Copyright (c) 2010 Stephen Lau

Retirement may not be what you think it is. Many people have conjured up too rosy a picture of their retirement lifestyle and they become disillusioned when they discover that their retirement life is no more than a nightmare. They have failed to grapple with the emotional, physical, and financial fallout of retirement.

Emotionally, you may have more conflicts with your spouse now that you have more time for each other, and you may get on each other's nerves. Renewing love for each other, and improving communication skills are a must before retirement. Going on a longer vacation may do just that. In addition, there are stresses that come with retirement, such as loss of identity, and they may take a toll on your emotional health. Therefore, it is important to learn how to cope with your stresses. One thing, you can do is to take up volunteering work: you not only pay back to society but also rediscover your new identify in your community. Another thing you can do is to start a second career, such as an online business. It is important to be involved in doing something totally different from you used to do prior to your retirement in order to give yourself incentive and new challenge.

Physically, you may see a decline in your overall health. Physical and physiological changes require adjustment and adapataion. It is a common conception that the elderly are stubborn and refuse to change. This may be partly true if you do not have the mindset for change. Everyday new ideas and technologies come up. Empower yourself with new knowledge and keep yourself abreast of what is happening in the ever-changing world. Adult learning in a community college or even pursuing a higher education may be the answer.

Financially, many retirees are not on top of their money matters. They simply leave their finances to their consultants. This is not right. Remember, it is your money, not theirs, and you should know where your money goes and how well it goes. If, on the other hand, you do not have much money, then you should spend part of your retirement time in making money. Financial freedom is important in happy retirement, as you continue to age, due to inflation, the increased need for medical care, and the rising cost of medical expenses.

Retirement has interdependent factors: emotional, physical, and financial, among others. They all play a pivotal role in your well-being after you have retired.

Retirement is about managing different kinds of means to accomplish different kinds of goals. It is about growing old and the completion of life--all is well that ends well.