Now that Sir Alex Ferguson has finally called it a day, Kate Whiting considers the effect retirement from a busy work life can have on a person’s health and marriage

WHEN Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement as manager of Manchester United, he paid tribute to his wife, Cathy, who has been his “bedrock of stability and encouragement" throughout his 27-year tenure at the club.

In fact, it was Cathy who apparently encouraged the 71-year-old Scotsman to keep going for another decade after he initially decided to retire back in 2001 at the age of 60 – even though she was fed up with football and had asked him to hide his trophies.

As it turns out, she was doing his health an enormous favour because, according to new research, retirement increases the likelihood of suffering from depression by 40 per cent while the chances of being diagnosed with a physical condition rise by 60 per cent.

Immobility and inactivity can lead to physical problems, while loneliness and a lack of purpose can lead to mental stresses and depression.

The study, by the Institute of Economic Affairs and the Age Endeavour Fellowship, showed there was a small boost in health immediately after retirement, but over the long term it deteriorated.

‘‘There should be no ‘normal’ retirement age in future,”

says fellowship chairman Edward Datnow. “More employers need to consider how they will capitalise on Britain’s untapped grey potential and those seeking to retire should think very hard about whether it is their best option.’’ With the default male retirement age of 65 having now been phased out by the Government, meaning people can work as long as they like without being discriminated against by their employers, those for whom working is a way of life, like Sir Alex, can keep doing what they love, health permitting.

But it can sometimes be a way of putting off the inevitable – after having a rigid work routine for decades, some people find the idea of retirement slightly terrifying.

For long-married couples – Sir Alex and Cathy have been married 47 years and have three sons and 11 grandchildren – particularly where one partner has been a workaholic, retirement can also raise the daunting prospect of suddenly spending a lot more time with someone who you might not know as well as you used to.

Sharing the same space as each other for longer periods of time can heighten those little things that annoy you about each other and create tensions.

Being a manager was much, much more than a day job for Sir Alex. It was his vocation. But it took its toll on his marriage to Cathy, three years his senior. From the day he was appointed back in 1986, they saw less and less of each other. He admits he forgot birthday and Christmas presents and she once tore up a cheque he’d popped into a Christmas card at the last minute.

RETIREMENT is a big change and, as with most big changes in life, most of us need time to adapt. Anticipating potential difficulties in advance and having a plan in place is a good idea.

Staying active, eating the right diet (in particular fruit and vegetables), exercising the brain by doing crosswords and puzzles, keeping in touch with friends, and getting regular health checks are all part of the trick to a happy retirement.

Sir Alex has already said there will be plenty to keep him occupied in retirement. “I have a lot of things to do, a lot of projects,” he has said. “My son, Jason, has been organising a few things, my ambassadorial role at the club and a directorship, so I won’t be sitting still, believe me.”

And then there’s the opportunity to hone his hobbies. “My French is not so bad, my piano playing is not very good, so I may have to get a tutor if I have the time.”

Sir Alex has had a long, successful career in a field he was so passionate about. Few would bet against him being a winner in retirement as well.

  • What are your tips for a successful retirement? Write to Hear All Sides, The Northern Echo, PS Box 14, Priestgate, Darlington DL1 1NF; email: echo@nne.co.uk