Written by Becky Yarwood
Edited by Thuy-vy Nguyen
Source: ‘Alone Time in the Golden Age: Pre-Retiree and Retiree Experiences of Solitude’ (Manuscript in Preparation)
Retirement marks a significant transition, bringing major lifestyle changes that can feel both liberating and challenging. For many, it is a time of newfound freedom—an opportunity to rest, explore personal interests, and embrace a slower pace of life.
When we spoke to individuals who had retired or were planning to, we noticed a common theme: their experience of solitude shifted in ways that made their alone time feel more fulfilling and valuable. Here’s how retirement can lead to a richer, more meaningful relationship with solitude.
The Quality of Solitude Improves
For some retirees, solitude in this new phase of life feels different—not just in quantity but in quality. With fewer demands on their time, many find they can engage in activities they truly enjoy, from hobbies to quiet reflection, making their time alone feel more purposeful.
"When I used to work, my instinct was always about work, work, work. But now, at least I can switch off and focus on other things."
Without the pressure of a packed schedule, solitude transforms from something that happens in the gaps between responsibilities to something retirees can actively shape and enjoy.
Solitude Becomes More Natural
Before retirement, many felt that alone time was either forced—due to exhaustion from work—or difficult to come by. But after stepping away from structured work life, solitude often begins to flow more naturally as part of the daily rhythm.
"Now that I’ve retired, solitude comes more naturally. When I was working, it was a struggle to find alone time. But now, without that stress in the back of my mind, it just happens—almost instinctively. I use this time to calm myself."
Rather than feeling like an absence of activity, solitude starts to feel like an integral and enjoyable part of life.
Freedom to Choose How to Spend Solitude
One of the biggest shifts retirees experience is a greater sense of control over their time. No longer bound by a rigid work schedule, they have more autonomy in deciding how they spend their alone time. Instead of using it to catch up on work or obligations, they can fill it with meaningful activities of their choosing.
"I suppose it does free you up in that way—you’ve got more flexibility without needing to stick to someone else’s schedule. There’s an advantage to being by yourself when you can decide how you want to spend your time."
For many, this newfound freedom fosters a sense of balance, making solitude something to be enjoyed rather than managed.
A Deeper Appreciation for Solitude
As solitude becomes more intentional and enjoyable, many retirees find themselves appreciating it more than they did before. Some report feeling a sense of personal growth—gaining confidence and independence through their time alone.
"I think you gain a confidence where it wouldn’t bother me to go into any restaurant and have a meal on my own. That wasn’t always the case before. I think it comes with being happy with yourself and the time you have."
The ability to enjoy one’s own company, without needing external validation, can be a rewarding outcome of retirement.
Embracing Solitude in Retirement
Retirement brings both opportunities and challenges. While it offers the freedom to shape one's daily life, the transition can be complicated, requiring adjustments in routine, social connections, and personal identity. Some retirees in our study struggled initially with increased alone time, particularly when combined with financial uncertainty or the loss of structured work life. This sometimes can lead to boredom and loss of meaning.
A key concern for retirees was financial security—worries about pensions, savings, and the ability to maintain their lifestyle influenced how they experienced solitude. Financial constraints sometimes limited their ability to engage in activities they enjoyed, making alone time feel isolating rather than fulfilling. Meanwhile, changes in social relationships also shaped retirees' experiences. Some found it difficult to maintain pre-retirement friendships, while others sought out new social networks to balance their time alone.
However, we also identified resilience factors that helped retirees embrace solitude positively. These included:
Balancing solitude and social interaction: Retirees who intentionally scheduled social time alongside solitude reported greater satisfaction.
Establishing routines: A structured daily rhythm, including hobbies, exercise, and meaningful activities, helped maintain a sense of purpose.
Feeling safe and secure: Having a comfortable space for solitude and access to financial or social support made alone time more enjoyable.
Companionship from pets: Some retirees found that having a pet provided emotional comfort, a sense of routine, and even opportunities for social interaction, such as connecting with other pet owners. We have previously discussed the benefits of pet companionship here.
While solitude in retirement is not always easy, many retirees eventually found ways to make it a source of renewal and self-discovery.
Does this resonate with you? Have you noticed a shift in how you experience solitude after retirement? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your perspective.
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