Retirement is often viewed as a time to slow down, but I believe it’s a new chapter to be embraced with joy and purpose. As I reflect on my 75 years, I find that the key to a fulfilling life isn’t defined by the positions we held or the accolades we accumulated, but by living fully – with our loved ones, in nurturing relationships, and by engaging with our community.
Age is merely a number – a marker of time, not a limitation. It’s not the years that count but how we fill them. And as someone who has lived a full and active life, I want to share some thoughts on how those approaching retirement can make the most of their later years.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that a commitment to health and wellness is crucial for enjoying life to the fullest. It’s not about being the fittest or fastest but about maintaining a lifestyle that allows you to stay engaged, mobile and energised.
Physical activity has been a cornerstone of my daily routine. Whether it’s a hike along the trails of Bukit Kiara, a walk at the nearby TTDI Park, or simple stretching exercises at home, these activities keep me physically fit and mentally sharp. They also provide social interaction opportunities to connect with others, which enhances emotional well-being.
The writer at TTDI Park. Physical activity is a cornerstone of his daily routine. Photo: Pola Singh
For anyone approaching retirement, I can’t emphasise enough the importance of staying active. It’s not just about extending your lifespan – it’s about improving your quality of life. Regular physical activity keeps your mind clear, reduces stress, and strengthens social bonds, helping you stay vibrant well into your senior years.
Family has always been at the centre of my life, and retirement has allowed me to deepen these relationships. As a doting granddad, I find immense joy in spending time with my grandchildren, Hannah and Nathaniel. Their energy and curiosity remind me to appreciate the simple things in life – love, patience and laughter.
Retirement is the perfect time to reconnect with family and create new memories. The relationships we build with our children, grandchildren, and extended family members are the true treasures of life. They give us purpose and remind us that the most valuable experiences aren’t material but emotional and relational.
Retirement doesn’t mean the end of learning – in fact, it’s the perfect time to dive into new interests. For me, learning has always been a lifelong pursuit, whether it’s through reading, writing, or engaging in thoughtful conversations. Keeping the mind active is just as important as maintaining physical health.
Writing, in particular, has been a passion of mine. It allows me to share my experiences and ideas with others while reflecting on life’s lessons. Staying intellectually engaged helps keep the brain sharp and wards off cognitive decline, such as dementia. I encourage retirees to find their own outlets for intellectual growth, whether it’s through hobbies, new skills or even enrolling in courses that spark their curiosity.
Retirement is also an opportunity to give back to the community. For me, serving others has been deeply rewarding. Through my involvement with local organisations like the Heart Foundation of Malaysia, Friends of Bukit Kiara, and the Nanak Community Kitchen, I’ve found joy in making a difference, even in small ways.
One initiative that stands out is co-founding Friends of Bukit Kiara, which advocates for the protection of our green space in an urban area. This effort is a reflection of my belief that we’re all connected, and that contributing to the greater good (more open spaces for exercise and recreation plus clean air) enriches our own lives. Helping others not only benefits the community but also fosters a sense of purpose that is vital for emotional well-being in our later years.
Ageing isn’t something to fear; it’s something to be embraced. When I attend gatherings with former classmates and colleagues, I notice a stark difference between those who have maintained a positive attitude towards ageing and those who haven’t. Some friends who held prestigious positions during their careers have become frail and withdrawn, letting their past define them. Others choose to see retirement as a time for renewal and enjoyment.
I’ve learned that a positive mindset is key to ageing gracefully. When you embrace each day with optimism, stay active, and remain connected to family, friends, and community, life becomes far more meaningful. You may not have the same responsibilities or pressures that came with work, but that means you have more freedom to focus on what truly matters – your happiness and well-being.
For those nearing retirement, I urge you to see this phase of life as a new adventure, full of opportunities to explore, learn and grow. Age may bring physical changes, but it also brings wisdom, patience and the ability to appreciate life’s finer moments.
If my own journey has taught me anything, it’s that life after retirement can be just as fulfilling, if not more so, than the years spent working. The key is to adopt a positive attitude, stay active, and make time for the people and activities that bring you joy.
In the end, it’s not about the positions that we held or the titles we earned, but how we’ve lived our lives with purpose, passion and gratitude. Retirement is a time to enjoy the fruits of your labour, pursue new interests/ hobbies, and most importantly, live fully. It’s never too late to start making these changes, and the sooner you embrace them, the richer your life will become.
Pola Singh is a former Director-General of the Maritime Institute of Malaysia.
