Studies show that people who choose when to retire are happier than those who retire unexpectedly. Yet for many people, especially in these tough economic times, retirement is forced upon them — often because of job layoffs or health problems.

Those who retire unexpectedly are forced to take stock of their financial and psychological resources and decide what to do next. Important steps…

Create a new “card.” Most of us define ourselves by the work we do. When we meet people, we say things such as, “I’m a professor” or “I’m a cook.” Those who retire unexpectedly have lost their previous “tags.”

At workshops, I ask people to think about what they would put on a postretirement business card. Some write “grandparent,” “world traveler” or “golfer.” Those who are starting second careers might write things such as “consultant” or “landscaper.” How we define ourselves says a lot about the roles we want to assume.

Most of us using this exercise will go through two or three “cards” as we make the transition from who we were to who we are.

Follow your pleasures. Take the time to think about what challenges you and gives you pleasure. Maybe there’s a hobby that you would like to pursue more seriously. Maybe you want to travel or spend more time in the garden or take another job that’s entirely different from the one you had before.

Example: I knew an investigative reporter who worked at the Baltimore Sun. He always had loved painting and hoped one day to become a serious artist. When he retired, he had all the time in the world to pursue this passion. It paid off when a prestigious gallery agreed to show his work.

It’s easier to adjust to an unplanned retirement if you already know what you want to do. But there’s nothing wrong with struggling for a few months — or even a few years — until you find the path that’s right for you.

Form a transition group. Spend time with people who, like you, have ­recently retired. None of us see ourselves as clearly as others see us. If you aren’t sure what you would like to do next, getting feedback from your peers can be very helpful.

Another approach is to work with a career coach. These people are trained to evaluate our strengths and weaknesses, and they can help us move forward.

Keep your connections. Loneliness and social isolation are among the main risks of retirement, particularly when retirement comes unexpectedly.

It is important to keep up with friends and establish friendship bases, activities and places where you can make new friends. These might include church committees or volunteer organizations. The Internet is a great resource. Web sites such as www.meetup.com help people with shared interests — everything from building model ships to wine tasting — plan meetings and get-togethers.

Structure your days. You need a framework to make your days enjoyable and meaningful. Some people make lunch plans every day. Others take classes or go to the health club. Every day, make a list of all the things you would like to do that day. It doesn’t matter if you complete them all, as long as you stay engaged and active. Merely waiting for things to happen almost guarantees that they never will.

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