To All Retired Members of Service:

 The Health and Wellness Section wants you to remember that we are here for you. You have been through many transitions in your career from the academy, to field training, from patrol to other assignments throughout your law enforcement career, and now retirement. We want you to continue to feel supported and prepared. The Health and Wellness Section provides ongoing resources to access as needed.

The retirement process marks the beginning of a period of change that can affect your routines, quality of life, and overall well-being. While it can be an exciting and positive time, hardships can also be common during the transition. Having a support network and resources in place can ease the process.

Whether you are approaching retirement or already retired, it is never too late to plan. Your plan should be flexible and leave space for changing circumstances. There are a few important domains to focus on including mental health, resource awareness, building a support network, financial wellness, and identifying personal goals for retirement. The Health and Wellness Section offers supportive resources in all of these areas.

Retirement may impact our mental health and well-being. Some common hardships related to retirement can include financial stress. Additionally, the change in routine, perceived loss of identity and daily structure can affect our self-worth. Some people may experience depression and start to process a long career with related cumulative stress or trauma. Feeling conflicted about retirement is common, resulting in both feelings of relief along with loss. Processing any residual stress or trauma from one’s career can be an important step toward a healthy retirement. Seeking assistance through individual therapy, a support group, peer support, or faith-based group is available. Please see the resources below.

Financial counseling and support can be key in this transition to reduce financial stress. Developing strategies to live within your means in this new chapter is key to a comfortable lifestyle. Understanding ongoing benefits including pension, health benefits, and life insurance is also necessary to anticipate any ongoing out of pocket costs along with future needs. Check out our videos and resources below to support your financial well-being.

Prioritizing fitness, nutrition, and yoga are great strategies to boost overall wellness. Law enforcement officers are at a higher risk for various health conditions given the inherent stress exposure in law enforcement work. Staying active and dedicated to your nutrition, sleep, and exercise practices can mitigate some of these health conditions. Yoga is also a beneficial practice for overall mental and physical well-being. A variety of available resources to support you during your retirement journey are detailed below.