RETIREMENT fulfilment can provide you with good health, a strong sense of purpose, and healthy relationships. Here is part one of interviews with retirees who are making life after 60 the most treasured time of their lives.

SHIRLEY WHYLIE, FOUNDING PRINCIPAL OF PORTMORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND RECIPIENT OF THE ORDER OF DISTINCTION FOR EDUCATION AND MUSIC

Q: You’re retired, now what?

A: When I retired at 62 years old I really had no idea of what I would do, especially since I only knew the world of work. I decided to go back to work so I accepted a consultant position with the Ministry of Education.

Then, as my work as a consultant ended I gradually realised that my life could be satisfying without a job. I chose to become a volunteer and make whatever changes were necessary to live within the means of my pension. I also went to see a counsellor at my church to become more aware of what I might need to cope with retirement.

Q: What is your advice to younger people than yourself who are now planning for retirement?

A: Saving for retirement is crucial. For example, the home that I invested in for my daughter has now turned out to be a good investment for me too as a retiree. Preparing myself mentally by seeing the counsellor when I did helped me to better know what to do. I would tell them that it is important to plan for the changes that can happen in life (in terms of health and finances) that occur during the retirement years. My encouragement to younger people is, read on the topic of retirement. Planning for this time of your life is necessary.

Q: Did you think that you would get to this stage of your life?

A: No, not entirely. As I had said before, I really did not want to stop working.

Q: To your fellow retirees, what is your advice?

A: Since I have retired I have been afforded the opportunity to be a bee farmer, something I could not have done while I worked. Do new things that you did not have the time to do while you worked. Learn to be comfortable in the middle role, or possibly even take on more of a leader role in the imparting of wisdom. Avoid depression and take on activities that will bring you joy. Ask yourself, “What does God want me to do today?”

Important, too, is thinking about death, and facing the possibility of death in a practical way. Have humour in your life, do not take on the stresses of life. Make your well of contentment deep and this will make you live longer.

Q: What is your retirement philosophy?

A: I believe retirement is a gift of God and a special time to explore new things, and to find fulfilment in new ways, in a new period of life.

Q: In all honesty — and we do not want the politically correct answer — were you ready for retirement?

A: No, I was not ready and so I went to see the counsellor knowing that I needed more advice on the matter of retirement. I learned too that retirement can happen more than once in your life. Now, I understand that retirement has allowed me the freedom and flexibility to do what I want and still help others and give back.

Q: Do you believe that you planned adequately for retirement?

A: My answer is no. I wish I had talked to retirees while still working, I wish I had saved more. I’m sorry I did not take better care of my health; I would have exercised more and been more selective about what I ate.

EMMA LEWIS, RETIRED PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST, EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES, KINGSTON AND HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATE, INDEPENDENT BLOGGER, WRITER AND SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVIST

Q: Retired, now what?

A: I would say [now I am about] seeking a better balance in my life, more family time, and looking after my well-being and taking time to self-care.

Q: What is your advice to young people coming up regarding planning for retirement?

A: Develop interests, lifetime passions that drive you and get you going — for me, I am passionate about human rights and the environment. So, get active and be an advocate and care about an issue that you will be able to dedicate your time to when you retire. Retirement is not a hard line that is drawn; you are still the same person.

Q: Did you think that you would get to this stage of your life?

A: I had never really thought about what retirement would be like for me so I did not consciously think about it.

Q: To your fellow retirees, what is your advice?

A: Try something new, try and push yourself to volunteer. Volunteering is very rewarding and it is a new way to connect with people. Learn a new language and feel a sense of accomplishment. Be creative.

Q: What is your retirement philosophy?

A: Love your life and appreciate every moment, appreciate the little things. Enjoy yourself.

Q: In all honesty, were you ready for retirement?

A: No, I do not think I was; it did not seem real to me when it happened. But I do have a pension so this does help to support me financially.

Celia McGregor is a licensed associate counselling psychologist with the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine, in Kingston. She is also a licensed mental health counsellor (LMHC) and a national certified counsellor (NCC) in the United States.