The Dhaka Times Desk Spending time in retirement is hard work. And when time doesn't want to move forward, various kinds of worries come and fill. And when anxiety comes, it becomes very difficult to stay healthy. Today's discussion is about this.
Retirement is considered a major 'turning point' among workers; Retirement has a very negative effect on the body and mind especially for those who spend time in the midst of busyness due to holding important positions, as a result of which many people suddenly become mentally disturbed and sick as well. But there are some who use this time well and are able to live a healthy and normal life for a long time. Here are the results of several studies conducted in the developed world on how to enjoy life even after retirement.
# Good health is the main and first condition for a happy life after retirement. More than 50 percent of people who are not in good health feel unhappy despite having lots of money and other amenities, the survey found.
#s find leisure time more difficult for those who value work life because they are in power. So never find your self-worth in mere display of power. Who knows, it might make you a lot more unhappy later on.
# Although having a certain amount of money is necessary to live a nice and normal life, the survey revealed that having more money than necessary after retirement does not bring any additional happiness.
# Exercise and various physical activities should be continued after retirement without lying down. Activities such as swimming, gardening, apart from getting the benefit of exercise, the mind is also seen to be filled with joy. But any method can be followed according to one's choice. At the same time, different types of physical activities are more helpful in strengthening the body. Travel to different places can be done if possible.
# A healthy balanced diet is very important at this time. A diet rich in vegetables and fruits may make you more energetic.
# Married people have a happier time than single people. If both husband and wife can spend leisure time together, they are happier than those who spend leisure time alone.
A # University of Greenwick study found that strong social ties and friendships accounted for nearly 30 percent of happiness in retirement. Spending time with children and grandchildren is not as enjoyable.
# Unhappy people watch more television. After retirement there is a lot of free time to watch TV. But a 2005 study conducted by the Institute for Empirical Research in Economics in Zurich found that people who watched more TV were less satisfied than those who watched less. A 2008 study conducted by the University of Maryland came up with the same results and found a direct correlation between longer hours of TV viewing and feelings of unhappiness. Therefore, watching TV for a long time should be avoided.
# Stimulate the brain through a variety of games and activities. It has been found that people over the age of 70 who engage in sports or other activities that stimulate the brain rather than watching TV are less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.
At #, there is no fear of the office 'boss' but you have to keep yourself free from any other pressure. A variety of 'de-stress' techniques can be practiced if necessary.
# After retirement it is better to involve yourself in some new type of work if possible. In this case, if you can adapt to a new job without counting how many hours you have to work or how much money you get, there are many benefits. Even if one can involve oneself in creative or social service work without taking up a new job, the same benefits are available.
Happy times and contentment of mind means good health and long life. Therefore, it is better to try to prepare yourself for a healthy life instead of indulging in trying to build a mountain of wealth in anticipation of post-retirement.
# Dr. Zakia Begum
Nuclear scientist and professor
Department of Physics, UITS.
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