Challenges of retirement

In this edition of GreenMent, we explore with Dr Hamed al Sinawi, Senior Psychiatrist, about the challenge people face in taking up retirement and why others can successfully celebrate this crucial change in life.

How often do we think that far ahead?

In some cases, people seem to be tackling retirement, while others are busy doing what they like best. Basically doing everything they wanted to do before but could not because of the time constraints and work commitments.

What is the actual transformation one goes through while entering retirement?

According to Dr Hamed, it is the loss of purpose that is often the problem.

Imagine how the day changes from how it used to be during the working days and now in retirement. Could it be true that women handle retirement better than men?

Whether men or women, Dr Hamed explains that a bit of planning can make all the difference. There is a difference in the lifestyle and one is at home for many more hours.

What about friends?

Most of the friends were from the workplace? Now you have so much time in hand while others are too busy.

Is there nothing common between you and your old friends anymore?

Some people, according to Dr Hamed, realise that some of the friends were there only because of their position.

There are lot more concerns that people may not bring it up in conversations but suffer silently. In some situations, retirees also fall into ill health, which again proves the importance of proper planning the days.

So it is not just mental health that becomes a concern but also physical health.

Another factor is age- Dr Hamed says there could be some activities which one could do before that is not very comfortable as one age.

What seems to be important is adaptability along with knowing oneself.

Maybe it is a new beginning.

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