How To Help Your Parents Adjust To Retirement

By: M. Kaye Hash

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Even though your parents helped you through life, there often comes a time when you have to help them, such as learning to how to help your parents adjust to retirement. Going from one phase of life to another is such a huge adjustment that you should not leave your parents to figure it out on their own if they are having trouble. It is also important to find a balance, as you do not want to be seen by your parents, as interfering with their life.

Talk with your parents. You cannot help your parents adjust to retirement if you do not know how they are adjusting. Ask how they spend their days, who they have spent time with recently, and look for signs of depression.
Encourage hobbies. To help your parents adjust to retirement suggest they take up a hobby. Ask them if they have ever wanted to learn to use the computer or learn how to play tennis. Help them find a class or a group if they do not know where to start.
Suggest a part-time job. Some parents may not want to transition into full retirement or may not find it financially feasible. Bring up working part time as an alternative to not working at all. Suggest a job related to their previous career or something completely new and different.
Invite your parents out. If your parents are appearing to have a difficult time adjusting to retirement, do not let them sit at home alone. Ask them out to dinner alone, or with the whole family, or invite them to your child’s events such as soccer games or school productions.
Discuss retirement communities. A parent that is overwhelmed in retirement may find they adjust better in a retirement community rather than taking care of a house and property. This can be a touchy subject so only bring it up if there seems to be no other option.
Stay out of their way. Most parents adjust to retirement without a hitch and may disagree if you try to interfere. Let them do what they want, as long as they are not harming themselves or others, as they are still your parents and know what is best for them.