Many retirees experience a shift after the initial “honeymoon phase” of retirement, struggling with depression, isolation, and a sense of unfulfillment. The National Institutes of Health found that depression is more frequent in retirees than the general public, with 28% of retirees experiencing depression. While most respondents in a 2024 MassMutual retirement survey reported being happier than in their working years, 8% noted they were less happy. A 2024 Resume Builder survey found that among retirees planning to return to work, boredom was the second most common driver, trailing only unexpected cost-of-living increases.
According to gerontologist Robert C. Atchley, retirees may experience a “disenchantment” phase when they didn’t build out a retirement plan that met their needs for social, financial, and spiritual fulfillment. Experts recommend several strategies to break free from a retirement funk. Dr. Carolina Estevez, a psychologist at SOBA New Jersey, recommends transitioning from valuing yourself based on productivity to values-based living, allowing individuals to reconnect with aspects of their identity that were put on the shelf during working years.
Lisa Keer Carusone, a wellness coach at Mass General Brigham’s Center for Specialized Healthcare Services, emphasizes the importance of setting a schedule even without work obligations. She recommends constructing a daily schedule with at least a few consistent activities, including meal times, and making commitments like joining local volunteer programs or boards. Experts also suggest embracing novelty and new skills—taking language classes, joining hiking clubs, or learning instruments—as the brain continues to grow throughout life and responds positively to new challenges and learning.
Maintaining social connections is critical, as work provided a constant social outlet that may be lost in retirement. Finding hobby groups, joining recreational sports leagues, or becoming involved in community organizations can help establish purposeful social interactions. Physical activity, such as walking regularly, gardening, swimming, or taking dance classes, can improve mood and energy levels. Finally, seeking professional mental health support is important; Medicare covers a wide range of mental health services and enrollees are typically eligible for one yearly depression screening at no cost. According to Shawn McGinness, mental health awareness advocate and COO at Jersey Behavioral Health, reaching out for help is not a last resort but one of the best things someone can do to take care of themselves.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/happy-retirement/lost-your-spark-6-ways-to-break-out-of-a-retirement-funk