Retirement Doesn’t Mean Stop Living — It Means Living A Happier Life

According to Google, retirement means:

Retirement is the withdrawal from one’s position or occupation or from one’s active working life.

The meaning of retirement and humanity’s perception of it are so darn different for all of us. When most young people think of retirement, they think of the end of life.

Not the end of active work life.

Retirement is more than not working anymore, because if you don’t plan for it, you won’t be able to retire. I know lots of humans who can’t retire, and many have already passed retirement age.

Everything in life requires a plan because life doesn’t need our permission to change. We change with it; it doesn’t change with us. It doesn’t accommodate us. We accommodate its changes. It doesn't ask what we want or need. It gives, and we adapt and accomodate if we wnat to survive.

For us, born in a developing country, retirement has a different meaning. Poverty denies many of us that privilege. Yes, for some of us, retirement is a privilege. Lack of planning for old age prevents many from retiring. In my country, most elderly, both males and females, cannot retire, and our government doesn't provide many choices. Poverty and lack of planning take away our choices.

Many fear retirement as much as they fear aging, because again, poverty makes it difficult.

But I know many people who have retired and are happy to enjoy life in ways they couldn’t when they were younger and working. Many retire with a bank account of wisdom, understanding, common sense, kindness, love, and everything they need to improve their life and our world.

It’s like retirement has taken them to a whole new world. A better one. Retirement doesn’t stop an active life. It begins as a happier one. One where their age gives them glory, wisdom, understanding, strength, and a new way to see and live in their world. One where their age is an asset, not a liability. And with better health, happiness is always near. Their words are valued and respected, and they aren’t seen as old. Their attitude is different, too. Looking at them, you can see happiness and the value of aging. You don’t see pain and regrets. You don’t feel it either.

These people make aging seem like a gift life gave them through retirement.

And they are right.

Long life is a gift, never a burden. Getting to know one of them, I learned that his attitude stems from how he lives and sees life. His understanding of life, living, and humanity. His love for life, humans, and our world. The kindness that flows from his actions, choices, and decisions is used to heal and help. How he lives and treats everyone makes you want to be like him, no matter his age. He makes aging seem enjoyable and fun. He shows the world that happiness, kindness, and love don’t know age. Young or old, you can own happiness. Retirement gives happiness more value and a different meaning.

There are people who should never die because they bring only good to our world. He is one of them. I don’t care what he did when he was young. What he is doing now should never stop.

He will live forever in many hearts when he dies. Age is never a number for those who know how to make life happy, not only for themselves but for everyone.

Thank you for reading this piece.