Health, as per the WHO, is the sum total of physical, social, mental, and spiritual well-being. Many of us in the armed forces lead a healthy life, but some do develop a disease or contract a disability while in service. Another factor affecting health in our forces is the different ages of retirement for different ranks, trades, and services. Some are invalidated out of service earlier in life. So writing about health issues, post-retirement is quite challenging. Most service personnel, however, retire in their fifties. In the last years before retirement, the senior person is considered as ‘Old man’. The spouse hammers in, “Now that you are going to retire, do this…”. Hence there are many who start considering themselves old even before retirement.
EFFECTS OF RETIREMENT
How does retirement actually affect us? In general, there are two groups of people. One group who have enjoyed their service worked long hours. They spent less time with the family and friends. This group may find the ‘emptiness’ of post-retirement life extremely difficult to adjust to. The other group which had difficult seniors were looked over in promotion boards, would welcome the retirement. However, the loss of rank, status, and perks of the service is a cause of huge stress. This retirement stress level is put at number 10 out of the 50 major stress events of life. In one study, it was found that those who retired in their fifties (or earlier) had a 40% higher chance of getting a stress-related disease or even a major event like a heart attack or a stroke. Having a re-employment or bridge employment or even self-employment is the remedy. This can continue as long as they are fit to work. It not only prevents physical diseases but also keeps dementia away.
PLANNING POST RETIREMENT EMPLOYMENT
Before I come to the main issue, I would like to share one interesting tip which should be followed by all service men 6 to 8 months before retirement. It is called, ‘Picture your Life’. Sitting in a quiet room on a holiday with eyes shut, a person should visualize how a post-retirement day would look like. Another job or a house construction/ improvement or volunteering for community service or playing with grandchildren or just lounging lazily in front of the television. Then with eyes, open one should think about it coolly and finally discuss it with the spouse before making a final decision on post-retirement employment. Such an exercise can be done 1 year after retirement too if the person is unsatisfied with the earlier decision.
ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN FOR REMAINING HEALTHY
Numerous actions are required to adjust in the post-retirement period and to remain healthy on all four parameters, viz, physical, mental, social, and spiritual. A daily routine, if followed, allows us to do many of the activities discussed below.
Exercise. This is the most important way to keep our body and brain well-nourished with adequate blood circulation. This can easily be performed by a brisk walk or cycling, or even dancing for at least half an hour every day. Some stretching and weight lifting at home will add to bone and muscle strength.
EXERCISES FOR THE BRAIN. Dementia is the most feared problem of old age. It can be warded off by brain games like puzzle solving, learning a new language, or even new technology. Creativity with painting, gardening, or ‘do it yourself’ jobs like electrical, carpentry, masonry also keep the brain active. Writing about experiences, writing blogs, or even making educational videos keeps the brain healthy. Games like Chess, Billiards, and Bridge are equally good.
DIET. The appetite for food is reduced post-retirement as we do not go for a full-time job. But sitting at home one is tempted to snack often on unhealthy foods. This trend is dangerous and a cause of obesity, diabetes, and even heart disease. A balanced diet with a generous helping of vegetables, fruits, and salads is nutritious provides adequate vitamins and roughage. A handful of nuts/seeds provide minerals.
MEDIA. Keep abreast of news and general knowledge by any means. Do watch a few shows on subjects of interest on the TV or laptop beside the usual ‘soaps’. However, do not become a couch potato. Sitting for more than an hour in one place is more dangerous than smoking a cigarette.
ADDICTIONS. Smoking or other abusive drugs a big NO. Alcohol should also be taken in moderation and that too, no more than 3 to 4 times a week to give rest to the liver.
FRIENDS AND RELATIVES. . A group of friends or relatives in the locality are a great source of building social networks in the final place of residence. Helpful neighbors are an asset. Participation in the residents’ welfare association is another method of remaining socially active.
SENSE OF PURPOSE. This fulfills the desires of the soul. Our helpful behavior gives us inner satisfaction. It may be teaching poor children, helping poor or disabled patients in hospitals, or illiterate persons in the post office. It can also be mentoring the ex-colleagues in the jobs we were highly trained and experienced in. It could also be writing educative articles for free.
RELAXATION AND SLEEP. Yoga has been in vogue for many years now. Meditation or prayer in a quiet room is also good. A good night’s sleep is rejuvenating. Some persons find an afternoon nap also to be extremely relaxing.
SEX LIFE. A healthy sex life ensures continuity of affectionate life with the spouse. Love should be the central idea, not the vigor in the performance.
MEDICAL ATTENTION. ECHS has come as a boon, especially to those staying in remote places where Military Hospitals are not located. One may think of another health insurance only if there are no approved hospitals nearby.
Without the AME, many of us fail to get ourselves medically examined for long periods of time. Some land up with a Stroke for untreated hypertension, others come in diabetic come for not getting simple blood and urine tested, free of cost. There is no need for expensive Executive tests of private labs, but a wise medical officer of the ECHS can check many killer diseases free of cost.
Another issue is preventive vaccination. In many countries, senior citizens are advised of many vaccines that have proved effective. Diseases like Herpes Zoster, Measles, Tetanus, and Pneumococcal pneumonia can easily be prevented. Persons who have free time should read about some diseases of old age from the Internet in their free time. These are hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Tobacco abusers should be aware of the oral and lung diseases it may cause.
Lastly, prepare the house for the living of senior citizens- like having anti-skid tiles in the whole house, grip rails on stairs, grip handles in toilets and security devices on main doors.
To sum up, one must first be aware of the challenges one can face post-retirement. Then one can make plans for a second innings of employment or for leading a relaxed but healthy lifestyle.
After all age is just a number, we are as young as we feel!
Maj Gen Krishan Chauhan is a second-generation army officer. He studied in Sainik School Kapurthala, graduated from IG Medical College, Shimla and did his MD from AFMC/Pune University. He has served in the Army Medical Corps for 36 years and retired as the Addl DGMS army. He is an avid marathon runner and a writer. He first wrote articles for children in The Young Chronicles. Later, he started writing his own blog as Genkris, on WordPress where over 25 articles on various subjects can be accessed.
