Life after 60

I’ve asked my peers, “What do you plan to do after your retirement?”

Most of them tells me, “Go travelling around the world” “Enjoy life (whatever that means).”

My next question to them was, “Is that what you plan to do for the entire 20-30 years after your retirement?”

Their answer was, “I don’t know. It’s too early to decide.”

I’m currently working with two Yoga clients who’re above 60 years old and retired from their jobs. Although they came to me to improve their physical mobility and flexibility, my actual work behind the scenes is to help them restore their mental health - mainly in terms of alleviating their depression and anxiety and boosting their confidence.

There’s something crucial about their situation that I recognised. When they were still in their jobs, they had a purpose in life and has dedicated their life in their jobs. But after they retired, they have lost a huge sense of purpose. Especially with their kids all grown up and running their own lives. Although it may not be true to everyone, but to them, losing their sense of purpose has affected their confidence in life.

Knowing your true passions are important (read my previous blog on this) because it never dies, despite the change in circumstances (i.e. retirement). You may have forgotten what your passions are or you not have discovered it yet, but it never dies. I’m currently living in my passion which I can continue pursuing it (with or without an income) until the day I die. I do hope to help as many people to do the same.

So, if you’re also a person who dedicates your life to your job, ask yourself, what are you working for right now? Are you working to pay the bills? To save for your retirement? Or are you really working for your passion right now? Can this passion help you thrive in your life even after retirement?

Now, if your answer to my first question “What do you plan to do after your retirement?” is “I’m planning to do what I had always dreamed to do after I retire.” My next question is “Are you doing something about it right now?”

Just think about it.