The Hindu Business Line : Retirement blues

OVER the months, by sheer coincidence, I happened to read articles titled "Retirement Blues", "The trauma of retirement" and "Retire and Rust"? Which boiled down to S. Syndrome (superannuation syndrome), a recent coinage describing the physical and mental disorders related to retirement.

A geriatric physician observed that anxiety about retirement sets in a couple of years before one actually lays down office. While a feeling of insecurity is the obvious reason, even people with abundant means and the support of a loving family experience it.

The deep-seated worry manifests itself in psychosomatic ailments such as dyspepsia, pains, insomnia and depression. The picture is more dismal after retirement. Many lead empty lives making themselves a nuisance to others. Some seek solace in visits to their old office and giving unsolicited advice to their successors and getting branded as eccentrics.

The Indian office-goer is more prone to anxiety bouts than his counterparts elsewhere. In India, an office job, unlike the pursuit of agriculture or shop-keeping, carries great prestige. It is acknowledged as a respectable time-filler. Even in the marriage market, the office-goers' stock is high. Retirement deflates the pride of the individual.

As a dignitary of yesteryear wisecracked: "All glory to my turban! Off goes with it my standing and status". The S. Syndrome claims for its victims people from all income groups though the higher bracket is more vulnerable. The corporate culture, for example, is virtually a frenzied pursuit of fame, wealth and power. In the process, one wins a kingdom losing ones' soul.

The inordinate obsession with the work spot — almost pathological — is thus at the root of most retirement malaise. Retirement does not leave much scar on the westerner as the bread-winning job alone does not give meaning to his existence. He has other passions to fall upon after quitting office. To him his pastime is as important as his profession. Several remedies have been suggested for the post-retirement jolt. Hopping into another job is not the ideal solution. This may be all right to those whose aim is to earn a few bucks. But the status-conscious executive often proves a misfit in his new assignment unless assured of the frills of his earlier position. Many quit their jobs and take to the ego-tickling task of writing memoirs where they can project themselves as mighty achievers!

An executive who slid into retirement with ease has a bizarre suggestion to offer. The frequent visits to the funerals of dignitaries will expose one to the vanity of human wishes. The cathartic effect will help develop a sane and balanced outlook on life.

The best antidote to the problems of retirement is perhaps the Chinese cult of leisure elaborated by Lin Yu Tang in his Importance of Living. This is marked by an abhorrence of a hypersensitive life and refusal to make the soul the serf of the body.

A life of carefree irresponsibility and light-heartedness is sure to promote an inner calm and prevent the art of life from turning into the business of life. In the new scheme of things, the pranks of one's grandchildren would be more exciting than plaques commemorating successful business deals.

The Taoist `high-mindedness'' of remaining "wisely idle'' will be a big relief from the culture of work!

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication

Stories in this Section
Issues of autonomy

Asian currencies: New global scapegoats

RIB redemption — Mere blip on rupee radar

Don't split Indian Oil Corporation

Retirement blues

Government audit