So, you walk every day. You eat healthily (or at least, you practise everything in moderation). You get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked. You even see the dentist regularly. You do all the things a health-conscious person should. But ask yourself this: When was the last time you checked your mental health?
We're living in a time of constant flux. Technology is developing rapidly and the internet has changed how we communicate. And these days, it seems everyone is rushing without taking the time to ask how people are or slowing down to wait for the answer. These things can lead to feeling left behind, isolated and insignificant.
It's a sobering fact that approximately 45% of Australians will experience a mental health condition at some point in their life. In any given year, around 1,000,000 Australian adults have depression and over 2,000,000 have anxiety but there are many ways to live a rewarding and positive life with the right outlook and social support.
Retirement marks a significant change in life. "When you get to a certain age, say, post 65, your biggest concern becomes your health because at some point you may lose the capacity to do things. For example, that game of tennis you've loved for so long. The realisation that life is changing can be confronting," says psychotherapist Marie Rowland from Talking Matters. Sometimes saying goodbye to your career doesn't always bring happiness either. Some people can feel worried or sad about changes to their routine and direction.
According to a recent WebMD article, a study in the United States found one in three retirees surveyed said they feel depressed and one in six were considering a return to the workforce. It can be even harder if retirement isn't entirely your decision. According to Beyond Blue, 'involuntary or unexpected job loss in later life is the form of retirement that has been most consistently linked to increased rates of depression.'
Feelings of boredom, social isolation or lack of direction can come up after such a big change in life and so its important to know the right next steps to get the support you need to feel your best.
"We experience loss in our lives in all sorts of ways. And as with any loss, we have to grieve but also accept that through acceptance, you can swap it out for something else. You still want to maintain a meaningful life, so you have to be conscious about what changes are going to occur. Think about how you can incorporate new things in your life and re-engage with them in a meaningful way," says Marie.
"The hard thing is that not everyone feels comfortable speaking up when they're feeling down. The grin-and-bear-it macho rhetoric common amongst the male population does nothing to help men who are suffering. Men are often reluctant to betray signs of emotional vulnerability, lest they risk being seen as 'weak'. And yet even the wealthiest, most successful men are susceptible to depression. Stephen Fry, Gary McDonald, Jim Carrey. All high-profile personalities who have been beset by the 'black dog.' The good news is that the more we openly acknowledge there's a problem, the easier it is to reduce stigma and encourage men (and women) to seek the help they need," reflects Marie.
"Never be afraid to speak up. Tell someone if you feel less than chipper and remember you are relevant. The advice and knowledge that you have are never wasted. By connecting back with younger groups through school associations or libraries or other intergenerational activities, you can make a significant impact on the community and engender feelings of self-worth in the process," says Marie.
So do all the things you have to do. Whether it's going for a walk in the park, volunteering to help others, joining a hobby group or taking time to rest, finding ways to stay mentally and physically well. These activities can make a world of difference and improve your wellbeing in retirement. If you or someone you know is struggling, Beyond Blue has helpful resources and tools for supporting seniors’ mental health.
One way to combat the feelings of restlessness or uncertainty that retirement may bring is staying physically and socially active. Daily movement not only keeps your body healthy but also has great benefits for your mind and can be a great way to connect with others.
For more information about the lifestyle and support offered at our retirement villages, call our customer service team on 1800 550 550 or send us an email here.
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