Healthy ageing: Why a good transition to retirement matters

Transitioning to retirement

Retirement can be a rewarding time. This is when you reap the rewards of years of work and have more time for the family or a personal passion. However, ageing and transitioning into retirement also bring challenges. Not working means a change of daily routine, and social interactions are likely to decrease. For some, this can lead to a crisis of purpose, which has been shown to have a negative impact on mental health and overall health in old age.

Empty desk syndrome

People struggling with the transition to retirement may be experiencing empty desk syndrome. This refers to a feeling of diminished significance when a person’s professional identity suddenly disappears. Those who strongly link their self-esteem to their careers or find it difficult to embrace retirement are particularly at risk. However, minor problems with adjusting to retirement are normal. After all, work forms an important part of our lives for many years.

The importance of healthy ageing

Planning for retirement helps prevent crises of purpose and lays the ideal foundation for healthy ageing. In principle, retirement presents opportunities for new activities, intellectual development and long-neglected hobbies. It also allows more time for helping out in the family or doing more in the community. The societal (and personal) value of retired individuals contributing to society can be substantial. However, to fully embrace these opportunities, one factor is essential: good physical and mental health.

Mental well-being in retirement

Health in later life isn’t just about the absence of disease – it encompasses physical, mental and social well-being. Good mental health in retirement is reflected in life satisfaction, a sense of purpose and the ability to manage challenges. How mental health develops in old age depends on various factors, with genetics, lifestyle and external influences playing a key role. Aspects can include stress, physical diseases, social connections and also activity in the community.

Coping with a crisis of purpose in retirement

Various studies show that engaging in purposeful activity in retirement has numerous health benefits. Those who find meaning in their lives tend to live longer, get sick less often and practise behaviours that promote healthy ageing. This makes it all the more important to address, or better yet, prevent a crisis of purpose by preparing for retirement in advance.

Pensionato: plans for healthy ageing

Retirement planning today tends to focus on finances, while planning the way you live after work is often neglected – despite being crucial for mental health in later years. To address this gap, CSS has partnered with the UZH Healthy Longevity Center to create ‘Pensionato’ – a digital platform dedicated to planning your life and maintaining health before and during retirement. “Research in personality and positive psychology shows that having a strong sense of purpose positively impacts well-being and health,” says Dr Röcke, Co-Director of the UZH Healthy Longevity Center at the University of Zurich.

Key facts about Pensionato

1. Pensionato is designed for anyone approaching or already in retirement in Switzerland and provides support with foresighted planning.
2. Experts give personalised advice on all aspects related to life planning and good health.
3. Pensionato offers a motivation analysis to help individuals identify any unconscious drivers and understand what truly fulfils them.
4. The platform’s services are based on the latest scientific research, particularly from the CSS collaboration with the UZH Healthy Longevity Center.
5. Currently, Pensionato is available only in German.

Why stay active in retirement?

Many activities that can provide meaning in retirement require good cognitive health. While some cognitive decline, such as memory loss, is a normal part of ageing, cognitive abilities can still be trained later in life. Studies have shown that participating in intellectually and mentally stimulating activities – such as playing card games – can significantly slow cognitive decline. Regular physical activity also has a positive impact on cognitive function.

Silver Years: the card game for future retirees

The card game “Silver Years” is a board game designed for people approaching retirement. It encourages players to think about planning their post-career life and to discuss their goals, dreams and concerns with their friends and family. Developed in collaboration with the UZH Healthy Longevity Center, the game is available to persons with supplementary insurance from CSS through enjoy365.

Physical activity in later life

Maintaining physical health in retirement is crucial not only for healthy ageing, but also plays a large part in mental well-being and must not be neglected. Studies show that a decline in physical health in retirement is often linked to a deterioration in mental health. For example, retirees with physical conditions such as diabetes are more likely to develop depression or anxiety. Physical activity helps reduce the risk of psychological disorders, lower stress and boost overall well-being. This adds to the reasons why the retired are well advised to pursue physical activities in their newly gained free time.