People of all ages experience major life changes, with transitions often marking a totally new chapter in their lives. From children1 starting school or getting a new sibling to adults starting their first job, getting married and having a child, to seniors retiring and experiencing loss, life is constantly changing.
Shifts as older adults move through the stages of life2 — or life transitions — can be unsettling. For some, these big changes lead to anxiety, stress3 and other unpleasant emotions. This article explores common transitions experienced by older adults and ways to navigate them.
1. Empty Nest
Some adults experience empty nest syndrome4, a term used to describe emotions associated with an older child leaving the family home. Feelings range from sadness and loneliness to grief, fear and a sense of losing life's purpose. Individuals might also feel optimistic about the prospect of having fewer responsibilities and more time to enjoy life.
Self-care5 is especially important at this time. Enjoying more social activities, exercising and taking up a new hobby can be great ways for empty nesters to recenter on themselves. Some find a new purpose in volunteering within the local community. Of course, keeping in touch with children through calls and visits also helps.
2. Retirement
Retirement is a huge milestone for many older adults, often combining feelings of excitement with a sense of loss. Settling into a new normal can be challenging for some, and it's easy to feel unbalanced when routines, deadlines and schedules suddenly end.
However, retirement is a time for seniors to enjoy their golden years. There are endless opportunities out there for establishing new routines and enrichment that suit individual tastes and preferences. For some, taking a part-time job may ease the transition. Others find that celebrating with a special vacation helps to draw a line between the old and new.
Making plans before actually retiring6 is also beneficial. Crucially, individuals should get their finances in order, wind down gradually and start engaging in new activities.
3. Birth of Grandchildren
For many older adults, the birth of a grandchild can bring a renewed sense of meaning as well as joy. However, it's important that people discuss their role, including how hands-on they wish to be, with their child and their partner. Vitally, they also need to accept that the way they raised their children may not be the same7 as how their child is choosing to raise their own new arrival.
For some older adults, the birth of a grandchild may mean their adult child has less free time than before. In such cases, grandparents should look for ways to enjoy their time independently to prevent feeling lonely8 or abandoned.
4. Medical Diagnosis
Although aging doesn't automatically mean poor health, unfortunately, age is a significant risk factor9 for various conditions. This means that many older adults face health issues.
Navigating a negative diagnosis involves a degree of acceptance, alongside self-care and practical planning10 about how to get to medical appointments and complete everyday tasks11. A support network is vital, whether in person or online. Being in touch with those going through a similar issue helps in addition to existing family and friend support.
5. Moving
Older individuals may move home for several reasons. Finances and housekeeping tasks are among the reasons people may choose to downsize, swapping a larger family residence for a smaller, more affordable and manageable home. People may move to a different area of the country for their retirement, sometimes to be near family, for affordability or because of the climate. Others move into a supported living setting, such an assisted living community12.
Preparing to move, practically and mentally, is vital. Sort through possessions early to make the process less overwhelming. For example, decide which furnishings and mementos to keep in advance to avoid feeling pressured at the last minute. Spending time in new areas can also aid familiarity ahead of a move. For those moving to supported living, visiting a few facilities beforehand can reassure them that they've made the best choice.
6. Loss of Spouse or Other Family Member
Unfortunately, aging often brings the painful loss of loved ones. For people in this situation, a reliable support network is crucial. Having emotional support is as important as practical support. Many people benefit from appointments with a professional grief counselor13, and support groups exist for those who've lost dear ones. People with religious beliefs may gain comfort from devotional worship and speaking with a spiritual leader.
As hard as it seems at the time, good nutrition, exercise and social connections can also help people through challenging times. Celebrating the life of a loved one, such as through ceremonies and talking about them, may bring comfort.
7. Loss of Driver's License
Many states impose conditions14 on older drivers. Additionally, individuals tend to reach a stage where it's no longer practical, safe or convenient for them to drive. This can result in a sense of freedom loss and impact day-to-day outings and errands.
However, many areas operate senior transportation services through home care agencies, volunteer-led programs and senior centers15. People can learn about services via their local Area Agency on Aging16.
Life changes might feel difficult, but we hope that the above tips can help older adults find joy and freedom.
References
- Children's Hospital of Orange County – Growth & Development: 6 to 12 Years (School Age)
- VeryWell Mind – Erikson's Stages of Development
- Medline Plus – Stress and your health
- VeryWell Family – 5 Signs and Symptoms of Empty Nest Syndrome
- Collegiate Parent – Caring for Yourself as the Nest Begins to Empty
- U.S. Department of Labor – Top 10 Ways to Prepare for Retirement
- The Atlantic – The Unspoken Wedge Between Parents and Grandparents
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation – Trends in Loneliness Among Older Adults from 2018-2023
- National Library of Medicine – Ageing as a risk factor for disease
- Mayo Clinic Health System – 8 tips for coping with a serious diagnosis
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – Activities of Daily Living
- Caring – What is Assisted Living?
- American Psychological Association – Grief: Coping with the loss of your loved one
- Governors Highway Safety Association – Mature Drivers
- The National Council on Aging – Get the Facts on Senior Centers
- HyEldercare Locator – Area Agencies on Aging
