The key to a retirement life of happiness? Emotional fulfilment – to feel and to stay passionate.

Life Flourishes with Healthy Emotional State

To live we constantly need to satisfy our physical and mental needs, which is why we need to consume food to maintain our bodily functions, and to fulfil our emotional feelings to stay mentally healthy and retain certain level of mental strength. Never underestimate the repercussion of a mind devoid of feelings, as it often leads to loneliness, misery and mental illnesses as a result.

People who are emotionally fulfilled tend to be more capable of establishing good relationships with family, friends and other people. With drastic changes to their social life such as decreased contact with colleagues and friends, as well as grown-up children as they age, retirees often succumb to loneliness and unhappiness, which can turn into a vicious cycle as the retirees become even more passive and reserved. It's important for retirees to keep track of their emotional needs: the time you want social contact least is actually the time you should get in touch with people.

Fulfilling emotional needs is like eating: it's an instinct and can be done if we only make an effort. So take a step forward to stay in touch with your family and friends, while expanding your social circle by making new friends along the way.

Be Caring and Giving

Emotionally fulfilled individuals are not only happy within themselves, but they are willing to and capable of caring for others too. From caring for their family members and helping them tackle problems, to giving unconditional encouragement and support to their friends, and selflessly contributing to society out of a sense of responsibility and belonging, these people have a tendency to spread happiness. While many retirees opt for various kinds of social activities to expand their social life, the friendships could be short-lived. It's perhaps a better idea to volunteer your own knowledge, experience and time for charity work, or devote yourself to meaningful community services, where chances are that you can build lasting friendships with like-minded individuals.

As social commitment decreases with retirement, many retirees fall victim to desolation, loneliness and unhappiness. The key to snap out of the gloom is to stay open-minded, engage in group activities and interact with other people to expand your social circle and fulfil your emotional needs. Care for your family, friends and society, and you'll be happy from within – precisely what you need for a joyful retirement life.

Dr Wong Chung-kwong, JP
Chairman of Whole Person Development Institute


Continuous reading:
Staying Active in Your Body, Mind and Soul
Stay Active in Your Retirement
Initiate the Drive