According to an article published by WebMD, one in three retirees experience depression. This is a much higher rate than the overall adult U.S. population. Often referred to as the “Retirement Blues” coping with the lifestyle change can trigger depression and anxiety.
Depression Can Lead To Alcoholism Among Retirees
Depression is one of the reasons why people drink more in retirement. In fact, according to the National Institute On Aging (NIA), it’s estimated that the percentage of heavy drinkers increases by nearly 5% within one year of retiring. Although retirees who drink every day may not be alcoholics it can still have a harmful effect due to the way older people metabolize liquor. The loss of muscle mass as we grow older can cause us to feel “high” quicker and for longer which can lead to serious falls or car accidents. Other reasons retirees drink more include:
- Boredom: some retirees drink to deal with the boredom of having more free time.
- Peer Pressure: in senior living retirement communities an estimated 62% of people consume alcohol with 13% being considered heavy drinkers.
- Marital Stress: when couples spend more time together it can cause conflict and stress which may lead to drinking more.
Common Causes Of Depression & Anxiety in Retirement
After years of sticking to your work schedule, you may feel anxious about having more time on your hands while experiencing a lack of purpose. If your identity and sense of self-worth are tightly linked to your career, retirement may cause you to feel lost and unimportant. Add to this, if you’ve moved away from friends and family to a retirement community in another state, you may feel isolated and unable to get your bearings.
“When you embrace the change, retirement can be just as rewarding as your career.”
Ways To Beat The Retirement Blues
Start with becoming physically active. The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week for people age 65 and older. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular exercise can help ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety by releasing “feel-good” endorphins. It’s also important to find a new purpose in life:
- Invest time in areas of interest you’ve always wanted to pursue.
- Start a new hobby or enroll in continuing education courses.
- Join a club or become a mentor to share your lifetime of professional experience.
- Volunteer for a cause near and dear to your heart.
- Work a part-time job to get out of the house and connect with others.
When you embrace the change, retirement can be just as rewarding as your career.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3197660/https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alcohol-misuse-or-alcohol-use-disorder/facts-about-aging-and-alcohol
