Expert says most retirees will go through 4 phases — and 2 can be stressful and draining. Here's how to turn things around in 2025

Feeling lost

Dr Moynes describes feeling lost as the second stage of retirement, which many people enter after getting bored with the first stage — the honeymoon period they experience after leaving the workforce. The honeymoon period involves doing the activities you always dreamed of but never had the time. It can feel like a permanent vacation, but eventually, you get bored and don't know what to do.

For many retirees, work provides a sense of purpose and social connections, which explains why almost one in three retirees end up suffering from depression, per one study. Feelings of sadness can hit once you realize that the things you thought would sustain your interest for the rest of your life don’t cut it as a work replacement.

The good news is that you don't have to live with unhappiness if you aren't sure what to do with your time and energy. You have many options to turn things around, from going back to work in some capacity to starting a business to volunteering or becoming involved in political causes you care about.

You'll have to make a conscious plan for what you want the rest of your life to look like, but doing that can enable you to draw a roadmap out of the wilderness so retirement becomes enjoyable again.

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Trial and error

The experimentation phase is another identified by Dr. Moynes and comes after feeling lost and without purpose. At this point, you'll likely be doing all the things mentioned above — trying out some ways to fill your days and find meaning.

There's nothing wrong with exploring different avenues to identify what works for you. Unfortunately, sometimes, people may make choices during this phase that have long-term implications — which aren’t always positive. They can also get stuck in this phase and never regain their footing.

To overcome the downsides of the trial and error phase, avoid making significant and drastic lifestyle changes without talking to a therapist or otherwise analyzing your motivation. Stick to the activities you try for long enough to see if they have a meaningful positive impact. Also, find ways to create positive social connections with your community, as a strong network can be a factor in a successful retirement.

By recognizing that most people go through these phases, you'll know what to expect and are less likely to be caught off guard or find your life derailed when you retire. Stay focused on the future and build a secure financial and social life so you can move onto the last phase of retirement: the sweet spot.