Why My Retirement Plan Includes Continuous Work

A very close family friend lost her husband a short while back after retiring. The 86 year old father of another friend, is in the ICU after meeting with an accident while riding his motorbike and she is hopping mad at him. This got me thinking about the many such cases that I have come across over the years.

People dream of the day they can finally retire. Yes, no alarms, no deadlines, no schedules! But what often goes unspoken is what happens next. The initial euphoria fades, when they find themselves confronting an unexpected reality. I am talking about the unseen and unspoken killer- boredom and loneliness, leading to a gradual decline in physical and mental well-being.

I believe that after decades of working, problem-solving, interacting with people, and having structure, suddenly stopping everything can create a shock to the system which quietly begins to shut down. We were born to be movers and shakers! I think that's why statues are of the dead and not the living!

I personally know of people in their 80's and 90's who refuse to consider themselves old and retired. A grand-uncle of mine in the UK cooked a lavish spread, cleaned and maintained a garden at the age of 100! It provides purpose, identity, social connection, and a reason for them to wake up each morning!

Even research says the brain is like a muscle—use it or lose it. Kapil Dev and Sachin Tendulkar advertised to say "Boost is the secret of our energy" and while I personally am not a fan of any energy drinks, it's a given fact that even light physical activity boosts circulation, strengthens the heart, and keeps joints healthy. Sitting too much can age the body faster than time itself.

Growing up my male classmates at times spoke about "blue films." I must confess I too have been watching some blue films of late - no not the type your mind is wandering towards, but rather on the Blue Zones. These are regions where people commonly live past 100. These shows tell of how elders rarely “retire” in the traditional sense. They simply shift to lighter, more meaningful roles.

I also came across Ophra Winfrey talking about the latest "trend" of how people have distanced themselves from family. And while, I am no one to pass judgement on the why aspect of this, we all know that man is a social animal and long life is a community effort. Strong family ties reduce stress levels and provide emotional security. Besides the fact that the elders remain engaged, providing the cushioning needed that reduces loneliness and depression. Purpose-driven living is one of the strongest predictors of longevity. Who better to know that than the Japanese and Costa Ricans with (Ikigai in Japan, Plan de Vida in Costa Rica).

While I have spoken about Body and Mind, I also might ruffle more than a few feathers when I say that nourishing the Soul also plays a very important role in our longevity. It may be expressed differently (Christianity, Adventism, traditional practices, village rituals, or local spirituality). I believe that then becomes a lifestyle, a community structure, and a mental health foundation. It is a daily practice that connects, calms, and guides.

Little wonder then, that when the Blue Zones have so much to teach us, that Dory was also a "blue fish." She has taught me a valuable lesson. Just like Dory I believe that all of us need to "just keep swimming." I for one will, are you?