My eyes continue to be opened to how retirement can be very unhealthy and “life-draining” for some. I have talked with many about what they plan to do when they retire from their full-time paid gig, their career. Some say I want to take it easy and do things I want to do but haven’t had time to do. This could be pursuing a hobby or spending more time with grandchildren. At the same time, others may have a more ambitious retirement plan of volunteering part-time or even full-time. But the reality is that many do not have a plan.
The fact is that many of us are not very ambitious and driven in our retirement years, especially when we don’t have a purpose or accountability.
I see so many retire with excitement about the future and newfound freedom. But within a short time, they have become isolated and focused on only themselves, which in my experience, leads to misery.
Health Issues / Isolation
When aging health issues become the main focus, I see people start to spiral into isolation. Health issues are important and should be given attention. But we must not let them take us out of living the lives God intended. For many that I have seen personally, old age ailments are used as an excuse.
Isolation is destructive no matter what age a person is. It is especially destructive in retirement when you don’t have anything that forces you to associate with others. Stay involved and active in Church, a community group, the senior center, or a hobby-related group, such as woodworking or hiking.
I think about my dad and several others close to me (without names) who have retired but, in a short time, have no purpose for waking up in the morning and have become isolated from friends and others. My dad did have health problems and many times did not feel well. However, he sat in a recliner most of the day, except to go to doctor’s appointments. Looking back, I wish I had pushed him harder to get moving and stay active.
I can name many others just like my dad.
Active With Purpose
On the other hand, my mom retired a few years ago at the age of 68 as a schoolteacher. Her mom was bedridden with dementia. After retirement, she spent three to four days and nights a week caring for her, along with her sisters and caregivers. She also continued to work part-time assessing children with the Head Start program. Today, she is spending three days a week helping to shuttle grandchildren between activities and appointments, along with teaching Sunday School and leading women’s groups in her church. She also has a pretty active social life.
As adult children, I believe we must encourage our retired parents to stay active and engaged with friends and others, especially those who have a natural tendency to be idle and disengaged.
The fact is that most retirees end up isolating themselves and waking up each day with no purpose other than going to the next doctor’s appointment.
For those of you who are retired or nearing retirement, you must have an idea of what you will do in your retirement years. It must be more than playing golf and fishing. It must involve helping others so that you are not focused on your own problems or health issues.
No matter what limits your health places on you, God can still use you to make a difference in the lives of others. Get moving. Are you just waiting to die, or are you ready to start living?
