Today's Article

For some, that may be the case. For others, 4retirement can be 5life changing and not always in a good way.

“You think about our careers, our jobs. It provides us 6structure. It provides us, for many of us, 7purpose and a 8sense of identity.”

9Geriatric psychiatrist Ashley Subler with Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center says many people 10struggle in retirement trying to 11figure out who they are without their 12career. She says this can lead to 13symptoms of 14depression that may not be 15recognized.

“Symptoms of depression can include 16cognitive changes, so 17memory issues can be a symptom of depression. 18Indecision, physical symptoms like 19chronic pain can 20flare up when someone's depressed. They can have 21digestive issues or headaches.”:

To 22lower risk of retirement 23related depression, Subler says it's 24critical to maintain a healthy routine, go to bed and wake up at the same times, limit alcohol, eat balanced meals throughout the day, continue being social and 25get involved. 

“Filling your time with other things that you find meaningful and bring you joy and bring you purpose. That can be volunteer work. I know lots of people choose to take on less 26strenuous part time jobs in their retirement.”

Or even take a class learning something new. It can also help you stay connected to others.