There's a retirement boom going on in the United States. In the third quarter of 2020, about 28.6 million baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964 said they'd retired.

That's 3.2 million more boomers than retired in the same quarter of 2019. 

If that's you — or soon to be you — it's important to recognize retirement's rough spots, and access its pleasures.

Those who go abruptly from working full-time to complete retirement are especially challenged, according to a study in the journal Work, Aging, and Retirement. Fortunately, many seniors find a solution.

By 2026, around 30% of the labor force will be made up of folks 65 to 74. Working can help you stay emotionally connected and mentally sharp. If you’re interested, go to www.aarp.org and search for "Top 25 Part-Time Jobs for Retirees."

Other smart moves include:

• Joining clubs, taking classes, volunteering, and strengthening relationships with grandkids and family all provide a sense of purpose and enhance self-esteem. Staying socially connected to six people a month will keep you feeling younger.

• Getting 30-plus minutes of exercise and 10,000 steps daily enhances brain function, heart health, and mood.

• Seek professional help if necessary. After age 65, if three major stressful events (retirement? death of a spouse? moving?) go unchecked, it can threaten not only your happiness but your physical health as well. Try counseling and meditation to deal with such events.

Genes account for only about 33 percent of your chance of living to be 85. Healthy behaviors are what really make the difference — and it's never too late to make them part of your life.