Thriving in Retirement

Retirement can be a profound transition, marked by both excitement and uncertainty. No two journeys toward retirement are the same. For many men, it’s not just a shift in routine but a significant change in identity and purpose.

It is important to maintain mental wellbeing during this important life transition.

GETTING SUPPORT

When people talk about being prepared for retirement, the conversation usually focuses on financial readiness – but what about planning for the psychological adjustment and mental challenges faced during this life transition? We have teamed up with mental health and wellbeing researcher Jackson Mason Stephens who has developed a two-session workshop series specifically for Old Haleians called Thriving in Retirement: a wellbeing toolkit for the next chapter.

The Thriving in Retirement workshop is available to Old Haleians as part of the EMPOWER program and offers an engaging and interactive space for retirees (or those approaching retirement) to explore what it means to live well beyond work. Through guided reflection, practical activities, and structured goal setting, participants can experiment with a range of wellbeing approaches and identify those that resonate most with their personal goals and lifestyle. Additionally, group discussions allow participants to benefit from shared insights, collaboration, and learning from one other’s unique experiences.

Thriving in Retirement

Thriving in Retirement Workshop Series

These practical, evidence-based workshops commence with building foundational knowledge including addressing the common challenges often faced by men, establishing a mental wellbeing toolkit, and then empowering individuals with practical strategies and resources which lead to effective habit formation.

Topics covered include:

  • Foundations of wellbeing – What is mental wellbeing and what contributes to it
  • Common challenges faced in retirement – The four phases of retirement and how to avoid common pitfalls.
  • Science-backed wellbeing strategies – Psychological strategies to improve your wellbeing.
  • Physical activity – The mind-body connection and how it can be used to promote overall health.
  • Social connection and relationships – Simple communication strategies to maintain relationships.
  • Goal and habit formation – Deciding what you want to do and how to stick to it.

 

When are the workshops conducted:

  • These complimentary 2-part workshops are conducted in a group setting at Hale School and are repeated twice per year.
  • Each workshop series consists of two separate sessions: starting with a full one-day workshop, followed three weeks later with a half-day workshop. The next workshop dates are below:
    • ​part a – full day workshop (9am-3pm): Sunday 8 November.​
    • part b – half day workshop (9am-12pm): Sunday 29 November.
REGISTER HERE

The workshop triggered the right discussion at the right time. After spending years financially preparing for retirement it was a great forum to listen, share & learn how I can physically & mentally thrive in the next chapter. The group setting was particularly useful – despite our different careers many of us are in the same boat working out how to create a rewarding post work life. The facilitation was excellent at prompting & guiding the discussion.

Jason C

ABOUT OUR PRESENTER

Jackson Mason Stephens completed his Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), at Flinders University. He is currently a Forrest Scholar undertaking a Doctor of Philosophy at The University of Western Australia.  His PhD research is focused on the mental health and wellbeing outcomes associated with decentering – a facet of mindfulness that involves taking an observer perspective of internal emotional experiences.

Jackson is an experienced facilitator of mental health and wellbeing programs across WA is also affiliated with MensTalk.

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