Rosalind Evans
Retirement planning often focuses on finances: how to invest, how much to save, when to claim Social Security, and the best ways to withdraw funds from accounts. However, important aspects that are frequently overlooked are social life and personal relationships. Harvard professor Robert Waldinger says these are crucial for a long and happy life.
The Importance of Relationships in Retirement
Finances are a pressing concern in retirement, with approximately 2 out of 3 people fearing running out of money more than death, according to a recent Allianz Life survey. However, the lack of attention to the social aspect of retirement is notable. Robert Waldinger, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, states that good relationships are the “strongest predictor” of a long and healthy life, even more so than health factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol.
How Stress Affects Our Health
Relationships play a crucial role in preventing and relieving stress. When stressed, their body goes into fight-or-flight mode, increasing heart rate. Waldinger explains that having someone to talk to at the end of the day helps the body calm down and return to equilibrium. The lack of this interaction can lead to an increase in stress hormones, contributing to health problems like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.
The Transition to Retirement and Stress
The transition to retirement can be a significant source of stress. According to David Sbarra, a psychology professor at the University of Arizona, this transition involves an “identity upheaval” that can be difficult to manage and affect physical health. The quality of relationships plays a crucial role in regulating stress during this period.
The Role of Money in Retirement Happiness
While finances are essential for happiness in retirement, they are not everything. Yochai Shavit, director of research at the Stanford University Center on Longevity, notes that social capital is as necessary as financial capital. Planning our social and emotional connections can be as crucial as planning our finances.
Three Steps to Strengthen Your Relationships
The Harvard study highlights that the quality of relationships matters more than quantity. Waldinger suggests three steps to improve social connections: assess whether you have enough people you feel connected to, enhance existing relationships, and form new connections. Engaging in activities you enjoy with new people can facilitate the creation of new friendships.
Retirement planning should not focus solely on finances. Social relationships play a vital role in long-term health and happiness. As Waldinger mentions, “Relationships are messy and complicated, and the hard work of tending to family and friends is lifelong. It never ends.” Therefore, paying attention to this often overlooked but essential aspect of retirement is crucial.
