| Many people are hit with a sense of loneliness | | | | Consider getting involved in a youth program at |
| they hadn't expected when they retire. For many, | | | | church. Look at neighborhood youngsters who |
| being alone overshadows many of the positive | | | | might enjoy your companionship. |
| aspects of not working anymore. | | | | When asked about their retirement desires, the |
| Many people fail to realize the importance of | | | | desire for ongoing learning is often voiced by baby |
| connections in their working life. Before retiring, | | | | boomers. For some that can be a more academic |
| people often work for the same organization for | | | | setting such as a junior college or adult school. For |
| twenty or thirty years. Even if they don't socialize | | | | others, it's the opportunity to explore new |
| outside of the office, many feel a sense of | | | | hobbies or increase expertise in a passion. Also, |
| kinship to their associates. A type of family bound | | | | joining a local chapter for a hobby that's of |
| often occurs when people work together for a | | | | interests can be a way of getting to know others. |
| long time. | | | | If you don't have a hobby, experiment with |
| Baby boomers are often facing retirement | | | | different activities that you think you might want |
| without a spouse. More than other generations | | | | to engage. Everyone can find something that is |
| before them, many baby boomers have never | | | | interesting. The trick is to be willing to explore and |
| married. A high divorce has also contributed to | | | | experiment with different activities until you find a |
| many baby boomers retiring without a partner. | | | | good match. |
| Because it's unusual for a couple to retire at the | | | | As previously mentioned, volunteering is a way to |
| same time, one person may face retirement | | | | connect with other generations. Volunteering is |
| alone, while their spouse continues to work. Finally, | | | | also a way to meet others who share an interest |
| illness or lack of compatibility may leave a person | | | | or passion. New retirees are often frustrated |
| in a partnership that is unfulfilling. | | | | when they want to volunteer their time and find |
| Because baby boomers had more options than | | | | they are not welcomed with open arms. Research |
| former generations, they may not have children. | | | | different options, but be willing to try multiple |
| With a mobile society, children often live far away. | | | | activities if the first one doesn't work out. |
| Families can be busy with school and | | | | Finally, consider changing your home. Many people |
| extracurricular activities. The retired person can | | | | are committed to staying in their single family |
| often fold into the family activities, but rarely visa | | | | home. It's comfortable and often holds memories. |
| versa. | | | | The thought of packing up a home is often more |
| While many people enter retirement and are | | | | than a person wants to contemplate. Moving into |
| shocked or disappointed by a sense of loneliness, | | | | an environment where there is a built in |
| there are many things you can do to connect | | | | community may be a solution worth exploring. If |
| with others. Unfortunately, most will require initial | | | | you have a difficult time reaching out to others, |
| effort on your part. For people who love to tag | | | | adult communities have built in activities. It's a |
| along and don't like to take initiative, this can be a | | | | great place to form relationships and can be a |
| challenge. Set small goals and experiment with | | | | springboard to a fulfilling retirement. |
| activities that will get you involved with others. | | | | Loneliness in retirement can be difficult. If not |
| First, form multi-generational relationships. If you | | | | addressed early on it can turn to depression. If |
| only have friends with people who are your own | | | | you struggle with loneliness, know you are not the |
| age, it can be very disheartening as you get older | | | | only one who feels isolated. There are many |
| and they die. Forming relationships with people of | | | | people in the world who want to connect with |
| different ages will keep you youthful and engaged. | | | | you. You have to be willing to take some initial |
| If you don't have young people in your life, | | | | steps. |
| consider volunteering as a big brother or sister. | | | | As a wise minister once said to me, "You can't |
| There may be opportunities to volunteer or work | | | | find Mr. Right with your door locked and the |
| in schools. Preschools or libraries might enjoy a | | | | shades pulled down." Get out there, experiment |
| person coming in to read a book for story time. | | | | with different activities. You will find others. |