For the elderly getting used to retirement can come with its challenges. When they were employed, they had set routines and an active lifestyle that kept them engaged for the better part of the day. The issue arises once they retire and are left with too much spare time on their hands, which has many struggling as to what to do at this stage. This is not just the case with those that were employed but also with those that spent their time at home tending to the kids, taking care of the house etc. Once the kids grow up and are married it leaves a void of sorts in the lives of the seniors.
It is vital at this stage that they remain mentally and physically occupied as it can lead to a state of depression or a tendency to withdraw from society. Besides the more physically active they are the better health they will keep. The government has introduced several social initiatives to benefit the senior citizens of the country. Getting a senior citizen’s card will benefit them tremendously ranging from travel to hospitals among other government sectors. Those that show a lack of engagement could be due to factors like limited resources, impaired mobility, being introverted or just poor self-esteem etc. However, steps need to be taken to engage them socially so that they could enjoy a better quality of life.
A recent study carried out by a private organization in New Delhi has gathered some very interesting information about the elderly. For this, a questionnaire was shared covering a wide range of activities along with an understanding of their social and financial support. It covered seniors from different backgrounds and communities with detailed insight into their daily lives as seniors. Most began their mornings with the newspaper, religious rituals and breakfast. Just a limited number of men spent time in senior centres or clubs. This is because of limited government senior facilities, financial constraints or just lacking awareness.
Most of the women and a section of men kept themselves occupied by looking after their grandchildren. The kind of engagement mainly is subject to the financial resources among the seniors. A limited number of men are engaged in part-time jobs while there are no women employed. More than half of those surveyed had no specific activities to keep them occupied during the morning hours. Most of them take a nap in the afternoon and spend their evenings going for a walk or spending time in the community park. Just a limited number are active in community welfare projects with an equally limited number engaged in hobbies.
Consequently, seniors must be encouraged to develop a routine to help them lead a more purposeful driven life. Post-retirement gives them ample time to take up pursuits they were not able to when younger. Volunteering in the community should be encouraged as they have the advantage of experience and it will also help them to develop strong bonds with people of all age groups. Leading a purposeful and active social life with a routine will help them to be positive and also contribute to their overall well-being.