Sunday, July 22, 2001		Stressbusters

Reorient after retirement
V. K. Kapoor

RETIRING from work is one of the most significant events of one’s life. How successfully one adjusts to this event has a major effect on the satisfaction and rewards of later life.

When we recognise that retirement has far-reaching implications, we can see its importance. Our work is such an important part of our lives for such a long time that self-worth becomes tied to it. When retirement occurs, we may lack other ways to affirm our self-worth and status.

Retirement, whether it is viewed as a positive or negative experience, requires adjustment. It means an adjustment to a leisure-oriented way of life.

Many retirees must adjust to decreased financial resources. With more leisure time and less money available to spend on leisure activities, many retirees feel frustrated. Ageing like sexism and racism, is a negative social reality which the retired people face.

Retired people have to cope with being alone, not necessarily with "loneliness".They may have to cope with living alone after the death of a spouse and various health problems.

Those with degenerative diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, or arteriosclerosis may find these conditions worsening as they get older and more restrictions may be placed on their activities during their retirement years.

Four patterns of retirement as studied by National Institute of Mental Health are:

Maintenance: The pattern of people who try to satisfy the same needs after retirement as before retirement. They continue working in one way or another;

For example: They take up a part-time job.

Withdrawal: The pattern of people who consider retirement as a time to relax. They give up many of their former activities and adopt new ones; For example they take up golf.

Changed activities: The pattern of the people who attempt to satisfy the same needs as before retirement, but by different means; For example, they volunteer to work as aides in hospitals or for charitable organisations.

Changed needs: Biggest needs are adequate financial security, stable social relationships, medical care, emotional warmth and good health.