by Heather Reid

Created on: October 16, 2009

I feel that retirement can be a lot harder for men than it is for women. I am not saying that men value their work any more than women do, but rather that a lot of men feel defined by their work and find it harder for them to let go. On the other hand, most women have worn many "hats" throughout their lives and retiring is just another process in life. Women are very adaptable in reference to the many roles that they have to perform, even on a daily level.

Women who are retiring can now take the time that they may not have been afforded in the past, due to raising a family, running the house, and all of the other activities women do on a day-to-day basis. Retiring can be a blessing to women who take advantage of the time and opportunity it gives you. You can now start that hobby you have been putting off, go on vacations, join a group or club that interests you. The main thing to remember is that there should no longer be any guilt associated with these activities because now, your time is your own.

It is important to do all of things that make you happy and healthy once you retire because the hardest thing for women retirees is the work community in which they have been a part of for so long is now missing. It is important to meet with friends, socialize and go to events where you can still feel like you are involved in your community.

It is rare to find a woman who would not be able to find anything to do after retiring. We are good at always coming up with something that needs to be done - be it around the house or elsewhere. So, that is not an issue - but, feelings of not knowing what to do at certain parts of the day might occur. It is important as a retiree to still keep a schedule so that your time can be utilized most effectively. If you stay up until 3 a.m. every night and sleep until noon you might feel bad and not have a productive day. If this turns into a string of days like this, it could cause depression. Keep active, keep in touch with friends and family and keep a positive attitude. Also, remember that you were and are a valuable member in your community and you deserve to have some "me" time.

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