Retirement can be the best of times or the worst of times. What can make the difference, says psychologist Nancy Schlossberg, is planning.

Most people who plan for retirement focus only on their financial portfolio, but they should pay as much attention to their “psychological portfolio,” says Schlossberg, whose book, “Revitalizing Retirement: Reshaping Your Identity, Relationships, and Purpose,” was published in February by the American Psychological Association.

Question: What is a psychological profile?

Answer: Retirement challenges your identity, changes your relationships and may leave you feeling rootless. These three components — identity, relationships and purpose — make up each person’s psychological profile.

Q: Are some people better prepared, emotionally, for retirement than others?

A:The lucky few are those who know exactly what they want to do. (They) start playing around with ideas in advance — what gives them purpose? What will their new mission be?

Q: What steps can people take to get ready?

A:Maybe this is the time to join a volunteer organization, church group or community group and start making new friends or organizational ties. Is there something you’ve always wanted to do? Take a course and try it out. Get involved.

Q: What do we need most for a happy retirement?

A:It is important for people to believe that they count in others’ lives. The loss of the challenge of work and the relationships with colleagues can leave people wondering whether they matter anymore. Figure out ways to bolster your sense that you matter.

Overcome fears of retirement planning. Read books and make notes about new ways to think about your future.

Talk to retirees to explore possible new activities and how to get involved in them.

Consider how you’ll deal with your health and spiritual needs as you grow older.

Identify roadblocks and brainstorm ways to overcome them. Talk with friends, read a book or join a support group, but do something.

Keep a diary. You’ll see if there is a disconnect between what you want to do and how you actually spend your time.

Evaluate where to focus your energy. Uncover your passion and think of strategies to reach your goals.

Take a retirement seminar or course. Think of retirement as an evolution of your career.

Be open to invitations to join in projects or activities.

Get professional help. If taking a class or reading a book isn’t enough, meet with a counselor, therapist or career coach to help you chart a new course.