Life is about transitions - retirement is yet another life stage change.

We approach it with perhaps a lot of mixed feelings- we no longer need to wake up early every morning with a fixed routine for the day- the days ahead are yours to do what you will. We are not accountable to anyone, yet how do we fill our days, what do we do?

Erik Erikson’s theory of psycho-social development talks about the different stages that human beings go through from birth to death. At every stage there is something to master or accomplish but when one fails to do so, there is a lag. 

Generativity versus stagnation is the seventh of eight stages of Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. This stage takes place during middle adulthood between the ages of approximately 40 and 65.

Generativity refers to “marking your mark” on the world through caring for others as well as creating and accomplishing things that make the world a better place. This could be done by parenting children or contributing to positive changes that benefit other people. Contributing to society and doing things to benefit future generations are important needs at generativity. This helps them to be active in their home and community.

Stagnation refers to the failure to find a way to contribute. These individuals may feel disconnected or uninvolved with their community and with society as a whole.  Some characteristics of stagnation include being self-centered, failing to get involved with others, not taking an interest in productivity, no efforts to improve the self and placing one’s concerns over above all else.

Some changes that happen when one retires:

Changed Identity-Often one’s identity is tied up with one’s roles and title in the work place and not being known by our title can leave us wondering who we really are.

Changed Patterns & Rhythms of Life: There is no where to get dressed up and go to-to do and this can lead to us feeling discouraged and disheartened. 

Changed Income: Since there is no longer a salary coming in, there may be changes in how one spends money and this needs to be some planning.

Changed Residence: Retirement may involve moving out of the quarters given and moving to a rented home or may include more drastic change of moving from the city to  your home town.

Changed Marital Relationship: One of the biggest challenges of retirement is that now one or both the partners are not going out of the house to the office every day. The quantum of time spent together increases quite drastically. 

Changed Equations in the home: Spouse/Adult children may still be working and this can lead to a change in the family dynamics. 

You have a choice and it is for you to decide where and how you want to be. Some parts of your current life may not change. You may continue to live in the same house with the same people, you may have to continue handling some of the personal responsibilities you have been handling till now. After years of working you certainly need a good holiday and perhaps look at the bucket list for some things you have been wanting to do. But after that it would help to plan a routine.

A routine life can bring a sense of stability and comfort, predictability and structure. Every time you have to make a decision, you are adding some stress to your life. an effective routine can help reduce stress, which can lead to better mental health, more time to relax and less anxiety. A good routine could ensure your sleep schedule which allows you to be well rested; time for some exercise; time to socialize with family and friends; time to relax and be entertained and also some time for hobbies or recreation. This could help with emotional well-being and energy. Simply put, we’re all creatures of habit. Most people are afraid of the unknown, and by having a daily routine, we know what to expect and have less of a chance of enduring unwanted surprises or changes.

No matter if changes are good or bad, it applies stress to the body and the mind. Awareness of this fact and taking appropriate steps ahead of time allows for a smoother transition, lessens the negative effects of the change and speeds along your ability to enjoy this new period of your life that could contain endless possibilities.