Depression after retirement?

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JHZR2

JHZR2

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Question - do people get some kind of depression or antisocialism after retirement, kind of the idle brain, too much TV type of thing (or something along those lines)?

Background is that some folks near us who used to be quite friendly, helpful and reasonably personable seem to be getting more introverted, less friendly, etc. now that one is retired.

I can certainly understand that with retirement comes another life - or more possibilities, but one still works and so its not like they are going on Alaska cruises or doing the snowbird thing.

It just strikes me as changing, but not sure why. I know there is a LOT of TV/net now, some of which must be constructive (the "I learned this the other day" kind of thing), but surely the news/media/etc. is also destructive.

I can also certainly understand that all kinds of other things can be going on in life that could change one's personality or interfacial behaviors, but I dont have an inkling that anything like that is going on. Its just weird.

Which makes me think it is some aspect of idle brain, too much TV/internet, and just less personability as a result. It seems like regular schedules doing something or other are maintained, and its not like they sit at home all day.

As I said, just weird.

Thoughts? No real consequence one way or another, but the personability, friendliness, helpfulness aspects, etc have been noticed so it is just a point of curiousity.
 
I retired when I was 56, I'm now 68. My hobbies have always been hunting and the shooting sports. While I can no longer hunt because of being disabled I have turned to precision target shooting and reloading. I'm having a ball, go to the range as often as possible, do alot of target shooting, shoot alot of bull with the other oldsters, life is good.

Still do some of my own auto maintence, that is what I can do. What used to take me half a day to wax a car now is a 2 day job, but I enjoy it, and it gives me some much needed excerise. Beats walking in place on a treadmill. Oil changes have turned into a 2 to 3 hour job, but hey, its my time and I enjoy it, and thats what counts.

Another tip, the pain meds the Dr. perscribes me sure make me feel good for a number of hours, just be sure not to involve driving or shooting with them, I've never had a problem but I do not push the enevlope by trying either.

All in all life is good.
 
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See, it sounds like you have some hobbies. I dont know if these folks ever did/do. As stated earlier, it seems like they have a schedule and do things, its not like the retired one is cooped up all day (not that I watch them or their schedule very close, just my impression from cars coming and going).

But besides yard work, I wonder if they have any real hobbies. Id imagine stuff like that and friends become more important after retirement.
 
For a lot of people, work is a crucial source of purpose in their lives. Take that away and it's easy to see why they would become depressed.

Retirement also provides a lot of opportunity to retreat into oneself, which can be a strong temptation. That obviously compromises relationships, which gives up on another sense of purpose.

Oddly, the resulting depression can cause people to retreat further, leading to a vicious cycle.
 
I am approaching retirement with great anticipation. Both my wife and I have worked hard all our lives, raised three great children and have always been very responsible financially. We are not wealthy but because we have lived within our means and planned ahead, I believe we will live comfortably in retirement and be able to do some fun things like travel and wintering in some nice places. I plan to remain active in the financial markets and on the golf course which will be the conduit for most of my social relationships.

From what I've read, the vast majority of baby boomers are not very well prepared for retirement and this may be the source of a great deal of angst after working all their lives, I.e., no pot at the end of the rainbow.
 
Originally Posted By: Indydriver
I am approaching retirement with great anticipation. Both my wife and I have worked hard all our lives, raised three great children and have always been very responsible financially. We are not wealthy but because we have lived within our means and planned ahead, I believe we will live comfortably in retirement and be able to do some fun things like travel and wintering in some nice places. I plan to remain active in the financial markets and on the golf course which will be the conduit for most of my social relationships.

From what I've read, the vast majority of baby boomers are not very well prepared for retirement and this may be the source of a great deal of angst after working all their lives, I.e., no pot at the end of the rainbow.



SAME HERE! But I catch fish, which feeds us, instead of golf.

I'm 51, can retire from the long-standing hi-tech engineering career anytime, but I may go 2 more years.

Buy dividend paying stocks, re-invest them until you need the income replacement, pay off the home early and you'll most likely be fine.

But, the key in retirement is to keep a purpose-driven life going after your career.
 
I don't think there is any doubt that retirement can mentally change a person. It's also an age when, if a person has not taken care of themselves, health issues can start to manifest themselves. It's also a time when dementia can start to show up.

Far too many people don't continue to be physically and mentally active after retirement, and I think it hastens the onset of depression as well as many physical ailments that tend to accompany old age. My wife and I spend time with our therapy dogs in assisted living centers, and we often see people who are younger than us living a sedentary lifestyle, and it's clear that it impacts their health, both mental and physical. Yet I also see people like my dad, who is well into his 90's, still active and still working-he has a purpose in life.

I've never bought into the notion of retiring just to spend time hitting a little ball around. I couldn't stand such a boring lifestyle, one with no real purpose. I see too many guys my age who retire, and then suddenly get very old once the purpose is gone from life.
 
Retirement is what you make of it. My dad was in the USN for 20 years, and worked as a consultant for about 10 years after that. He retired at 55 and he and mom sold the house and most of the belongings and bought a 42' Monaco Dynasty coach and are full-time RVers. Dad has had a number of Jeeps that pull behind the coach (current is a '12 Rubicon) and he is president of the Family Motorcoach 4WD Association. They are busier now than they were when dad was working!
 
Nice thread, I am retired now 7 yrs or so. That sense of purpose, volunteer if youu can. Found I fell into that quite easy. Helping kids in a hospital has made this alot more easy for me.Living in NYC provides me with endless things and it costs very little to get into Manhatten. Giving yourself, making someones life alittle better for a short time, makes you feel today it was a walk off homer.I am signing up I hope for a dog rescue Shiba Inu a rare breed I had for 16 yrs and was a perfect being. I really miss him, in his honor, I will make another Shiba better for a short time I hope.
 
Retirement liberates some 40 to 60 hours a week of free time. If one has no hobbies or interests, filling that time can be difficult and may generate boredom and depression.

I retired five years ago at 56 and never looked back. I have plenty to do and now have the time to focus on what makes me happiest without the obligation to report to an office everyday.

Everyone is different and we all must make our own way in life. Each person is responsible for their own happiness.

Tom NJ
 
I think.it depends. If they saved $$ and hubby is in good health and was more than a sperm donor/ATM in the eyes of his wife then chances are good for remaining engaged. If one or more are not there then chances of.depression are greater. IMO.
 
Yes, I can tell you as a retiree having hobbys or interests to fill your time is the key. Also consider volunteering at a local charity. It makes you feel good, and gives you the opportunity to socialize with the other volunteers.
 
Originally Posted By: d00df00d
For a lot of people, work is a crucial source of purpose in their lives. Take that away and it's easy to see why they would become depressed.


Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
I don't think there is any doubt that retirement can mentally change a person. It's also an age when, if a person has not taken care of themselves, health issues can start to manifest themselves. It's also a time when dementia can start to show up.


I am not of retirement age, but everything I understand about the perils of retirement are summed up right there. 1) You tie so closely what you DO with who and what you ARE. Then what you DO stops abruptly and you may not have prepared yourself for the massive change. For a man, at least, I cannot imagine a larger personal change-of-life; when you have to accept that the "productive" chapter of your life, where you were to make your mark, is over. 2) You're getting older and you're no longer being driven by your occupation. The healthiest and most robust groups of people in the world who thrive into old age are those who remain active and vital deep into old age.
 
Originally Posted By: Papa Bear
Those retirees need grandchildren ......


free daycare. I wish. would save me almost a grand a month
lol.gif
 
So many older folks that are still working at their 'meat grinder' of a miserable job are depressed and actually looking forward to their retirement .

Financially I'm set, but there no way in [censored] am I going to spend my free time at a casino playing slot machines or stuffing myself at their all U can eat $2.99 buffet when I retire.

I tell my kids to take me to the Everglades and push me off the airboat into alligator infested swamp if I start acting crazy. No bull !
 
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