Retirement opens the door to a life free from the demands of a daily job, but it also raises a profound question: what comes next?
As the routine of a nine-to-five workday fades away, senior citizens find themselves navigating a new chapter filled with opportunities and challenges.
Without the familiar structure of a workweek, they begin to explore how to fill their days with meaning and purpose.
Whether it’s pursuing long-held passions, volunteering, or simply enjoying the slower pace of life, retirees embark on a journey of self-discovery, seeking out what truly fulfills them in this next stage of life.
Haji Mohd Yussof bin Mohd Salleh, in his mid-60s and the manager of the Lambak Kanan Senior Citizens Activity Centre, shared that with his children now grown, it’s just him and his wife at home.
As such, the centre provides an opportunity for him and fellow elderly citizens to exchange thoughts and connect.
A former teacher with 10 years of experience and later a confidential secretary to heads of department before his retirement, Haji Mohd Yussof called upon for more senior citizens in the Sultanate to participate in the centre’s activities, including religious practices like Muqaddam and Al-Quran reading, Dikir, as well as leisure activities.
Rokiah binti Haji Tahir, in her 50s, reflected on how, as her children have grown older, her responsibilities at home have lessened.
She urged elderly citizens to participate in community activities to uplift their spirits, maintain health, and be mindful of their diet.
As a pensioner, she keeps active with brisk walks in the Lambak industrial area and was previously involved with the veterans’ association for former army personnel.
“I also enjoy the activities at the Senior Citizens Activity Centre, such as Dikir, Tahlil, Al-Quran recitation, and bowling competitions. These keep me engaged and help reduce stress, especially now that my grandchildren have grown up,” she added.
For Haji Ahmad, a retired public servant in his 60s, life after retirement revolves around caring for his grandchildren and picking them up from school.
“Rather than sending them to a childcare centre and paying for that service, they can bring them to our house, and we’ll take care of them,” he shared.
He also mentioned taking up gardening to fill his time, noting that it helps him stay active.
“As elderly people, we are vulnerable to various diseases, so it’s important to stay physically engaged,” he added.
Haji Said Arsad, now in his 70s, expressed a similar sentiment.
“We’ve been taking care of our children since they were young, and now it’s time for us to enjoy the rest of our lives, engaging in religious activities at the mosque, hiking outdoors, or simply taking brisk walks along recreational parks.”
Retirement doesn’t have to mean a dull or idle life. It’s a time when retirees can finally prioritise self-care, incorporating regular exercise and stretching into their routines while enjoying more time with family and friends.
Mornings that were once a rush to get to work can now be peaceful, filled with journalling, prayer, a leisurely cup of coffee, and the luxury of letting the day unfold at its own pace.
Staying active through volunteer work, indulging in hobbies, and pursuing interests on their own schedule are just a few ways retirees can embrace their newfound freedom.
This period offers an ideal opportunity to reflect on and refine their daily routines, fully embracing the possibilities of this new chapter.
As these stories show, retirement is not just an end but a beginning, a chance to explore new interests, reconnect with old passions, and savour the slower moments of life – ultimately, redefining what it means to live a fulfilling life.
But as they embark on this new journey that is no longer dictated by the demands of work, how will each individual choose to fill their days with meaning and purpose? – Azlan Othman
