To most of us retirement means playing with the grandkids, holidaying with the spouse in exotic locales, visiting family members spread across the globe or something as simple as taking a nap in the afternoon. In other words, doing what one never had the time to do. That’s the general perception, but the surprising fact is that there are a large number of seniors on the verge of retirement who are seeking to stay employed. Here’s why:
- Never planned for retirement The thought about being financially self-sufficient after retirement never crossed their minds. They believed that just as they looked after their aged parents, so also their children would look after them. But things turned out differently and now they are left to fend for themselves.
- Insufficient retirement planning They did not take financial planning seriously. A few investments here and there were all they thought was needed. Today they have left with just enough to meet their basic needs, having ignored factors like ever-increasing inflation and rising medical costs.
- Staying mentally and physically healthy They are well aware that staying active after retirement delays many age-related diseases including dementia. It’s no secret that friendships forged at the workplace, time spent with colleagues outside the office over a cup of tea keep’s one socially active and also keeps that dreaded feeling of isolation at bay.
- Boredom A few months into retirement and many feel lost and lonely, despite having family. The unstructured days become a challenge they find difficult to face, especially after having spent almost a lifetime meeting goals, keeping deadlines and leading an organised life. So they wish to continue with a time- table dictated life, with definite duties and responsibilities.
- A sense of purpose
Last but not the least, there are those seniors who desire that personal fulfilment which comes by giving back to society selflessly. That’s the reason why they volunteer with an NGO, or at a municipal school, some even sponsor monthly events at an orphanage or an aged home. Making a difference to less privileged lives is what motivates them.
Whatever the reason to stay employed after retirement, the advantages cannot be evaluated in monetary terms. At the end of the day, doing what makes you happy is all that matters.
