Why do Senior Citizens Live Minimally?
In a world where financial saving is kept as the top priority, especially in our country, India, many senior citizens have concluded their lives living minimally. There is a long-standing phenomenon where senior citizens die rich instead of living rich. They often cut down on their choices, leisure activities, and even basic luxuries, pretending to be happy with the bare minimum to leave substantial amounts in their bank accounts for future generations. They choose a wealthy death over comfortable living and never get to experience the feeling of living rich. It is the time to break the circle of minimal living and encourage our elders to have the fruits of their lifelong labour.
Why is it important to live fully?
After retirement, life should be filled with joy and happiness. After contributing so many years to work, family responsibilities, and social obligations, it is finally time to have a life that is comfortable, happy, and full of exploration. I have come across many senior citizens who experience post-retirement depression initially after retiring. They often complain that it is becoming difficult for them to sit idle. Many advise them to watch television, go for walks, cook, or take care of their grandchildren.
However, life is uncertain, so why not make the most of it and do things that give the elderly real happiness, ensuring they do not miss the jobs they have done their whole lives?
Age is just a number, do not underestimate the seniority
Embrace new experiences- Traveling is one of the best ways to experience life. Do not delay your travel plans any longer. It is time to explore the world, create memories, and have a good time with your partner or maybe with a group of strangers who are also searching for the true meaning of life.
Let me share a personal experience. My paternal grandparents worked really hard throughout their lives to build a house and create a good future for their children. They were a beautiful couple and shared an eternal bond with each other, giving us all the couple goals. When they retired, we organized a grand retirement party for them, but I never understood what we were actually celebrating. Later, a few months after retiring, they excitedly got their passports done in the hope that they would explore the world one day.
My grandmother always used to tell me that she would definitely travel abroad once she was free of her work responsibilities. They kept saving but never took the initiative to plan a trip. Even when the children encouraged them, they never had the heart to spend the money. They ended up without a single stamp on their passports. When I look back, I feel very disheartened and guilty. I wish we could have made them understand the importance of good memories and time.
Emotional and psychological benefits are as important as creating a financial security
Senior citizens are emotionally attached to the houses they built, the gold they have gathered for their children’s future, and their pensions. I have come across many adults whose children settle abroad or plan to live separately with no offense intended. Their children love them but still have their own lives and dreams to fulfill. The parents always support the decision but end up living alone with the bare minimum. When children can earn well for themselves, then the elders must not regret spending on themselves. Sitting alone, passing time with reading newspapers, books, and exercise is definitely going to keep them busy but will never fulfill their emotional needs.
My personal experience: A few days ago, I came across a society in Gurgaon that allots houses only to people above 50 years of age. The houses are not expensive .Believe me, it is a wonderful initiative. When I heard the experiences of the people on YouTube, I was fully convinced to buy one for myself when I reach that age. The senior citizens are having the best times of their lives there. Seniors come together to swim, play games, celebrate, and enjoy various facilities like healthcare and fitness. The goal is to combat loneliness and depression by fostering social connections. In many cultures, seniors prioritize leaving their wealth to their children, but it’s important to change this mindset. While supporting family is important, personal well-being should not be sacrificed. Open conversations about financial priorities and happiness can help shift this perspective. Ultimately, these experiences create lasting memories to be shared with loved ones. By balancing financial prudence and personal enjoyment, seniors can lead a fulfilling life. They meet, they swim, they play games, they celebrate together, they laugh, and they get access to wonderful facilities such as medical care, healthcare, physical fitness, and a lot more.
The aim is to combat loneliness and depression, common issues among the elderly, by fostering social connections and a sense of community.
Breaking cultural norms
In many cultures, seniors feel obligated to leave their wealth to their children, often at the expense of their own happiness. IT is important to change this narrative. While supporting family is important, it should not come at the cost of personal well-being. Open conversations with family members about financial priorities and personal happiness can help shift this mindset and encourage a more balanced approach to wealth and well-being. Ultimately these exposures and luxuries will crete the everlasting memories which will become story to be shared with loved ones. By embracing a lifestyle that includes both financial prudence and personal enjoyment, seniors can lead a fulfilling, vibrant life.
Learning from younger generation
Today’s younger generation prioritizes enjoying life along with smart investments. They prioritize experience over traditional assets such as gold while maintaining a saving plan. By diversifying investments and experiences, they create a beautiful blend and enjoy richer lives. Our elders, who are in their 50s or near 60s, can adopt a similar strategy, balancing security with enjoyment, ensuring that they don’t miss out on the pleasures of life.
CONCLUSION
So, everyone who is moving toward retirement, start living. Go for wonderful dinners, buy your favorite outfits, bags, or whatever you love, travel, explore, and create memories. It is important. Do not just save money but have a balanced life that ensures financial stability and personal happiness. After all, the greatest wealth one can possess is a well-lived life.
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