The Effects of Retirement

Retirement has been a major issue within Mental Illness throughout out America. Many times, when people retire, they are financially stable by having multiple incomes. But, mentally emotionally and psychically they tend to lose that sense of belonging in life. The purpose of getting up every morning is destroyed suddenly. They feel lonely during this period which could lead to depression, suicide and abusing of drugs and alcohol over time. Others fail to realize that everyone is not ageing gracefully. Instead of being surrounded around peace, love and happiness.

Their suffocating in misery.

Retirement within the Population

The population affected by retirement would be the men and the women who are most likely in their sixties. They retire for many reasons, the main one being health issues. The article Effect of Health on Retirement of Older Americans: A competing Risk Study says, “Physical and mental health problems are both impediments to continued work”. Which results in polices being made for the older population retaining them from the job force.

Not only does this happen in America but in many places such as Japan. The article The Effect of the husbands retirement on the wife’s mental health says “We also find that retirement has a negative effect both on the household’s economic situation and on the husband’s own mental health”. For these seniors they are forced to give up work without a backup plan. Their thrown back into the world more confused than ever.

Retirement and Culture

Influence of culture in the perception of retirement has been shaped by their own cultural background.

Get quality help now

Sweet V

Verified

Proficient in: Culture

4.9 (984)

“ Ok, let me say I’m extremely satisfy with the result while it was a last minute thing. I really enjoy the effort put in. ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

Baby boomers or men and women who were born 1946 through 1964 are now on their way to retirement if not have already retired. They are the first generation to retire. In some cultures, like Caucasians it is mandatory for men to be the “bread winner” for the family and once they retire things start spiraling downhill. They feel as though they have lost their place in society and in the family. Rather than the African American culture most times both the male and female contribute by working, which minimizes the amount of stress that other cultures might face.

Role of the Social Worker

The role of the social worker when dealing with older people who are experiencing the downfalls of retirement can be difficult. The social worker would have to have a good approach so that he or she would feel comfortable to open up to them. In the article Culture and Context of Ageing in the United States it states, “For most of U.S. history mental health disorders were viewed as a matter of personal weakness and a cause of shame for both the individual and family”. Most of time elders rather not tell anyone what they are going through. Mental health problems can be embarrassing to talk about to a social worker, a friend or even a family member. Being understanding is key because as a social worker seeming like a relatable person will make anyone willing to talk. Also letting them know they aren’t alone and coming up with strategies, so they won’t feel that way would be the best idea.

Solution to the Effects of Retirement

The problem with retirement within mental health is that it is a rising issue within the society. The number of older adults will continue to increase so therefore the demand for help will also. Ageism is real. Elderly people are categorized as unattractive, dependent and old. People are less willing to help them out because of this. I believe that more community services towards the elderly should be provided or even clubs that would advocate for them in remaining apart of the society as long as possible will make a difference.