Retirement carries a risk of what sociologists call social death. Social death is not inevitable. Remaining socially engaged is the key to flourishing in retirement. Social death can be turned into social rebirth, setting the occasion for a meaningful retirement.

     Here are some steps that can be taken:

     Actively seek out new social relationships. Find ways to remain involved in your profession. Remain intellectually engaged. Maintain or increase your physical activity. Exercise helps maintain brain health. Moreover, many forms of exercise include social interactions. Be grateful for the past and optimistic for the future.

See for more information — “Retirement and Relationships.” Psychology Today (2025).