ABSTRACT
This chapter considers some of the psychological, emotional and behavioural challenges that may be involved in the transitional period and provides some constructive ways for addressing these based on a cognitive and behavioural psychological approach. The transition from working life to retirement, like any other significant lifespan changes, may pose significant practical and psychological challenges. The psychological impact of facing some of these challenges may include: increased fear, worry and anxiety, loss, grief and bereavement, low mood, increased negative thoughts, sleep problems and addictions and alcohol dependency. Cognitive behavioural therapy is a modern, practical and evidence-based model. The model suggests that in any given situation there are four aspects that are going on that dictate how readers experience that situation: Thoughts, Feelings, Behaviour and Body. Training oneselves to be more aware of unhelpful thinking processes and learning to challenge them based on the evidence available can enable them to minimise unwanted experiences of stress and anxiety.
