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There is often a direct correlation between retirement and relationship problems

It is also suggested that a lack of purposeful activity could lead to depression, early death and even suicide, for some.

‘Retirement can spark marital discord and depression’ – a study by Cornell University psychologists (Source: BBC News 1999)  

Jungmeen Kim and Phyllis Moen, who studied 534 married men and women between the ages of 50 and 74, found that men who retired while their wives were still working showed a higher level of marital stress then newly retired men whose wives did not work.

The happiest men were the ones who found another job and whose wives were not working.

“Those who are retired and reemployed report the highest morale and lowest depression,” said Kim.

Men who stay retired fare worst in terms of depression and low morale.

 

Women are also at risk

Among women, starting retirement posed a risk of depression, especially if their husbands were still working – but getting another job did not help.

This contradicts the findings of other studies, which have found that when both partners were retired, they are happier because they can have more time together and do things they’ve long to do for years and years.

Ms Kim said that men who go back to work after they retire usually take a job because they want to.

“When retired women re-join the work force, they usually have to do it for financial reasons,” she said. Other research suggests that the elderly are the most vulnerable to depression.

Approximately 17% of elderly people in the UK are thought to suffer from it, and the elderly are most likely to commit suicide.

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