Optimal Living Daily - Personal Development and Self-Improvement 3857: Will Retirement Be Depressing? by Fritz Gilbert of The Retirement Manifesto on Life After Work
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Dec 28, 2025 Fritz Gilbert, the mind behind The Retirement Manifesto, dives deep into the emotional rollercoaster that can accompany retirement. He highlights that many face increased risks of depression when stepping away from a career, particularly if their identity is wrapped up in their work. By sharing key research findings, he stresses the importance of cultivating hobbies and social connections before retirement. Gilbert emphasizes having ‘multiple selves’ for a smoother transition, urging listeners to create a rich bucket list that goes beyond just travel.
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Retirement Has A Honeymoon-Then-Decline Pattern
- Retirement often triggers a sharp wellbeing drop after a 3–5 year honeymoon period.
- Studies show retirement can increase depression risk by about 40% for many people.
Retirement Impacts Vary Widely By Person
- Some retirees gain wellbeing from reduced stress and more free time while others lose social contact and identity.
- Negative effects like loneliness and accelerated aging increase the longer people stay retired.
Plan Non-Financially Before You Retire
- Be intentional about non-financial retirement planning and develop hobbies and social ties before you retire.
- Populate a broad bucket list and ramp up external interests in the final 3–5 working years.
