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Change is the only permanent thing, we should accept. And change is inevitable. To accept this fact would mean to join the mainstream of happiness, even after retirement.
Happiness comes from many things. Classical happiness, is when things go our way, like having a loving family, friends, wealth, good health and such. Many people begin to feel unhappy after reaching the age of sixty due to concerns around these matters. Diminishing importance given to them and their opinions by their friends, relatives or family members makes it worse. Nevertheless, it is in the hands of people to enjoy life at any age. It is said, “Yesterday is like a cancelled cheque, tomorrow like a promissory note and only today is ready cash, to use. Hence, live the present moment fully for as long as one is alive.” Life is not to be taken too seriously; Success or failure mean lesser in the larger scheme of existence; To do what is possible by us, to make other people’s lives better; Such thoughts and attitude could bring happiness even at a later stage of life. You may be young, but will get old at some stage. Hence life after retirement is a topic for everyone. Plan your career, but do not allow it to take over all of your life. If your focus is on your kids for now, leave room for yourself later. Plan to live fully the retirement portion of your life too. At a younger age if you are earning a lot of money, keep a good portion of it for your retirement period, to avoid looking back with regret. If you are older, you may possibly be considering taking up a new career at retirement, but don’t make it an obsession. There are some important tips to age gracefully and keep life pleasant. The later period of life is very precious as not much is left, so utilize it properly. Understand the basic principles of life and follow them scrupulously, to live happily. Celebrate more with your friends, family and relatives. Find avenues of entertainment and positive engagement and never sit alone in regret of past life. Organize your thoughts and memorabilia. Write your thoughts and plans, as required. Never say that I am old in a negative way. Of the three, our date of birth, health condition and general feeling, we do not have control on the first, but the other two are reasonably within our control. We can take care of our health with suitable diet, exercise and habits. Positive approach & cheerful attitude and optimism are necessary to feel good emotionally. Health is wealth at any age. However above the age of 60, you need to be very careful. To have an annual medical checkup is mandatory and never miss the diet and medicines prescribed by your doctor. You need to have Health Insurance too. Money is important but not everything. However, there is no doubt that to meet our basic needs, money plays a great role. Essentials like food, shelter, security or respect in society come with money. Don't spend beyond your means at any stage of life. Some people continually struggle to live beyond their available funds for the sake of their kids, grand-kids and family. However, if you are 60+, you have already lived for them through much of your life. Now is also the time for your own comfort and enjoyment. Never stress to live for others at the cost of your own health, by way of re-employment, engaging in high risk business ventures and investments. Do not fall into the debt trap. Live within your means. I know two kinds of people; those who save for things that they want and then pay cash, and those who buy on credit and pay interest on top of the purchase price. Once you start doing this, it can quickly become impossible to change the pattern. Never interfere in the deep, personal affairs of your kids or grand-kids unless asked for. Every individual is right in his or her place; do not impose your words or authority on anybody else. Don't bother too much about the mistakes of other people, which you have no control over. If you are lucky, your kids will take some care of you, but do not take that for granted. We should be happy that our children are blessed & our moral responsibility is over now. For the sake of our health and happiness, we should change our attitude and adopt the policy of forgive & forget. Otherwise, by losing our temper we only increase our problems besides our blood pressure. Engage in Social Activities, like voluntary jobs, neighborhood activities and religious discourses. Stay relaxed and play recreational games. Read and write but do not forget to sleep well. We should take life as it comes and accept ourselves as we are. Enjoy the funny side of life. As a human being everybody is selfish. Whatever we do for others, we expect its return. However at 60+, we should focus more towards our internal satisfaction and derive happiness by way of doing good to others without expecting anything in return. Try to do acts of kindness where possible. We should overcome the fear of death. As we know that we have to leave this world, why to be afraid of that time. That birth and death, are the inseparables for all life on earth should not be a secret to man. We should not have unbridled attachment with our kith and kin for we know that even our spouse and children will be unable to help us at that final moment. They will be fine too, without our presence among them. The truth is that they may feel sad for some time, but time will heal everything and they will eventually go on as usual. I would ask of all to appreciate the small things. Pick up the phone and call someone you care about. Never stop learning, seeking more knowledge, especially in this modern, scientific world. It may be tough but learn to use all the modern gadgets. Experience the changing world and bring joy to those around. Focus on things that make up the foundation of living, keep open a window for the freshness of mind and a door unlocked for the freedom to walk. Finally, remember that life begins at sixty and that sixty is the new forty. Enjoy this as a fact even if it is not entirely true.; |
Bushan Bhat Hali, Chairman Devasthan Pranandakh Samiti, Hall, Pulwama (Kashmir)
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Excellent article meant for all irrespective of age.
Added By Vir Koul