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Have a happy marriage—people with marital problems tend to find retirement more stressful
because they do not have a positive home life to return to and can no longer seek refuge in long
working hours. Couples that work on their marriages can make their retirements a lot easier.
Take care of physical and financial health—a sound financial plan and good physical health can
ensure a healthy, peaceful retirement.
Retire early from a stressful job—people who stay in stressful jobs for fear that they will lose
their pensions or won’t be able to find work somewhere else feel trapped. Toxic environments
can take a severe emotional toll on an employee. Leaving early from an unsatisfying job may
make retirement a relief.
Retire “on time”—retiring too early or too late can cause people to feel “out of sync” or to feel
they have not achieved their goals.
Whereas these seven tips are helpful for a smooth transition to retirement, Wang also notes that
people tend to be adaptable, and that no matter how they do it, retirees will eventually adjust to
their new lifestyles.
Death, Dying, and Bereavement
Living includes dealing with our own and our loved ones’ mortality. In her book, On Death and
Dying (1997), [19] Elizabeth Kübler-Ross describes five phases of grief through which people
pass in grappling with the knowledge that they or someone close to them is dying:
Denial: “I feel fine.” “This can’t be happening; not to me.”
Anger: “Why me? It’s not fair!” “How can this happen to me?” “Who is to blame?”
Bargaining: “Just let me live to see my children graduate.” “I’d do anything for a few more
years.” “I’d give my life savings if...”
Depression: “I’m so sad, why bother with anything?” “I’m going to die. What’s the point?” “I
miss my loved ones—why go on?”