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.

 

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. However, by engaging in activities that bring joy and purpose, staying connected with others, and setting achievable goals, you can improve your emotional well-being and navigate retirement more smoothly.

Fortunately, there are many resources and programs available to support seniors' mental health, both in Canada and the U.S.

Wellness Together Canada. This national mental health and wellness portal offers free, confidential mental health and substance use support, including self-guided resources, counseling, and peer support. Seniors can access online resources or be connected to a counselor or social worker for one-on-one support. For more information search Wellness Together Canada

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Senior-Specific Services. The CMHA offers mental health services, education, and advocacy. In many regions, it provides senior-specific programs such as peer support groups, wellness programs, and mental health awareness workshops tailored for older adults. For more information go to CMHA

Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health (CCSMH). CCSMH provides a wide range of resources and tools aimed at promoting the mental health of seniors, including guidelines for the prevention, assessment, and treatment of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and substance use in older adults. Go to CCSMH for more information:

Mindfulness Programs for Seniors. Many community centers and senior associations in Canada offer mindfulness, meditation, and yoga programs designed to help manage stress and improve mental well-being in retirement. Look into local community centers or senior associations in your area for accessible programs. Check with organizations like the Seniors’ Centre Without Walls for remote options.

Community Support and Peer Groups. Many provinces offer Seniors Community Programs that connect older adults with social and support groups, which can help reduce isolation and improve mental health. Check your provincial government’s health or seniors' ministry for specific programs, like Ontario’s Senior Active Living Centres or Alberta Seniors' Services. In my province of British Columbia, the Community Living BC Network put together a web page with links to support for those who want help with mental health. Go to https://www.communitylivingbc.ca/resources/information-about-the-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/mental-health-resources-during-covid-19/ for the links.

Hope: The Key to Aging in Place Successfully

Aging in place is not just about where you live, but how you live, and hope is the key.

If you wish to age in place, start by assessing your home to ensure it meets your needs as you grow older. Aging in place is a popular option for many seniors who wish to maintain their independence and remain in the comfort of their own homes. However, this may require making certain modifications to improve accessibility, safety, and mobility within the home. Begin by conducting a thorough assessment to identify areas where adjustments are needed. Common modifications include installing grab bars, widening doorways, adding ramps, and improving lighting.

For those of us in Canada we have  several government programs exist to help with the costs of home modification. The rules and names of these programs change so do your research to find the latest information on these programs.  The first is the Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC). This non-refundable tax credit allows seniors and persons with disabilities to claim eligible home renovation expenses that improve accessibility or help maintain mobility at home. You can claim up to $10,000 in renovation costs for a maximum credit of $1,500. You can find more information: Canada Revenue Agency - Home Accessibility Tax Credit

A second federal government program to help seniors modify their homes is the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) - Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence (HASI) Program. This program provides financial assistance to low-income seniors to carry out minor home adaptations that will allow them to remain in their homes longer. If you want more information go to CMHC Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence

In addition to these federal programs, many provinces offer additional grants and support. For example, in Ontario, they offer seniors a tax credit of 25% of eligible expenses for home improvements designed to make homes safer and more accessible, up to $10,000 per year. Do a search for Ontario’s Seniors Home Safety Tax Credit:

In my province of BC, there is a Housing’s Home Adaptations for Independence (HAFI) program that provides up to $20,000 in financial aid for seniors and people with disabilities to make essential adaptations to their homes. If you do not live int BC or Ontario check your provincial government’s website for specific programs.

U.S. Programs

In the U.S., similar programs can help seniors cover the costs of home modifications:

Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers. Medicaid offers HCBS waivers in many states, which can cover the cost of home modifications for low-income seniors. These modifications may include installing ramps, widening doorways, and improving bathrooms to increase accessibility. More information search Medicaid.gov HCBS Waivers

Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant, If you are a veteran, you may be eligible for this grant to make necessary improvements or structural changes to your home to accommodate mobility and accessibility needs. For more information search VA HISA Grant

Aging in Place Programs and Non-Profits. This is a national non-profit organization that provides critical home repairs, modifications, and improvements for low-income homeowners, particularly seniors. More information go to Rebuilding Together

Section 504 Home Repair Program. Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this program provides loans and grants to low-income seniors in rural areas for home repairs and improvements. For more information search USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program.

By accessing these programs and making the necessary modifications, you can enjoy greater safety and comfort in your home, maintaining your independence and quality of life as you age in place. There are many countries in the world besides Canada and the United States that support seniors to help make this transition smoother and more affordable. Check your local government website for more information.

If you wish to age in place, start by assessing your home. Make necessary modifications and seek support when needed. Hope and some government assistance will help you maintain your independence and quality of life.

Cultivating Hope: A Guide

Retirement is not the end of the road; it’s the beginning of a new journey fueled by hope.

Retirement can be a challenging transition, but hope can make it an exciting one. Like many who were forced into retirement, Jane had a successful career but felt lost when she retired. She had been a leader, an innovator and a mentor to many young women in her industry. She was discouraged that all of her expertise, and understanding was lost to her company. She was lost at sea, as she realized that before retirement, she was an important person, but after she retired, she was becoming invisible. 

She did not want to continue in her chosen field, her knowledge, and beliefs would continue through the young women she had mentored over the years. She believed she needed to focus on her passion for life in a different way. Jane had always loved painting and had dabbled in it when she was younger. So she set up a small studio in her home and began to create again. This hopeful pursuit gave her days structure and joy.

If retirement feels daunting, find something that excites you. Pursue a hobby, volunteer, or learn something new. Hope will help you navigate this new chapter with enthusiasm and purpose.