In many respects, modern seniors in this millennium can no longer be compared with the elderly of the past in terms of their behavior and way of life. As retirees, we are no longer burdened by the disadvantages of growing older, but we also know how to benefit from the advantages. Staying active in sports and being meaningfully involved in a volunteer organization is a normal situation for people over 70. Seniors are indispensable and important in our current society.
Drawing from Drees
The former retirement age of 65 arose because statistically speaking, most people (men), after a life of hard work, in the field or in the factory, did not live much longer. Not surprising around 1950, when there was still a 48-hour (6 day) working week with only two weeks of summer holidays per year and only three days off. In addition, there was no working conditions law at the time and therefore little attention was paid to the working conditions of employees. No fuss was made about toxic substances, heavy weights, hearing damage, etc. Welders and other metal workers wore safety goggles during their work, and pavers wore knee protection, but that was about it. So if you had worked under such unhealthy conditions for about 50 years from the age of puberty, you were a lucky person if you did not die before the age of eighty. But most did not live much older than 65, so that politicians once determined that from that age you became entitled to a pension and could start drawing from Drees, or in other words, receive an AOW.
Improved working conditions
Today, much has improved for employees. The better conditions have become possible due to technical inventions, tightened regulations and of course the favorable economic conditions and increased prosperity. The elderly no longer exist because they are now called seniors, who are far from burned out when they eventually stop working.
Beautiful things disappear
If you find yourself outside the labor process after a life of intensive work, it is initially a matter of getting used to and adapting. You realize that you have been given a lot of freedom, but that a number of nice and beautiful things have also disappeared and will never return, such as:
- Appreciation and recognition at work by colleagues, superiors, customers and associates because you knew how to pull coals from the fire, were known as a team player and were simply a hardworking and respected professional in your field.
- The nice social contacts surrounding it, such as the pleasant evenings with other departments and colleagues, annual staff parties, drinks after working hours in the café, visits to other companies, business dinners, fun business trips, friendly contacts with colleagues and relations.
- The nice feeling when the weekend was in sight, after a week of effort, deadlines and headaches. Because without effort you cannot relax by definition, just as there is no point in drinking if you are not thirsty.
New meaningful structure
But with a new interpretation of the day, a meaningful and satisfied feeling can arise again, allowing you to regain that appreciation and recognition that you used to receive during your working life. But now from other corners of society. If you are still clear-minded, there is nothing wrong with using your experiences and knowledge in society and sharing it with others. There are many organizations where you can reuse the craftsmanship of yesteryear, because they are crying out for motivated employees who have to keep the (sports) club running.
What options are there to make your knowledge and life experience profitable, so that you become indispensable again:
Volunteer
Without volunteers and informal caregivers, society will come to a complete standstill. Telephone emergency services, such as De Listening Line and the suicide prevention line 113online, are longing for people with life experience who can alleviate the problems and hopelessness of others. But there are of course countless other types of ANBI institutions that cannot function without seniors with life experience.
Board member of association
At every association or foundation there is always a vacancy available for chairman, treasurer, secretary or regular board member. So if you are a member of a club or association, take the plunge and stand for election. Since you are usually the only candidate, it is almost certain that you will become a board member. In addition to some extra care and work, you also get a lot in return because you can lead and shape an organization that you ultimately became a member of because you feel connected to it.
Choir or drama club
Many people have a need to express themselves musically or within another form of culture. Amateurs can often achieve feats that are the envy of many professionals. And if you cannot handle the tension of a performance, you do not have to become an actor or a solo singer, but you can simply sing in a choir, where you are morally supported by your fellow singers and can still enjoy a beautiful performance that you perform with puts everyone down.
Family
Yes, if you happen to be a somewhat handy man and don’t shy away from a do-it-yourself job, you won’t be bored for the first 100 years. This also applies to babysitter grandmothers and babysitter grandfathers. Consider in advance what the consequences will be if you are unable to go out on certain days because of your grandchildren.