to pursue an entirely new career opportunity. This is not uncommon as many retirees go on to have very full second careers once their first is complete.

Life change of any kind causes some stress, and retirement is no different. Many seniors report feeling stressed about the lack of direction they have for their lives upon retirement.

When it comes to retirement, your health will either improve greatly or deteriorate, depending on how you feel about retiring. Some seniors find that their health deteriorates quickly, resulting from their mental anguish over retirement; others find that with more time to pay attention to their physical person, they have time to take care of themselves and are in the best shape of their lives.