MANAGING LIFE AFTER RETIREMENT
Some people look forward to retirement as a reward for working hard but have no idea of what retirement actually means. To do nothing and be carefree for a few days or weeks, like when you are on vacation, is very different from not having anything to do for years and years. It can be frightening, like being locked in a mental prison and filled with boredom, especially coming out of a life that has kept you busy every day for most part of your life. Retirement is serious business and must be well planned since many people still have at least 10 useful years left before they knock off, some may even have 25 years or more.
Retirement is a time to do the things you could not do before. To some, this means indulging in hobbies, like reading/writing/social services/gardening/playing the stock market. Others may want to stay active by taking up a part time job to share their skills and experience as well as earn some expense money. Mainly they want to be occupied and meet with people so that it is easier to pass time. Those carrying out own businesses may not want to retire early (in Malaysia, the statutory retirement age is 56 years but most people can work till 60 without any difficulty). In the Asian culture, it is quite usual for retirees to dedicate their lives to help the families of their children, looking after grand children and keeping an eye on the maids. Of course, with better income and savings and financial security arising from judicious estate planning, many retirees can afford to retire comfortably with enough cash to cover health and hospitalization contingencies, annual vacations and doing charity work to develop themselves. Those less well off financially will develop less ambitious programs or maintain a low profile of doing and spending less.
Money aside, managing health after retirement is the biggest issue. Since we all grow old, deteriorate and get sick, we need more attention to our well-being and health. It is therefore not surprising that senior people think more about their health and how to keep fit. They are likely to develop a stricter diet, an exercise plan and a routine of taking daily food supplements to stay alert and well. Furthermore, many of us would have began having some form of health problems by the time we retire. Hypertension, clogged arteries, diabetes, weak eyes, pain in the joints, prostate problems, cancer, etc tend to visit us and it is good to know what they can do to change the course of our lives. Like an old car, we need constant repair to stay in tune. But we must accept the fact that we can never be made new like when we were young. Loss of sexual drive is also a problem that affect both men and women. Memory loss culminating in the dreaded Alzheimer Disease is getting more widespread. Retired people must face the reality that very few among us can die without a disease. Very few people actually die from old age.
Of course old age bring along a mindset of end time. Young people would never think of the final years of their lives and consider the stark reality of pain, death and transfer of properties to the beneficiaries. In old age, most of us will set up a protocol of how we want to be cared when we cannot have the faculties to act on our own. Those with loving and caring families will find their golden years enfolded in love and companionship of their extended families. Others need to see nursing and senior citizen homes as their resting places before they eventually leave this world. But how many people enjoy old age and how many fear to die?
Death is more predictable the older one grows. I am untruthful if I say that I never think of death. I often visualize how I will deal with death. Will I suffer pain and discomfort? Will I stay conscious moments before I die? Will I think and react normally? Will I go peacefully or will I be fighting death in my dying seconds? My thoughts always end in this:
That my time on earth is that of a visitation, that my family is a gift from God to love and care for me and give me companionship, that I have discharged my duty as a husband, a father, a grandpa and other roles in my workplace and society. That I am at peace with my God and that I can now close my eyes, let go and go home. I will want this moment to stay with me as I float away from my body and seek my spiritual home that my soul will reside forevermore, up there in Heaven with Jesus. This will be my happy thought and, if I can, I wish to die in my sleep, with beautiful dreams of green meadows, lovely flowers, children singing with the birds, and in my own home, in my own bed, and with my family members beside me as I go. I want to die naturally without life support and without tears of sorrow.
A positive attitude bolstered with gentle patience, easy laughter and simplicity help make life pleasant for both the retiree and his family. I'm afraid that I don't have all these qualities but want to be this old man with a kind smile and kind heart.
My friend, when you do retire, you must stay active mentally. Instead of passively absorbing what the television spew at you, use your brain to critique, analyse, argue. Read and write. Seek after your creator and make peace with him. Keep yourself physically active and most of all, love yourself even though you may not like how your body or how your skin or hair look. Love yourself and be grateful each day that God still let you live on earth. Endure pain as a necessary experience. It is only temporary and will not break you. It will mature you more and make you stronger in spirit. Never despair, always believe that behind every cloud is a silver lining. And if you ever think that no one cares, there is that special someone up there who does. He cared enough to carry your sins and die on your behalf 2000 years ago that you may yet find salvation before it is too late.
Enjoy your retirement, my friend, and may God bless your sunset with rich colors and glory.
bravenet.com