WHEN you have done what you believe is good for you, your retirement fulfilment can provide you with good health, a strong sense of purpose, and healthy relationships. Here, two retirees share how they’re making life after 60 the most treasured time of their lives.

MARJORIE WHYLIE

Retired staff tutor (music) and senior lecturer at The University of the West Indies and musical director of the National Dance Theatre Company for 46 years.

Whylie has received numerous awards and honours, including being the recipient of the Order of Distinction for work in music and music education, and the prime minister’s award for excellence in theatre and music in 2004.

Q: Retired and now what for you personally?

A: Retirement has come for me somewhat unexpectedly. Since I am not receiving a pension I am continuing to do some teaching. I am pacing myself and doing what I am able to. I am making sure to do the things that bring me satisfaction.

Q: On planning for retirement what is your advice to young people coming up?

A: Ensure that you save, possibly in a building society and not a bank. Saving in a credit union can be good too. Or, invest in some way, such as playing the stock market. Be informed about the way your workplace functions. That is to say, find out from your human resources department when you will need to retire and what benefits (such as a pension) you will be eligible for. Maximise the use of property that you own. Rent out your property to make money. And, plan for retirement.

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

A: No, and as I had said before, retirement came quite unexpectedly for me.

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

A: Learn how to pray and meditate. Have a strong support system around you — good friends and family who will be there for you as your body starts to break down.

JOHN ALLGROVE

Retired engineer with the Public Works Department; Urban Development Corporation (22 years); managing director of a consulting engineering firm for over 20 years; and owner of the Whitfield Hall Hostel and Farm, nestled at 4,200 feet on the main trail to Jamaica’s Blue Mountain Peak.

Q: Retired and now what for you personally?!

A: I have worked all over Jamaica in, for example, Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, the Hellshire Hills and Kingston, just to name a few places. I even supervised the construction of the building of Jamaica House. I have played a part in the building of numerous bridges, I have worked in road works, the ports, power stations, etc, all over Jamaica. And now, that I have retired I am still enjoying my work as an engineer in the consulting firm. I love farming, and my wife and I own the Whitfield Hall Hostel and Farm, where we grow coffee!

Q: What is your advice to young people coming up, on planning for retirement?!

A: To find careers to pursue that you love that will support your pension plan and allow you to enjoy your retirement years. My mother had leased Whitfield Hall (which is 20 miles from Kingston) from 1925 to 1936.

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

A: If I was not doing what I do, I would want to be volunteering, giving back to others and making a contribution. For example, I have helped improve the water supply to the area where I grew up, and helping others who may need guidance. My wife, for example, has been a volunteer with the Jamaica Musical Theatre Company for many years and she has found her work there to be very rewarding. As a volunteer, my wife has helped many young people accomplish their dreams!

Q: What is your retirement philosophy?!

A: Being thankful that I can make meaningful contributions where I see the need. And, not devote my time to causes that will not be beneficial. In short, many people encouraged me and helped me realise my goals and in turn I have always sought to do the same for others whenever I can.

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.