Retirement and your mental health

If retirement has affected your mental health, you're not alone. Transitioning into retirement can bring about significant changes in lifestyle, identity, and social connections, which can impact mental health. Fortunately, there are many resources and programs available to support seniors' mental health, both in Canada and the U.S.

In the United States because of its sheer size it has a lot more programs here is a partial list.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH. NIMH provides resources and information about mental health conditions common among seniors, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. It also offers guidance on how to access mental health services and where to find help, including links to local providers and programs.  For more information go to NIMH

Older Adults Behavioral Health Resource Toolkit. Developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), this toolkit offers resources to help providers and caregivers support seniors experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. SAMHSA also provides a helpline that connects seniors to local mental health services. For more information search SAMHSA Older Adults

Eldercare Locator. This free national service, supported by the U.S. Administration on Aging, connects seniors to community resources, including mental health services, local support groups, and wellness programs. The Eldercare Locator can help seniors find nearby mental health services or engage in activities that provide purpose and social interaction. For more information search Eldercare Locator

Senior Corps (AmeriCorps Seniors). A U.S. government program that helps seniors find volunteer opportunities in their communities. Participating in volunteer work can provide a sense of purpose and connection, which is vital for mental health in retirement. By helping others, seniors often find fulfillment and improve their emotional well-being. For more information search AmeriCorps Seniors

The Friendship Line (Institute on Aging). A 24-hour toll-free crisis line for seniors, offering emotional support, suicide prevention, and mental health counseling. Seniors can call for assistance or just to have a friendly conversation, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. For more information search Friendship Line

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). These agencies provide local resources for older adults, including mental health services, senior centers, social programs, and wellness activities. Many AAAs across the U.S. offer workshops, and counseling services aimed at improving mental health and reducing isolation. For more information go to National Association of Area Agencies on Aging

In addition to seeking formal support, taking an active role in your mental health through meaningful activities can significantly improve your well-being. Here are a few ideas:

Join a Social Group or Class: Whether it’s a book club, gardening group, or exercise class, staying socially active helps maintain connections and prevents isolation. Many senior centers offer free or low-cost options.

Volunteer: Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Organizations like Volunteer Canada or AmeriCorps Seniors offer opportunities to get involved in your community.

Set Small, Achievable Goals: Goals don’t need to be big. Start small—whether it’s learning a new hobby, completing a puzzle, or going for a daily walk. These goals provide a sense of accomplishment, which is great for mental health.

Stay Physically Active: Physical activity has been proven to improve mental well-being. Look for senior-friendly fitness classes, such as walking groups or low-impact yoga. Many local health and community centers offer free or subsidized exercise programs for seniors.

In both Canada and the U.S., numerous programs exist to support seniors' mental health and well-being. By staying engaged in activities that bring joy and purpose, connecting with others, and seeking support when needed, you can navigate retirement with a healthy, positive mindset. Let hope guide you to a happier, healthier retirement.

 

Things Grandparents Know

My generation seems gifted with perpetual youth. But we are also people of passion. From the moment my generation arrived on this earth, we seemed to be bringing a mission and a different vision for society than had existed before. This sense of knowledge and of vision accounts for the incredible drive we have shown throughout our adult lives which have resulted in changes to society so profound that life in America today only faintly resembles how we lived in the 50s and 60s.

Each era of life has brought its own challenges.  As parents, we were committed to having a different kind of relationship with our children. We were more hands-on, participatory and interactive with children in a much greater way than generations before. In a very real way, we as parents sought to be both parent and best friends to our children. The outcome has not always been positive but you do see a sense of family unity and emulation of parents in our children that is even more committed than the family model of the past because we viewed parenting as a mission and job one of our lives when we chose to have children.

As we move out of the parenting role, at least in terms of having youngsters at home, we now have an opportunity to define in our own terms what it means to be a grandparent. Becoming grandma and grandpa may be a bit difficult for a generation that has always fought the coming of ageing and resisted even adulthood much less old age. But if we embrace the concept of being the kindly and wise old grandparent and filling that role in the lives of our children and grandchildren, we can have an influence on another generation beyond them to pass along their insights and guidance in ways that only grandparents can do.

Children see grandma and grandpa in a different light. Naturally, they love them and love the opportunity to visit their grandparents if for no other reason than grandma always has something for them to do, that they may not have the opportunity to do at home. But sitting on granddads knee and hearing his stories or just enjoying his love and teasing is part of growing up that children cherish long into their adult years. And it is a time that we can embrace and thoroughly enjoy.

There was a great book out not long ago named “If I knew being a grandparent was this much fun, I would have done it first.” This amusing concept reflects that the joy of being grandpa and grandma to your children’s children is fulfilling in ways that even surpass the important role baby boomers had as parents. Children listen to their grandparents because they are wise and old and it gives them a sense of security to see that it’s possible to go through life successfully and still be full of life and fun even when old age is upon us. That is why children intuitively know that there are things grandparents know that they want to learn while on granddads lap and they cherish the lessons they are taught by a revered elder.

It’s good when we embrace this new role. Just as when we embraced parenthood, we threw themselves into the challenge with a passion that changed the definition of parenting for the better. So too, we can bring their passion, our sense of deep commitment and their love of family to the role of a grandparent and give their grandchildren the gift of a wonderful grandma and grandpa who not only always had love and fun for them but also always seemed to know the right answer.

Look to your time with your grandkids as a time to pass along the wisdom that 50-70 years of life has given you. While children need the guidance and knowledge of their parents, the role of teacher, disciplinarian and rules maker sometimes clouds the parent relationship. That is why grandchildren are open to hearing what grandma or grandpa has to say because the relationship is more clear cut and they see their grandparents as fountains of wisdom always given in love.