FYM Beyond the Nest Egg: Psychological Strategies to Prepare for and Thrive During Retirement

Retirement is one of the most significant life transitions an adult will experience, yet preparation is overwhelmingly focused on finances rather than the psychological and social adjustments required for long-term well-being. This presentation examines retirement through a mental health lens, drawing on lifespan developmental theory, empirical research, and clinical work with older adults. The talk reviews common phases of retirement adjustment, risk factors for distress, and why outcomes vary so widely across individuals. Participants are guided through a practical, six-step framework designed to support psychological readiness and post-retirement adjustment, including reflecting on one’s career narrative, envisioning the next life chapter, identifying core needs, strengths, and values, translating insights into flexible goals, building a diverse social portfolio, and avoiding common psychological pitfalls such as loss of structure, anxiety-driven decision-making, and self-limiting beliefs about aging. Emphasis is placed on psychological flexibility, identity reconstruction, and sustaining meaning, competence, and connection beyond paid work. The presentation offers concrete strategies to help individuals not just retire financially prepared, but mentally equipped to thrive.

Presenter Bio: Dr. Julie Erickson is a clinical psychologist, author, and educator dedicated to reshaping how aging is understood in both clinical practice and society. She is the co-author of The Aging Well Workbook for Anxiety and Depression (New Harbinger Publications), a pioneering CBT self-help resource designed specifically for older adults. Dr. Erickson is the founder of a thriving private practice in Toronto, where she provides evidence-based treatment to adults across the lifespan, with expertise in anxiety, mood, OCD, and trauma-related disorders. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at the University of Toronto, where she teaches graduate-level courses in CBT and supervises emerging clinicians. A sought-after speaker and trainer, Dr. Erickson delivers workshops and continuing education programs for mental health professionals across North America, with a focus on adapting CBT for older adult populations. Her scholarly work has appeared in journals including Aging & Mental Health, Depression & Anxiety, and Cognitive and Behavioral Practice.

This session is being recorded.