Retirement
I am now at the cusp of turning 50 and thoughts of 'retirement' have started creeping in my mind. The question is, "retirement from what?" The dictionary meaning of retirement is 'the action or fact of leaving one's job and ceasing to work'. This interpretation seems outdated now. A few centuries ago when lifespans were shorter, human beings could take the liberty of withdrawing from active life and take up vaanaprasthashram. But now all contexts have changed with improved lifespans. Man's quest of extending life is yielding results. It is now very common to find 'elderly' people of 60 and above leading a very active life.
A man can never truly retire. As long as one is breathing, and is having reasonably good health, man continues to be active, one way or the other. Not all occupations would be pleasing. Many retired people are now relegated to looking after empty houses as the younger folks stay away for long hours due to work. They are also expected to look after the toddlers and children if no arrangements are possible for looking after them. Such activities seldom keep a person happy. Seniors are not really looking forward to the next day of doing the same things again and again in loop. To keep boredom and weariness at bay people have to really be honest with themselves and figure out what really makes them happy. It could be anything right from gardening, craft, painting, writing, roaming around, yog, languages, cooking... absolutely anything under the sun. One has to develop some kind of an alternate activity or a hobby so that time can be put to good use after you are forced to retire after reaching the milestone of 60. This is what will keep you going. To cite a few examples, there is so much to learn from Dr. Thatte. At 82, he still exhibits the enthusiasm of a person a quarter of his age. His quest for knowledge and humility keep his brain cells active. He is a renowned plastic surgeon, a philosopher, writer, orator, now a gardener, social activist.... so many things bundled in a single person. Satish Joshi from our society also has kept himself active after he turned 60. He cycles everyday, arranges musical programmes and talk shows which keep him entertained and busy.
Financial stability is a very important factor as one would not like to be dependent on his or her offspring in our later years. Moderate exercise is also necessary so that medical bills are kept in check.
A person has to be active, one way or the other. Stopping and not doing anything is death.
A man can never truly retire. As long as one is breathing, and is having reasonably good health, man continues to be active, one way or the other. Not all occupations would be pleasing. Many retired people are now relegated to looking after empty houses as the younger folks stay away for long hours due to work. They are also expected to look after the toddlers and children if no arrangements are possible for looking after them. Such activities seldom keep a person happy. Seniors are not really looking forward to the next day of doing the same things again and again in loop. To keep boredom and weariness at bay people have to really be honest with themselves and figure out what really makes them happy. It could be anything right from gardening, craft, painting, writing, roaming around, yog, languages, cooking... absolutely anything under the sun. One has to develop some kind of an alternate activity or a hobby so that time can be put to good use after you are forced to retire after reaching the milestone of 60. This is what will keep you going. To cite a few examples, there is so much to learn from Dr. Thatte. At 82, he still exhibits the enthusiasm of a person a quarter of his age. His quest for knowledge and humility keep his brain cells active. He is a renowned plastic surgeon, a philosopher, writer, orator, now a gardener, social activist.... so many things bundled in a single person. Satish Joshi from our society also has kept himself active after he turned 60. He cycles everyday, arranges musical programmes and talk shows which keep him entertained and busy.
Financial stability is a very important factor as one would not like to be dependent on his or her offspring in our later years. Moderate exercise is also necessary so that medical bills are kept in check.
A person has to be active, one way or the other. Stopping and not doing anything is death.
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