Dr. Shobha Nair Dept. of Psychiatry BARC Hospital Happy Retired Life Dr. Shobha Nair Dept. of Psychiatry BARC Hospital

Meaning Attributed to Retirement

Retirement Relocation Reduced Income Role change Routines disrupted

Positive Mental Health is a state of wellbeing/happiness whereby we recognize our abilities cope with the normal stresses of life function fruitfully make a contribution to our family/ community

Outcome of Positive Mental Health Improved Physical health Relationships Quality of life

Is Stress same for everyone? Our vulnerabilities Personality factors Roles we assume Attitudes & Expectations Perception about self Social and environmental factors Social support

Roles we assume

Attitudes and Expectations Work attitude Family’s attitude Attitude towards old age Expectations from self and others

Attitude of the Family

The 3 ‘A’s of Happiness Achievement Affection Happiness Acceptance

Hazards to Happiness Acceptance of cultural stereotype of elderly Poor marital relationship Negative social comparisons Living in the past Unrealistic expectations Clinging to our homes and possessions

Gender Differences in Brain Communication skills Emotional expressivity Emotional memory Ability to suppress anger Understanding social nuances Nurturing skills

What to do ?

Change the way we think Event Consequence A-----B-----C Beliefs

Improve Interpersonal Interaction Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be

Stress Management Techniques

BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL MODEL OF CAUSATION Biological Social Psychological

Common Psychiatric Disorders Depression Anxiety disorders Psychosomatic disorders Dementia Paranoid disorder

Addicting Pills MYTHS ABOUT TREATMENT Sleeping Pills Damage Organs Better Methods of cure Change of Place Yoga, Music Counseling Stop worrying

A positive attitude with realistic expectations will make the retired life happy and contented

Thank you

EMOTION THOUGHT BEHAVIOUR SOCIAL & FUNCTIONAL DECLINE PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESS EMOTION THOUGHT BEHAVIOUR SOCIAL & FUNCTIONAL DECLINE