Retirement: Achieving Financial, Physical and Psychological Well-being

A recent Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) White Paper entitled "Achieving Well-being in Retirement: Recommendations from 20 Years' Research" by Mo Wang (University of Florida) and Beryl Hesketh (University of Western Sydney/Macquarie University) recommends the following for those contemplating retirement:

"...maintaining good health, actively engaging in financial planning for retirement, having realistic estimates of longevity, being clear on one's financial goals in retirement, and participating in paid employment after retirement are all realistic ways of achieving fiscal well being."

The authors also conclude that it is important for individuals to take the initiative to improve both their knowledge and understanding of financial matters, and of work-related skills and knowledge.

In terms of achieving physical well-being in retirement, the authors note that "having good health behaviours and habits in retirement is critical for their physical well-being." They recommend that individuals engage in certain daily levels of physical and/or cognitive activities. The latter could include leisure activities such as dancing, playing board games, reading, doing crossword puzzles and playing an instrument. All stimulate learning in the brain and may reduce the risk of dementia.

Finally, to achieve psychological well-being, the same authors recommend that "actively engaging in retirement planning before retirement, participating in career-related bridge employment, volunteer work, and leisure activities after retirement" are beneficial in maintaining and improving psychological well-being. For those who are married or a long-term relationship, Professors Wang and Hesketh recommend that they coordinate "retirement timing with spouses and strive to maintain good marital quality."

At Y2 Consulting Psychologists, our experts can help you plan your retirement and achieve long term psychological well-being and happiness.

Leaman Long, B.A., B.Ed.
HRM Consultant
Y2 Consulting Psychologists

If you have any questions and/or comments, don't hesitate. Thank you!

Related articles: Retiring Early (or Simply Retiring)? Are You Ready For It?