KUALA LUMPUR : Retirement should be viewed as the beginning of a new chapter rather than the end of a productive life, with older adults encouraged to pursue personal interests, maintain social connections and continue contributing to society.
The issue was highlighted at the “Rewirement, Not Retirement” programme organised by the Alliance For A Safe Community (Ikatan) in Kuala Lumpur last Sunday. The event brought together experts in healthcare, psychology and mental health to discuss healthy ageing and the challenges of life after employment.
The programme covered physical and mental well-being, healthy ageing and ways retirees can develop a renewed sense of purpose.
Ikatan chief executive officer Elize Lee said the positive response to the organisation’s inaugural programme last year demonstrated the need for greater awareness and open discussions about ageing, retirement and mental health.
She said retirement offered an opportunity for individuals to rediscover their interests, strengthen relationships and remain active contributors to society.
Ikatan founder and chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said retirement should not mean withdrawing from society. Instead, it could provide an opportunity to explore interests and activities that had been put aside during working years.
He added that living healthily and meaningfully was an important consideration for older adults, beyond financial security alone.
Addressing emotional and social challenges
While financial planning and healthcare are essential for retirement, the emotional and psychological adjustments associated with leaving the workforce can also affect well-being.
Individuals whose identities and social relationships are closely connected to their careers may experience loneliness or a loss of direction when familiar routines come to an end.
Lam Thye also highlighted the need to challenge perceptions that older people are less productive or have less to contribute, noting that they possess valuable experience and knowledge.
He stressed that ageing should not be treated as an individual responsibility alone, with families and communities playing important roles in helping older adults remain connected and engaged.
Elize said bringing together professionals from different fields provided participants with a broader understanding of healthy ageing and the factors that influence quality of life in later years.
Ikatan hopes to continue the programme annually, providing a platform for people to exchange experiences, gain knowledge and prepare for life beyond their careers.
Elize concluded that supporting the well-being of the ageing population was an investment in building a more caring, inclusive and sustainable society.
-THESTAR
