Many of us have heard the paradox “all alone in a crowded room.” For many of our island seniors, it is a reality. Social isolation and loneliness are major enemies of the senior population. They are the common challenges of life after work.
Imagine the situation: You have worked for over 50 years, many as supervisors in charge of others. And after all that time, you look forward to retiring. You see yourself as being free to do as you wish, when you wish and with whom you wish. But on that first day of retirement, you no longer have a place where you feel you belong. There are no “good morning” greetings—no afternoon lunch gossip.
This is a reality for many retirees. Of course, many are prepared. They had their travel group set up. They were all set to garden, babysit or meet their friends for kanikapila at a local McDonald’s. But not all are prepared. Many seniors retire without having long-term plans in place. After the first month, they stop looking forward. They wake up, watch TV, eat alone and fall asleep. This becomes their new pattern. So, what do you do to prevent this? Start again.
Having worked for Parks and Recreation Senior Section for over 30 years, I met the people who gave in to “the disease of being retired.” Others I met formed new beginnings. They joined clubs, set up a schedule of activities and rediscovered life. They found new reasons to wake up every day. Whether it was a senior club or just a group they met at the mall, life started to form anew.
Remember back when you started your career? Do it again and this time you are your own boss. Rekindle a former passion, challenge yourself with a new project, order yourself to join a club or start a club of your own. Create activities you have always wanted to do—travel, garden or work out at your local recreation center.
Look at opportunities to help others. I just started retirement and began a new career doing just that! My hobbies now dictate my deadlines. I feel renewed; I am just waiting for people to start telling me I look younger!
CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU DEPT. OF PARKS & RECREATION, RECREATION SUPPORT SERVICES
1000 Uluohia St., Kapolei HI, 96707
808-768-3045 | ssantiago@honolulu.gov
honolulu.gov/dpr
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