Boredom in retirement starts in less than a year

A large number of people who are retired start experiencing boredom after less than a year of finishing employment, according to a new survey.

The research, carried out by retiresavvy.co.uk, surveyed 2,000 people in the UK found that many people are experiencing a retirement that is different from what they had imagined. It revealed that over half (59 per cent) intend to carry on working into their retirement, while more than a third (36 per cent) will be helping other people around them. This was a combination of looking after grandchildren and caring for their own parents.

Around one in five (18 per cent) of those surveyed expected to continue full-time employment even after they’ve hit the retirement age, while a quarter are planning on working part-time to boost their earnings after they have finished work.

The research also found that many older people struggle with their sense of self-worth after they have retired. Job titles can give people structure and meaning so when people retire, it can make it difficult for them to know where they stand.

Although work can be stressful, the study revealed that people often feel a lot of satisfaction and achievement in employment, which they can then struggle to find once they leave employment.

Around 40 per cent of retirees felt they were no longer being pushed and still felt able to do full-time work.

More than a third of respondents said they were fed up with the repetitive nature of retirement and one in five felt completely redundant.

Loneliness, boredom, and the feeling of growing old too quickly were all listed as reasons for why retirement wasn’t as enjoyable as they had imagined.

Doing activities in retirement and taking part in social groups can help improve mental and physical wellbeing for people as they age and leave full-time work.

Andrew Sheen, editor at retiresavvy.co.uk, said the research shows that retirement is what you make it, from relaxing, volunteering, supporting the family or even going back to work.

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