Future planning and our mental health

Looking after our mental health is important at all ages, but it can be even more significant when we get older. As we move into new stages of our life, with it comes unique challenges.

A recent study by Age UK found that 42% of those in their 50s reported feeling more anxious over the previous 12 months, higher than other age groups polled.

So, what can be done to give people better peace of mind in their later years? We've explored some of the solutions.

Preparing for change

With the removal of a statutory retirement age, people have the option to work later in life. This provides many opportunities like working part-time or changing to flexible working hours.

If you do choose to retire, you can still lead a busy and fulfilled life. Friends and family may have plans for how you can use your time, filling it with anything from childcare to home improvement tasks.

It's also important to make time for your own interests. See this as a chance to try a new activity or learn new skills.

Keeping in touch

Friends can help to keep you on track when life becomes difficult. It can be easy to lose touch with people, especially if their life seems busy.

Having friends is a positive way to maintain good emotional health, even when doing so may sometimes seem like hard work.

Don’t become detached from those who are important to you – it’s never too late to reach out to old friends. Alternatively, you could consider volunteering with younger people or helping out at a local school.

Staying active

As well as allow you to maintain a healthy weight, exercise can provide many other benefits such as boosting self-esteem, promoting a good sleep pattern and providing the opportunity to meet others.

Being active doesn’t just mean going to the gym. Dog walking, gardening or joining a walking group are also great ways to get some exercise in. They don’t cost much money either.

Having a plan

Naturally, there are considerations that come with later life such as retirement, pensions and writing a will writing. That’s when it is good to have a plan.

A plan can help you think through all the aspects of a problem or situation. By preparing one, you're likely to expose and deal with many of your worries in advance.