Pursue a new passion

TRYING SOMETHING NEW LATER IN LIFE CAN SEEM SCARY, BUT THE BENEFITS ARE ALMOST ENDLESS, SAYS CAMILLA FOSTER

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Here, Dr Anna Saunders, consultant clinical psychologist and director of clinical operations at the Chelsea Psychology Clinic, shares some of the key benefits of pursuing a new passion later in life.

Helps you create a new identity

Starting a new hobby in retirement can help you create a new sense of identity by adding new facets to your personality beyond your former professional roles.

"Often our identity is very tied up in our job, so it’s important to think about how we step away from that in retirement and find new things to fill in and develop structure in our lives," says Dr Saunders. "I've read The Thursday Club Murder books and that is exactly what happens. They get a new life and a new sense of who they are with their passion."

Helps build structure and routine

"Work gives us structure, you have to wake up at a certain time and be in the office at a set time. So, in retirement having a new passion can bring that structure back into your day," says Dr Saunders.

"There’s something about having an external structure and routine that gives you a sense of purpose. It means you have to engage in activities of daily living such as brushing your teeth, eating, washing. If there is no routine, all of these things can fall away.

"Having that structure allows you to feel competent and able, which helps you feel good about yourself."

Sparks excitement