WHILE there is much talk in our media about the “pathology” or “downside” of ageing, very little seems to be said about the positive side, and what is needed by healthy retirees to continue to enjoy an adequate and meaningful life. For many of us it can be quite challenging to reinvent ourselves in retirement, particularly given the lack of attention paid to facilities for seniors. As we go through life, generally, all kinds of social and educational agendas are set for us – by our parents, our families, our careers and circumstances. When we retire from the workforce many of these can come to an abrupt end.
Compared to other times of our lives, the social and educational resources available are extremely limited. We have seniors’ groups and U3A, but these provide little to compensate for what has been lost. Compared to the funding and resources poured into primary, secondary and tertiary education and other social areas, these are quite limited. Where do we go? What do we do? We need some heavy brainstorming or we may have a huge psychological and social crisis on our hands. Apathy is one of the chief causes of disease and disability among seniors. Swiss psychologist Carl Jung pointed out eloquently that the afternoon of our lives is a time for personal growth, a time for reflection and healing, and has its own inherent needs. How are we to minister to the social, educational, health and spiritual needs of large numbers of retirees? Allan Walker, via email. |
