Retirement is the point in time when a person stops employment completely. The first and foremost thing that retirees do is look back on their long careers and take great pride and satisfaction in all they have achieved. Now, an entirely new phase of life begins. But many retirees feel restless and suffer from depression as a result of their new situation. Retirement, in some cases, can coincide with deterioration in health too.

In advanced countries, to capitalise on their expertise, retirees are offered new jobs and responsibilities in nation building whereas in under-developed countries like ours, this highly experienced human resource is not utilised at all and goes in vain.

Every retired individual's utopia is to enjoy the rest of his or her life happily. The primary worries are health, money and love from his family. Hence, here are a few things that every retired person should keep in mind.

Money matters

The most important factor for any retiree should be their source of income. In the later stages of service, individuals often have little savings, having utilised much money for social obligations like the education and marriage of their children. But generally, a retired person requires 80 percent of the expenditure from his active service period to lead a content life. The higher the bank balance, the safer the retired life.

If your health permits, it is always wise to take up a second job for a quality-retired life. Forget the idea that a pensioner should not work. A job which takes you away from home can help in keeping harmonious relations, as of before, with your near and dear ones. Your continuous presence and frequent interference at home, on the other hand, may even spoil the family environment.

Well ahead of retirement, one should settle all loans and payments. Attention should also be paid to disposing of any assets that are not effectively supervised. Furthermore, if you, your spouse, vehicle and properties are insured, you are relatively safe and will have fewer worries.

It would also be wise to invest in a reliable and appropriate mode of transport. Renovating your existing accommodations and making them old-age friendly—kitchen, bedroom, sitting room, library with internet facility and bathrooms on the same floor—can be helpful.

Beliefs and practices

The greater the age, the greater one's faith in god. When an individual accomplishes their obligations towards their family, they tend to focus on religion and god. Frequent trips away from home with your spouse to religious or tourist destinations are highly recommended. Such trips will only help bring your closer to your partner.

Also, do not forget that a healthy body houses a healthy mind. Sports, walking, trekking gardening and yoga are highly recommended activities. Adequate sleep and water therapy (drinking four-five litres a day) are crucial for sound health in old age. The aim here is to curtail frequent visits to the hospital. Retired persons should not hesitate to invest in smart clothes and healthy food; these can help you look and feel 10 years younger.

Retired life is based on a two-pillar system—one is the husband and the other is the wife. A single healthy life is meaningless. Good understanding between partners is very serious in terms of sharing your sentiments as well as your privacy.

Keep moving

Once retired, we are done with our obligations to the next generation. Now our sole aim must to remain healthy and enjoy life. The three Gs—gardening, grandchildren and games (especially golf)—are great sources of entertainment for all retirees.

As Albert Einstein once said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. In order to keep your balance, you must keep moving." Similarly, all retirees should keep active. Retirement is the beginning of a new challenging phase but it is manageable. Old age is not a curse. A little adjustment can overcome all challenges.

Kandel is a retired major general of the Nepal Army ([email protected] )