Retirees should be mentally prepared and live simply

I AGREE with Mr Lawrence Loh Kiah Muan that “a happy retirement requires mental preparedness and financial adequacy” (“What’s needed for a happy retirement”; last Thursday).

Financial adequacy and planning are important, but one must also live life realistically, humbly and practically during retirement. Mental preparedness is the key to retirement – detaching oneself from status and power recognition.

Many people of retirement age continue to desire more in life. They continue to make comparisons with others, and continue with their “never say die” philosophy espoused during their younger days. That is the root to unhappiness for many retirees.

One does not need very much to live on during retirement. At retirement age, one doesn’t eat much anyway, and driving a car is not necessary. Those who had been prudent would likely have a simple home that is fully paid up already.

The only worrisome issue is health. So retirees must spend more time keeping fit. There are many free exercise groups one can join to keep healthy and socialise.

There are also many meaningful activities retirees can participate in, such as helping out in a social group or mentoring younger people.

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