Adult offspring rely on parents less as they establish an independent life. Older adults approaching retirement begin to rely on adult offspring more. Friendships also change as people age, particularly after they retire. Friendships established at work will fade and dissolve if based on work only. In order to maintain friendships after retirement, individuals should cultivate their outside interests and make new friends, or perhaps pursue outside interests with work friends so that there is a basis for friendship other than the workplace.
Retirement provides opportunities for new relationships, and for personal and spiritual growth.
But it can also be a painful time plagued with problems, particularly for a person who is unprepared to deal with this life-change. Possible dangers for the retired person include isolation, procrastination, imbalance, depression, and the abuse of alcohol and other drugs. To avoid such dangers, the person approaching retirement should examine his or her personal needs and goals for retirement and make plans for fulfilling them. Retirement definitely does not mark the end of a one s useful life. In fact, many retired people go on to second careers or find fulfillment in volunteer work.