Wendel Abel - I AM WHAT I THINK WHEN MY father retired at age 55, I was deeply concerned. Would he become bored? Would he return to work? Dad was insistent that he would not return to work. He kept his word. He did all the things he wanted to do. He travelled, he became engrossed in his gardening and farming, and he spent a lot of time with his family and especially his grandchildren. Unfortunately he died at age 76, but he lived a happy and fulfilling life after retirement. The fact is many persons are living longer world-wide and in Jamaica. Persons sixty years and over account for approximately 10% of the total population and this age group is the fastest growing segment of the Jamaican population. When we retire at 60-65 years we are expected to live for another 20 - 25 years. What does one do with these 25 years of life after retirement?
In a conversation with my aunt Elma last week she remarked, "I have not regretted retirement. I am enjoying every moment of it! I am involved in my church. I spend a lot of time with my friends. We travel extensively in Jamaica. We worked hard and planned our retirement. God has been good to us!"
Most of us go through life believing that we will not die on the job but will retire and enjoy the fruits of our labour one day. Despite this, retirement can be difficult for many persons. Somehow many persons are never fully prepared for the day. Retirement results in loss of job, income, prestige, status, power, purpose and structure. It is also a period associated with loneliness and isolation, which makes particularly distressing for many persons. "You get up one morning realising there is no structure in your life, all the power I had is gone, remarked Harold. I have all of this time to play with, I need to find things to do."
Psychologist, Robert Atchley describes a number of phases of retirement; there is the honeymoon phase, which is the earliest phase after retirement in which most persons feel happy and excited. Martha who recently retired beamed, " I enjoy not having to get up and go to work on Mondays. I have all the time to do my gardening." However people who are forced to retire early either because of ill health or job related factors, do not enjoy these early phases as much. Richard remained very angry and bitter for years after he was forced into early retirement when his company changed ownership. " I gave all my life to this company. In the end they dished me dirt" I feel I still have a lot to give, but these young people do not feel that way. I am feeling worthless and depressed. I was not prepared for this just now."
The honeymoon phase is soon followed by a routine. If the routine is satisfying the adjustment to retirement is usually successful but if the routine is not satisfactory people who initially found retirement happy may become depressed. Ivan was a very happy and active person, on retirement his personality changed completely, he withdrew from his friends, stopped eating and was tearful most of the times. He started to drink heavily. Ivan was depressed. Persons who are recently retired are at greater risk for depression, suicide and substance abuse. Studies have shown that adults who adjust well to retirement are healthy, have adequate income, are active, have an extended social network including friends and families, and are usually satisfied with their lives before they retired. Persons who have a productive and enjoyable retirement are those who plan and prepare for the day. Many organisations now plan seminars and workshops to prepare employees for retirement. If your organisation has not done as yet so you may consider making the suggestion to management or to your trade union.
What can we do to make retirement more productive and fulfilling? Here are some tips!
1. The key to a happy retirement is good planning. Start planning early. In fact many persons start in early adulthood by taking out good retirement plans. " I could not have survived on my NIS benefits alone, it is a good thing I invested in a retirement plan which also had good health benefits," shared Elizabeth who worked as a teacher.
It gives me security and
stability."
2. Pursue leisure activities; popular ones are gardening, farming, sewing, and floral arrangement to name a few. In fact for many persons these can become a source of income.
3. Keep connected! Retirement gives people more time to keep in contact with friends and families. A support system is important. Support systems provide informational, material and emotional support.
4. Become involved in service clubs, senior citizen groups, golden age clubs, church activities and community activities e.g. neighbourhood watch and other community groups. All over the world retirees sustain many community organisations.
5. For some persons full time leisure becomes boring. Getting another job may be an option worthwhile exploring especially if you do with extra income.
6. Enjoy your retirement. Try to enjoy the material things you have acquired. It is important that you pamper yourself. Wear your clothes, eat well, and travel if you can afford it. There is no point saving all your money at the expense of your own pleasure and enjoyment. 7. Make practical decisions about your living arrangements. Try not to live alone. You may have to make practical decisions about living in that big house especially if you are alone. I met an older lady some years ago who sold her home and moved into a retirement home. At the time I found her action strange but the reality is retirement homes can be cheaper, safer and less isolated for many persons. Consider this as an option.
8. Volunteer your time to a cause or an organisation. There are many groups, organisations and charities that would benefit from your contribution. Every one of us has something to offer.
9. Keep connected with your previous employer. Many organisations now have special programmers for retirees. Get involved.
10. Do you have a special interest? Why not start a group, e.g. book club, garden club or a prayer group and invite other retirees to join? There are many lonely retirees who are looking for a group to be connected with.
Are you interested in joining a special group for retirees to exchange ideas? Send us an email or drop us a line. We will be happy to facilitate this. Even for those who do not move, retirement is a moving experience. (Richard Armour)
Dr. Wendel Abel,
consultant psychiatrist; senior lecturer, University
of the West Indies
