New Scientific Evidence Supports The Importance Of Transition Planning

New research investigating the causes of ageing has provided new information about the major sources of continued mental and physical health and well-being in the later stages of life, and what we can do to improve these years for ourselves. Here are three of the specific ways in which this scientific evidence has pointed to the importance of transition planning.

Your Brain Continues To Grow

Scientists have recently discovered that no matter how old you are your brain will continue to grow. The ability of your brain to continually grow new nerve cells and create new connections between them allows you to keep learning and expanding your brain’s ability. This is called neuroplasticity. What this means for people considering retirement is that it is important to consider seriously, how you will find ways to continue to challenge your brain outside of your working life.

Your Intellectual & Emotional Well-Being Affects Your Physical Health

Another discovery that directly proves the importance of transition planning is that research has proven a link between our emotional well-being and our physical health. While work can be stressful at times, it has been proven that leaving work can be as, if not more, emotionally stressful and cause poor health for those who are not properly prepared.

Relationship & Social Connections Can Affect Your Emotional & Physical Well-Being

Scientists have found evidence to support that fact that our social relationships can affect our physical health and well-being. New research has shown that people who have supportive relationships or are part of a supportive community tend to be physically healthier than people who are socially isolated or lonely. it is well documented that having supportive social connections helps reduce the harmful effects of stress on the mind and body. People with supportive social relationships tend to get sick less often and heal more quickly. Research has also suggested that people who engage in regular social relationships are less likely to develop alzheimers than people who are lonely. It is, therefore, important that before entering retirement you make an effort to create social connections outside of your career.

What this new information shows us is that transition planning in crucial to a happy and healthy retirement. The decisions we make about what we will do in retirement and the extent to which we go to create personal goals and make solid plans for our future will directly affect our health and happiness in the next stage of our lives.