24 February 2014
Truly Golden Years
Take a look back at your life so far. You have worked so hard for your family and the society, dedicating such a significant part of your life along the way. Naturally enough, you would want your retirement to be truly golden years, where you get the chance to reap your own harvest and live life to the fullest. In case you need some inspiration on how to go about that, here is some indispensible advice veteran broadcaster Ms Candy Chea and her husband, Mr Cheung Man-sun, former Assistant Director (Radio & Corporate Programming) of Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), are more than glad to share.
Defining Retirement
With her being the eight-time recipient of 'The Most Favourable DJ', and him formerly the Assistant Director (Radio & Corporate Programming) of RTHK, the happily married couple of Candy Chea and Cheung Man-sun often make people wonder what retirement for them must be like, after stepping down from their respective high-powered jobs.
Despite being a civil servant having to retire at the age of 60, Cheung, with his connection to the local music and entertainment industry – he was the brainchild behind the creation of the 'Four Heavenly Kings' in the Cantopop scene, and the first-ever 'Top 10 Gold Songs Awards – finds his definition of retirement resonates with that in the industry. "If you look at the celebrities, veteran singers and actors in the industry, you'll see that people like Alan Tam – despite his claim of being forever-25 – and Jackie Chan don't really retire even though they're already way beyond 60 years of age. It's perhaps a tradition of the industry to not completely retire and to stay young at heart, regardless of the age. I believe it's important to retain a certain level of capacity in your retirement years, and just as important is it to understand that retirement doesn't mean doing nothing," said Cheung, with a gusto characteristic of a spirited young man.
And that is from the man who has just stepped down from his influential and weighty position last month. "I thought it'd be great to have a trip abroad before I started my retirement, and so on the third day of my retirement life, Candy and I flew with World Vision to Canada for charity shows, and with the volunteering work done we travelled to the United States and Mexico. What retirement life has made me realise is that I'm even busier than before, because my time now is filled with all the long-overdue dinners and gatherings with friends and family that my packed work schedule in the past wouldn't allow. But compared to Candy, I perhaps have a less busy retirement schedule as she seems to be basking in her semi-retirement, where she still does a couple of radio programmes on top of the newspaper column she pens, and volunteering."
Plan Your Retirement Ahead
While their respective retirement lifestyles may be anything but similar, the couple seems to get along just fine. "I never intended to adopt a semi-retired lifestyle without my husband's consent, so I'm only doing what I do today after I've got his approval, because we needed to obtain mutual understanding before we proceeded with our retirement plans," said Candy, who also spoke of the worry some friends had about their husbands' retirement. "Some of my female friends are worried about the drastic changes that might be brought about by their husbands' retirement, such as the increased conflicts as a result of their husbands being at home all day. I think that ultimately, we need to understand that retirement is an inevitable stage of life, and so as husband and wife, we need to learn to spend time together as much as we do spending time apart to give each other personal space, as otherwise it will be like an ill-fated three-legged race – eventually, you'll fall if you don't learn to loosen the string."
Which is why Cheung thinks retirement planning goes a long way. "A couple certainly can opt for different retirement lifestyles, as our definition of retirement varies. But you need to plan your retirement at least half a year ahead, because retirement life demands discipline as much as work life, not to mention the financial planning you need to do to ensure a carefree retirement. You would want to plan the activities to do in your retirement years, such as travelling, hiking, or volunteering. Candy and I take time off from each other, so when she's preoccupied with her own commitments, I'd be off to do my own things – I'm the Honorary Chairman of the Scout Association of Hong Kong, and I help with Hope Worldwide's promotional work, for instance."
As Candy agreed, maintaining a certain level of independence in retirement years has brought herself and her husband closer together: "I admire my husband's ability to spend time on his own as he is the gregarious type. Sometimes he would play golf with his friends while I occupy myself with volunteering work, for instance. My time spent on achieving my goals and meeting friends has made me cherish the time with my husband – we're like having our honeymoon all over again!"
Engage, But Don't Pressure Yourself
In spite of his belief in retaining certain level of capacity in retirement life, Cheung stresses the golden rule to a truly enjoyable retirement is never to force yourself into doing anything. "Certainly, you can't just sit at home and watch TV, waiting for things to happen, because opportunities and happiness don't fall from the sky. Many retirees would suffer depression or anxiety as retirement renders them powerless, and this is especially true for those who used to play important roles at work. The key to happy retirement is learning to let go, and by all means seek out your long-lost friends and family and relatives whom you haven't seen for a long time. By all means watch the news or read newspapers to stay connected to society.
"But when I look back at the four decades I've dedicated to work, I know that I've done the best that I could, and it's time to relax. While I make sure I contribute my life experience to society whenever possible, I don't go out of my way to force things to happen," said Cheung, whose idea was immediately agreed by his wife. "Some say that you need to have 10 groups of friends to keep you preoccupied in retirement years, but I beg to disagree, as social engagement can be stressful as you age, and friendship requires wholehearted giving and understanding. Do have an intimate circle of friends with whom you can share your hobbies and ups and downs, though!"
Look After Yourself, Watch Out for Each Other
Having been blissfully married for three decades, the Cheungs, while embracing their second honeymoon, have made it their responsibility to care and watch out for each other. "From my boyfriend, husband to father of our children, Cheung has always been an important part of my life, and I hope that medication is the very last thing in our life together. We are relatively healthy – my body check-up is evidence of my healthy cholesterol level. I play yoga, while my husband plays low-impact sports like golf. He drinks moderately but I'd still remind him to stay healthy – anything from putting on enough clothes to going to see the doctor, I would offer my little reminder here and there."
And the couple's sweet little reminders extend to other aspects of their life too. "I would still tell my husband that he's handsome and charming, and he would still keep telling me that I'm no less pretty. Happiness is a choice, and it doesn't have an age limit. If you can bring happiness to the people around you, even just one person, do it," said Candy, who admits retirement is the most beautiful time of her life, not surprisingly considering the love and accommodation of her husband. "If you ask me, the three things crucial to happy retirement are retirement savings to finance your retirement hobbies and activities, your partner with whom you live the rest of your life, and friends who light up your life with joy," said Cheung.
By all means trot the globe to see the myriad cultures and be awe-struck by the beauty of the earth, or if you like, help enrich the lives of the younger generations with your life experiences. Whatever you do, remember planning ahead is key to a happy retirement. But if you're already planning your retirement schedule, then congratulations to you, because your beautiful life has just turned a new page!
Special Thanks:
Ms Candy Chea and Mr Cheung Man-sun
Defining Retirement
With her being the eight-time recipient of 'The Most Favourable DJ', and him formerly the Assistant Director (Radio & Corporate Programming) of RTHK, the happily married couple of Candy Chea and Cheung Man-sun often make people wonder what retirement for them must be like, after stepping down from their respective high-powered jobs.
Despite being a civil servant having to retire at the age of 60, Cheung, with his connection to the local music and entertainment industry – he was the brainchild behind the creation of the 'Four Heavenly Kings' in the Cantopop scene, and the first-ever 'Top 10 Gold Songs Awards – finds his definition of retirement resonates with that in the industry. "If you look at the celebrities, veteran singers and actors in the industry, you'll see that people like Alan Tam – despite his claim of being forever-25 – and Jackie Chan don't really retire even though they're already way beyond 60 years of age. It's perhaps a tradition of the industry to not completely retire and to stay young at heart, regardless of the age. I believe it's important to retain a certain level of capacity in your retirement years, and just as important is it to understand that retirement doesn't mean doing nothing," said Cheung, with a gusto characteristic of a spirited young man.
And that is from the man who has just stepped down from his influential and weighty position last month. "I thought it'd be great to have a trip abroad before I started my retirement, and so on the third day of my retirement life, Candy and I flew with World Vision to Canada for charity shows, and with the volunteering work done we travelled to the United States and Mexico. What retirement life has made me realise is that I'm even busier than before, because my time now is filled with all the long-overdue dinners and gatherings with friends and family that my packed work schedule in the past wouldn't allow. But compared to Candy, I perhaps have a less busy retirement schedule as she seems to be basking in her semi-retirement, where she still does a couple of radio programmes on top of the newspaper column she pens, and volunteering."
Plan Your Retirement Ahead
While their respective retirement lifestyles may be anything but similar, the couple seems to get along just fine. "I never intended to adopt a semi-retired lifestyle without my husband's consent, so I'm only doing what I do today after I've got his approval, because we needed to obtain mutual understanding before we proceeded with our retirement plans," said Candy, who also spoke of the worry some friends had about their husbands' retirement. "Some of my female friends are worried about the drastic changes that might be brought about by their husbands' retirement, such as the increased conflicts as a result of their husbands being at home all day. I think that ultimately, we need to understand that retirement is an inevitable stage of life, and so as husband and wife, we need to learn to spend time together as much as we do spending time apart to give each other personal space, as otherwise it will be like an ill-fated three-legged race – eventually, you'll fall if you don't learn to loosen the string."
Which is why Cheung thinks retirement planning goes a long way. "A couple certainly can opt for different retirement lifestyles, as our definition of retirement varies. But you need to plan your retirement at least half a year ahead, because retirement life demands discipline as much as work life, not to mention the financial planning you need to do to ensure a carefree retirement. You would want to plan the activities to do in your retirement years, such as travelling, hiking, or volunteering. Candy and I take time off from each other, so when she's preoccupied with her own commitments, I'd be off to do my own things – I'm the Honorary Chairman of the Scout Association of Hong Kong, and I help with Hope Worldwide's promotional work, for instance."
As Candy agreed, maintaining a certain level of independence in retirement years has brought herself and her husband closer together: "I admire my husband's ability to spend time on his own as he is the gregarious type. Sometimes he would play golf with his friends while I occupy myself with volunteering work, for instance. My time spent on achieving my goals and meeting friends has made me cherish the time with my husband – we're like having our honeymoon all over again!"
Engage, But Don't Pressure Yourself
In spite of his belief in retaining certain level of capacity in retirement life, Cheung stresses the golden rule to a truly enjoyable retirement is never to force yourself into doing anything. "Certainly, you can't just sit at home and watch TV, waiting for things to happen, because opportunities and happiness don't fall from the sky. Many retirees would suffer depression or anxiety as retirement renders them powerless, and this is especially true for those who used to play important roles at work. The key to happy retirement is learning to let go, and by all means seek out your long-lost friends and family and relatives whom you haven't seen for a long time. By all means watch the news or read newspapers to stay connected to society.
"But when I look back at the four decades I've dedicated to work, I know that I've done the best that I could, and it's time to relax. While I make sure I contribute my life experience to society whenever possible, I don't go out of my way to force things to happen," said Cheung, whose idea was immediately agreed by his wife. "Some say that you need to have 10 groups of friends to keep you preoccupied in retirement years, but I beg to disagree, as social engagement can be stressful as you age, and friendship requires wholehearted giving and understanding. Do have an intimate circle of friends with whom you can share your hobbies and ups and downs, though!"
Look After Yourself, Watch Out for Each Other
Having been blissfully married for three decades, the Cheungs, while embracing their second honeymoon, have made it their responsibility to care and watch out for each other. "From my boyfriend, husband to father of our children, Cheung has always been an important part of my life, and I hope that medication is the very last thing in our life together. We are relatively healthy – my body check-up is evidence of my healthy cholesterol level. I play yoga, while my husband plays low-impact sports like golf. He drinks moderately but I'd still remind him to stay healthy – anything from putting on enough clothes to going to see the doctor, I would offer my little reminder here and there."
And the couple's sweet little reminders extend to other aspects of their life too. "I would still tell my husband that he's handsome and charming, and he would still keep telling me that I'm no less pretty. Happiness is a choice, and it doesn't have an age limit. If you can bring happiness to the people around you, even just one person, do it," said Candy, who admits retirement is the most beautiful time of her life, not surprisingly considering the love and accommodation of her husband. "If you ask me, the three things crucial to happy retirement are retirement savings to finance your retirement hobbies and activities, your partner with whom you live the rest of your life, and friends who light up your life with joy," said Cheung.
By all means trot the globe to see the myriad cultures and be awe-struck by the beauty of the earth, or if you like, help enrich the lives of the younger generations with your life experiences. Whatever you do, remember planning ahead is key to a happy retirement. But if you're already planning your retirement schedule, then congratulations to you, because your beautiful life has just turned a new page!
Special Thanks:
Ms Candy Chea and Mr Cheung Man-sun
