Medical Minute: Preparing Yourself For Retirement

This year, more than 11,000 Americans are turning 65-years-old every day, an all-time record.

The golden years can be relaxing and rewarding, but doctors say they can also come with big changes that can impact mental health.

For years, Patty Ryan avoided thinking about retirement, the idea alone made her anxious.

But last year, at 70-years-old, she decided it was time.

“All of a sudden it was, like I said, it took a long time, maybe almost 49 years, but I think I’m burning out,” Ryan said.

Ryan is part of a wave of retirees. A record 4.1 million Americans will turn 65 this year.

Doctor Gary Small says preparing for that change is important for brain health.

“If you don’t have enough mental challenge, it can accelerate that cognitive decline and increase the risk for dementia or Alzheimer's disease,” Dr. Small said.

A recent NIH study found more than 40 percent of Americans 60 and older feel lonely. Leaving the workplace can mean losing contact with friends.

“Loneliness causes all kinds of health problems, particularly mental health problems,” Dr. Small said. “It leads to higher risk of depression. If you get depressed, you have higher risk of physical problems.”

But some find retirement invigorating.

“[I’m] very surprised how much I like not working,” Ryan said. “Very surprised.”

Ryan has been baking, spending more time with her husband, taking up pickleball and forming new friendships.

"You have to search you, you have to be proactive,” Ryan said. “You can't, it just doesn't come to you."