Retiring? Don't Worry, Be Happy

You couldn't wait to retire. But now that the big event is nearly upon you, you're not so sure.

Thoughts about new hobbies and sleeping in are giving way to growing concerns. Will you have enough money to live on? Will you miss work and colleagues? Will you still have a sense of purpose in life?

Major life changes, even if they're positive, can cause stress. Things that can make retirement stressful include changes in:

• income and financial status
• daily routine
• marriage or other family relationships and friendships
• roles and identity
• health

But having a plan to prepare you for retirement can relieve those stressful feelings and help you get ready to enjoy a new stage in your life.

Money Matters. Since concern about money is a major stress-producer, having some kind of financial plan is a must. Figure out how much you'll have to live on and what your expenses will be. Create a budget. Take into account future health care costs, including long-term care and all income and assets. If you need help, a good financial advisor can offer suggestions and guidance.

Stepping Down. If you're more comfortable easing into retirement, try a "step-down" process, recommends Irene Deitch, a licensed clinical psychologist and professor emeritus at the College of Staten Island - City University of New York. For instance, if you're an educator like Deitch, you could reduce your teaching load, go part-time, or work at your institution in another capacity, depending on available opportunities.

Before retiring herself, Deitch chose to work as an adjunct professor for one year. Now she stays connected to the college by doing special projects and conducting occasional workshops. She also maintains a clinical practice in psychology.

While there's usually lots of talk about financial portfolios when it comes to retirement, you also have to be concerned about your "psychological portfolio," says Nancy Schlossberg, a retiree and author of "Retire Smart, Retire Happy: Finding Your True Path in Life." That portfolio includes your identity, your relationships, and your need for meaningful involvement.

Schlossberg recalls one retired couple to make her point. After 35 years, the couple sold their dry-cleaning business, through which they had been a vital part of their community, according to Schlossberg. The wife immediately assumed a new role as grandparent, replacing her relationship with customers with those of her family. Since she could no longer sew for her customers, she began sewing for her grandchildren.

Meanwhile, the husband grew increasingly depressed, having lost his identity and customers to interact with. After much resistance, his son, remembering his father's love of baseball, got him to sign up for a senior baseball team. Soon everything turned around. The man became happy and engaged. He had a new identity, new relationships, and new involvement.

Depression is not uncommon when people retire, and stress can lead to depression. People who have health or marital problems, experienced previous bouts of depression, or have a greater sense of hopelessness and pessimism are at greater risk of becoming depressed when they retire. Trying to identify the underlying causes of depression, as well as developing a more positive attitude toward transitioning, can help relieve it, according to Deitch.

Here are some other things Deitch and other experts recommend to reduce stress and make retirement something to look forward to:

Make a wish list. Write down all the things you would like to do but never had time for. Then set some goals and steps for achieving them. Ask yourself:

• What do I want to do? (Go back to school? Be a gourmet cook or master gardener? Start your own business?)
• Who do I want to do it with?
• What resources do I have?
• What resources would be available in a new community if I choose to relocate?
• How can I make this happen?

Experiment. Don't be afraid to try different things. If one thing doesn't work for you, try something else. "It's a new chapter," says Deitch, "a new period of growth and development."

Establish or maintain friendships. "Every study shows that friendships - having a confidante or someone to talk to - reduces stress," according to Deitch. Make an effort to get together and stay in regular touch with friends. You're also likely to make new friends who share your interests as you explore new ways to spend your time.

Exercise. Physical activity is an excellent way to relieve stress and will help you feel better physically and mentally. Work at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity into your daily routine. Walk, play tennis, join a health club. Do whatever activity you enjoy so you'll stick with it.

Be involved. Take classes at the public library, community center, or nearby college. Volunteer to work with children or for an organization whose cause you believe in. Being involved will give you a new sense of purpose and identity, and help you stay connected with others. Contact local AARP chapters to find out what volunteer programs they have going on in your community. As an AARP volunteer, you could help older persons file their taxes, become safer drivers, land a job, secure public benefits, or manage their financial affairs. And, through one of AARP's nearly 2,600 chapters, you could help sponsor a local service project. Or, you could support a project involving youth through NRTA, AARP's educators' community.

Get a pet. Owning and caring for a pet is another great way to reduce stress. Just petting a dog or cat, or watching fish in a fish tank, can be soothing and calming. Pets also make wonderful companions, and dogs give you a great incentive to get out for your daily walks! You're likely to strike up some conversation and new friendships with fellow dog-walkers.

Find your muse. Discover your passion and pursue it. Maybe you always wanted to be a painter, or a musician. It's not too late. What better time than retirement to go for it!

Financial Planning
AARP walks you through six steps to creating your own financial plan and provides an online retirement calculator to see if you're saving enough.

AARP Community Service
Learn about AARP community service programs and find volunteer opportunities in your area.

Retirees Rocking Old Roles
More older Americans are working, volunteering and going back to school than ever before. Plus: 5 ways to make the most of retirement.

FirstGov for Seniors
This government Web site has many articles on issues related to retirement.

Retirement Resources
The Iowa Public Employees Retirement System links to many organizations with information related to retirement.