Retirement, rewritten
Strap: From Jayanagar parks to Ranga Shankara nights, these city seniors are redefining what it means to retire
Blurb: In a world that often celebrates youth and speed, these voices remind us that there’s quiet power in slowing down and turning inward. So, the next time someone says, “I’m retired,” ask them what they’ve just begun!
Byline: Dr Sahana Prasad
Retirement once considered a winding-down, has been reimagined. For many today, it is the long-awaited dawn — not the dusk — of a purposeful, joyful, and deeply fulfilling phase of life. Across the country, countless retired individuals are proving that while careers may end, passion doesn’t. It simply changes form.
They’re walking at sunrise, authoring books, exploring stock markets, cooking with care, learning new disciplines, and offering a listening ear to those in need. In short, they are not slowing down — they are choosing their own pace.
Learning to heel
When Dr. Anita R Bijoor, a former professor and head of the Department of Biochemistry at St. John’s Medical College and Hospital retired, those who knew her high levels of energy and a habit of not taking breaks, doubted whether she could adjust to the new phase of life. But to everyone’s surprise, almost a year into retirement, she has not had a single moment of boredom or regret over not accepting the job offers that came her way.
Anticipating retirement, Dr. Anita enrolled in a Post-Graduate Diploma in Mental Health from IGNOU in July 2024. Inspired by her long association with students and young adults, she realized many youngsters today lack patience and yearn for someone to listen.
With her compassionate heart and listening ear, she aspires to be that support. Her afternoons are filled with academic work, poetry writing, and reading philosophical or spiritual books. Sometimes, her day includes shopping trips, visiting friends and relatives, or entertaining guests. Every evening ends with gratitude and eager anticipation for the next day. In her words, retirement has brought her contentment, peace, excitement, and the joy of living like a child once again.
Pens, not pauses
Nirmala G.V is a remarkable individual who dedicated her entire life to education and science communication, especially in the Kannada language. From her childhood, she had a strong curiosity for science and a deep love for learning. She chose to pursue a career in science and became actively involved in writing and teaching. Even while working, she found time to write articles that made complex scientific concepts easy to understand for the general public.
After retirement, instead of slowing down, Nirmala transformed this phase into a new beginning. She started writing extensively for Kannada magazines like Vijnana Loka, focusing on topics such as technology, environment, and everyday science. Her article on GPS was widely appreciated and admired for its clarity and engaging style. Many readers expressed their gratitude, saying her articles sparked their interest in science.
Nirmala also takes part in lectures, workshops, and community education programs. She believes in staying mentally and physically active and encourages others to embrace lifelong learning. Through her writings and talks, she motivates senior citizens to stay engaged and to contribute to society in meaningful ways.
Answering every call
A former Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), H. R. Radhamani, offers a meaningful perspective on post-retirement life. During her active service, her focus was on serving society, often under immense pressure.
Now, she enjoys taking time for personal health, cherishing family bonds, and reconnecting with friends. Yet, her commitment to society remains intact — she responds to calls from women in distress, providing guidance and counselling. Describing her present life as peaceful and fulfilling, emphasizing that true service to society doesn’t end with retirement, she is finding immense joy in spending time with her grandkids, who adore her, and helping them grow into responsible adults.
Pages & purpose
Then there is Bellur N.Satyesh, who brings discipline and structure to his retired life. His mornings start with an hour of meditation, followed by two hours of studying stock markets — a passion built on 33 years of corporate experience. By 10 a.m., he has already achieved more than many do in an entire day.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., he dedicates time to writing and reading. Remarkably, he has completed 27 books and is now working on four more, planned for release in the next six months. After lunch, he takes a 3 km walk and strictly avoids afternoon naps. Instead, he spends this time reading two newspapers, writing, checking social media, and catching up on messages until 4 p.m.
Between 4:30 and 6:30 pm, he alternates between park walks and weight training at home. His evenings are lively and full of social engagement: attending functions, dinners with family, movies, theater performances at Ranga Shankara, exploring new restaurants in Jayanagar and Gandhi Bazaar, or meeting friends. If he has an upcoming lecture, he uses this time to prepare diligently. He ends the day watching Palki Sharma’s Vantage from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. before retiring to bed for a solid seven to eight hours of sleep.
Through these stories, one message shines bright – retirement is not about stepping away from life but about embracing it with newfound freedom and creativity. These individuals illustrate that with passion, discipline, and a curious mind, life after retirement can be even more dynamic and rewarding than before. In a world that often celebrates youth and speed, these voices remind us that there’s quiet power in slowing down and turning inward.
So, the next time someone says, “I’m retired,” ask them what they’ve just begun!