The meaning of life after retirement
05:55 AM Oct 10, 2009
by Eveline Gan

WORN out by his former stressful and hectic work life in the stockbroking industry, Mr See Chak Wah had initially looked forward to his retirement. But the novelty of being able to relax and take catnaps at whim wore off a few months after he retired at 55.

“After a while, I just started to feel that life was so meaningless. Because I was so used to being an ‘economic unit’, I felt so useless when I wasn’t out there making money,” the 60-year-old said candidly. At times, Mr See felt so depressed and disconnected with the rest of the world that he would “hide at home” and mope.

Getting the post-retirement blues, such as that experienced by Mr See, isn’t uncommon among seniors.

For some people, retirement may sometimes invoke a sense of “loss” – not just a loss of income, but also of self-esteem, said Dr Seng Kok Han, an associate consultant at the Institute of Mental Health’s department of geriatric psychiatry. Although people may financially plan for their retirement, many tend to neglect the social aspects of retirement, he added.

Ms Peh Kim Choo, assistant director of counselling and social work practice at Tsao Foundation, added: “Some people are driven by the need to be useful, and one of the main issues an older adult may face post retirement is the feeling of uselessness. This could result in negative feelings such as frustration, anger, disappointment, confusion and uncertainty.”

People at risk include those who have no recreational activities during his or her career or no friends other then colleagues in the office, and do not plan for their retirement, said Dr Seng. Those who do not have close relationships with their family may also be at risk.

Maintaining a meaningful life after retirement is important for successful ageing, said Ms Peh.

“The average lifespan of a Singaporean is 80.9 years, so we are talking about 19 years of life after retirement at age 62, so there is every reason for us to lead meaningful lives after retirement,” she said.

“A meaningful life is a mentally- and physically-healthier life.”

After moping around for about half a year, Mr See decided to pick himself up. These days, he finds fulfilment and keeps himself engaged by doing volunteer work. He currently volunteers at Tsao Foundation, giving talks and conducting workshops for seniors.

To find an outlet for his “competitive spirit”, he has also started taking table-tennis lessons. “It is important for seniors to challenge themselves, and remain useful and engaged with the community so as to keep their spirits alive. Otherwise, the more isolated you become, the more you’ll ‘sink’,” he said.

To maintain a healthy mind, Dr Seng offered a few tips:

- Have a positive attitudeBe realistic, flexible and learn to accept what you cannot change.

- Build harmonious relationshipsKeep in touch with family and friends.

- Take up a hobbyTry cognitive-stimulating activities such as playing card games, chess, mahjong and reading, and keep up with current events through television, radio or newspapers.

- Take an educational courseLifelong learning provides for lifelong growth and development.

- Help othersVolunteering is a way of sharing skills or learning new ones while interacting with people and providing community service.

- Consider a new careerFull-time or part-time, it’ll keep you active. The income helps, too.

- Keep the faith Religion provides support, and a sense of life’s meaning.

Watch the warning signs

While there is no evidence that retirement increases the risk of psychiatric disorders, Dr Seng Kok Han, an associate consultant at IMH’s department of geriatric psychiatry, said those who do not plan for their retirement, or have no other interests or friends outside of their work, may be at risk of depression.

Symptoms of depression may include:

- Prolonged period of low mood, lasting more than two weeks

- Problems with sleep such as difficulty falling asleep or sleeping excessively

- A decrease or increase in appetite

- Difficulty concentrating

- Loss of interest in activities that were enjoyed in the past, and lethargy

- Feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt and suicidal thoughts

Other warning signs of elderly depression include:

- Prominent somatic complaints, for instance preoccupation with bowel function.

- Unexplained health worries

- Heightened pain experience

- Social withdrawal

- Cognitive complaints such as problems with concentration and memory.

- Functional decline in daily activities
URL http://www.todayonline.com/Silver/EDC091010-0000045/The-meaning-of-life-after-retirement

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