Did you know that 9 in 10 (91%) former NHS staff are struggling to put themselves first in retirement? Many are still working and caring in some form, either taking care of family and friends or volunteering to help others.
Backed by actor, presenter, Loose Woman and keen charity supporter Linda Robson, we can exclusively reveal these survey results following in-depth research of 6,203 retired NHS workers.
Unable to stop giving back
1 in 2 (50%) former NHS staff are spending their days giving back to the community, with just under half (46%) so committed, they’re also taking up unpaid volunteering.
Showing the caring trait to be deep rooted, 69% say it’s in their nature, whilst others enjoy the continued sense of purpose (61%), the social interaction that came with their NHS job (45%) and for nearly a third, it’s being a part of something bigger than themselves.
The lifelong bond of those devoted to caring is clear, as two thirds of NHS retirees still see their ex-colleagues and 35% miss their NHS community.
Linda Robson speaks out
""I understand the importance of giving back to the community through my work with the Charlie Gard Foundation, climbing Ben Nevis for Children with Cancer or participating in memory walks for the Alzheimer's Society – it’s hugely rewarding. It's wonderful to see that our NHS heroes, who have dedicated their lives to helping others, are still doing so even after they retire. However, it’s vital that our NHS retirees do exactly that… enjoy their retirement.
“They don’t need to stop volunteering or caring, that’s who they are and we’re all hugely grateful for that, but it’s time to let others help them too. Retiring is hard when you can’t stop caring, but keeping in touch with their valued community, knowing it’s OK to put themselves first occasionally and taking a step back to appreciate all those they’ve helped through a lifetime of hard work are just some of ways to enjoy this next well-earned life chapter.”
Embracing retirement
To help and inspire former NHS workers transition into retirement, we’ve created some top tips to help our members make the most of their new life chapter.
- Stay connected: Maintain connections with former colleagues, friends and family. Consider joining community clubs or volunteer groups that align with your interests.
- Hobbies and skills: Whether it’s painting, gardening or writing, engage in hobbies or learn new skills you may have had limited time for during your career
- Self care: Look after your mind and body by staying active. If you can practice mindfulness, meditation or simply enjoy walks in nature.
- Prioritise yourself: It can be very rewarding to volunteer or help out with friends and family, but remember, you’ve worked hard and it’s now your turn to enjoy time to yourself. It’s great to say yes, but it’s also okay to say ‘not this time’ occasionally.
- Education: Take up new learning opportunities. Many universities offer courses for seniors, sometimes at reduced rates or for free.
- Travel: If possible, take the time to travel and explore new places. Blue Light Card offers a variety of holiday discounts including booking services and flight savings.
- Goals: Set personal goals, whether they are related to fitness, travel or learning new skill, having something to work towards can be motivating.
- Relaxation: Enjoy the simple pleasures of life, such as spending time with loves ones, enjoying good food or watching the sunrise.
