Retirement is a part of life, not the end of life

By Aavesh Anand

I live in an apartment complex where over 10% of the population is retired. You get to see the same old faces every morning when you go out for a morning walk. They look tired and worn out. Some of them even look haggard as if retirement has taken away their desire to live.

The looks don’t change when you visit their homes or meet them at a social event. There is an air of resignation. The joy, the verve is missing.

You can see the disinterest in their unshaven faces or the way they dress. Their clothes, which fitted them well once, now hang loosely over their shrinking frames. But it no longer matters to them.

I wonder why they are doing this to themselves. Why can’t they accept retirement gracefully? No one works for ever.

Neglect can’t stop the ageing process. It only accelerates decline. So, what should you do if you must stop existing and start living again?

Here are some of the practices that I recommend:

The first is that you must find a pastime, a hobby to engage yourself. Today, the Internet has opened a big window of opportunity. If you are a bridge lover, you can join online bridge games. They will keep you busy. Those who love chess can spend hours deciding their next move. The mind will stay active, and time will fly away.

The second is that you should not allow yourself to go out of shape. Try and maintain a semblance of discipline. If you were a gym enthusiast, you must continue your exercises. If you loved cycling then you should continue to cycle. You need not overexert yourself, but you must keep yourself fit. You can always turn to yoga or some freehand exercises. They will make you feel happier and cheerful.

The third is break away from the past. Don’t pine for the life that is over. Make a new life. This can be something as simple as going to a mall and soaking in the sounds, light and the energy that pervades the big malls. You will feel energised, and your mid will find a reason to escape from the past.

The fourth is to socialise. Find men and women of your age and who share similar interests. Start meeting together on a regular basis.  You will be surprised how it changes your worldview post-retirement and improves your self-esteem. You will start feeling wanted again and looking forward to life.

Retirement is a part of life, not the end of life. Don’t let it break your spirit.

Read also: Retired life is a blessing, live it to the full