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Older, wiser and having more fun
It's confirmed - the elderly are the happiest people compared with other age groups. Apparently they've reached a stage in their lives where they've dispensed with all their responsibilities and have the luxury of being in a place where they can sit back and have fun.
- By Vanaja Rao, Stone Editor
- Published: 00:43 May 9, 2008
It's confirmed - the elderly are the happiest people compared with other age groups. Apparently they've reached a stage in their lives where they've dispensed with all their responsibilities and have the luxury of being in a place where they can sit back and have fun.
No more worries about wayward children, education costs or ageing parents. Now is the time when they realise that all their burdens have lifted from their shoulders and they can do things they have always wanted to do but never had the time to indulge in these interests.
No wonder then that when I go home on holiday and decide to look up friends of my parents just to keep in touch I am met with a mind-boggling array of activities that keeps us from meeting simply because they are so busy doing their own thing.
A case in point is a close relative who opted for early retirement. Ever since he gave up his job he finds himself neck-deep in social activities, things he didn't have the time for when he was caught up in the rat race. His day is chock-a-block with appointments, outings and meetings. He can never be found at home unless it is to bathe or sleep. Dire predictions from family and friends who foresaw a life of regrets and a sinking into a kind of malaise after having worked for so many years turned out to be false prognostications. He is indignant when asked how he spends his time now that he has so much of it on his hands. He rightly feels he has every right to lead a retired life without feeling the need to justify not wanting to take up some other job. He has earned his rest and is determined to live life on his terms.
The eye-opening research on older people and happiness can be explained by the simple fact that wisdom does play a part in acceptance of one's lot and a lowering of expectations from life or other people.
Of course, there is loneliness, with children settled with their own families and less time to spare for their parents or the loss of a spouse. But one has learnt the art of acceptance and adjustment. So, life goes on but this time round one is in a position to live it on one's own terms. No more pandering to others.
Time or money
Thus, one can go on that trip that one has always wanted to but never had the time or money. There were other priorities and one was always mindful of getting these right. No more worrying about what to prepare for the next meal. A bowl of soup will do just fine. Or maybe one can even indulge in a take-away dinner if one feels like it.
A lot of retired people I know, mostly men, are somehow always to be found at the bank, sitting with the manager and discussing how to get the most out of one's savings. The manager can be seen in his cubicle, with a resigned look on his face when one of these intrepid gentlemen walks in full of purpose, certain that it is his deposits that are keeping the bank afloat. They walk right into the cubicle, sure of red carpet treatment simply because they have chosen this bank to lodge their life savings. It's a kind of sacred trust and they will not be denied their due.
There is certainly a lot to be envied and emulated after observing this contented lot. Their households are geared to suit their spartan needs; there is a minimalist principle at work which does away with all things superfluous.
There is an underlying assumption here that by a certain age one has saved enough for a rainy day to ensure a comfortable lifestyle, having fulfilled all one's responsibilities and having been prudent enough to think of one's financial future. So, no one can begrudge this segment of the population their enjoyment of the fruit of their labour.
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